Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini Bank Managing Director (MD), Undlunkulu Nozizwe Mulela, has expressed a strong sense of gratitude after being conferred with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana.
Mulela, who dedicated the honour to her late mother and first Eswatini woman with a doctorate, Professor Lydia Makhubu, said being robed with a doctorate was one of the greatest honours of her life.
She was decorated with a doctorate at the UDS Tamale Campus during an event which was electric with excitement, pride, and celebration on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as thousands gathered at the University’s Multipurpose Auditorium for the highly anticipated April 2025 Graduation Ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, in a reflective and inspiring address, emphasised the theme of perseverance and transformation.
He congratulated the 2,630 graduands, who included 372 postgraduates and 2,258 undergraduates, with the postgraduate cohort boasting 26 PhD recipients.
The high point of the event was the conferment of Mulela’s doctorate, and citation presented to her read in part that, “In 2022, you shattered a six-decade ceiling to become the first woman appointed Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, a historic ascent that reflects your trailblazing spirit and unyielding resolve.”
“This moment is bittersweet because I know my dear mother, my biggest supporter, is celebrating in spirit. I carry her pride and her dreams with me today.
Thank you to the leadership of the University for Development Studies for this extraordinary recognition. I look forward to building an even stronger bond with UDS in the years to come.
Thank you to God for this opportunity. It can only be by your grace,” Mulela enunciated.
Undlunkulu said when reflecting on her journey, her heart was so full.
“I am my mother’s daughter! Though she is no longer here to witness these milestones, I know she’s watching from above, smiling with pride. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.
The Eswatini MD in jovial mood
In all that I have achieved, I didn’t get here alone. It took faith, community, sacrifice, and most of all, the grace of God,” she said emphatically.
Mulela went on to thank the Almighty God for the opportunities, strength, and wisdom poured onto her each day.
“This is a new chapter. A new season. I am walking into it with purpose and peace.
Follow your dreams. Put in the work. Take up space and do it unapologetically. You are worthy,” Mulela said.
The MD’s mother, Professor Makhubu, graduated from Pius XII College (now the National University of Lesotho) in Lesotho with a B.Sc. in 1963.
With a Canadian Commonwealth scholarship, she obtained an M.Sc. in organic chemistry from the University of Alberta in 1967, followed by a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the University of Toronto in 1973, becoming the first Eswatini woman to earn a doctorate.
She returned to her homeland and joined the faculty of the University of Eswatini, becoming a lecturer in the chemistry department in 1973, the dean of science from 1976 to 1980, a senior lecturer in 1979, a full professor the following year, and vice-chancellor from 1988 to 2003.
Her research focused on the medical effects of plants used by traditional Eswatini healers.
From its inception in 1993 until 2005, Professor Makhubu was the President of the Third World Organisation for Women in Science, which provides fellowships for postgraduate study.
She was the first woman chairperson of the executive committee of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
She also served numerous other organisations, such as the United Nations Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for Development.
Mulela received rave reviews from the University of Development Studies and social media fanatics for her great achievement on her Facebook page.
“Congratulations, Queen Nozizwe Mulela, and thank you for gracing the 7th Africa Leadership Lecture Series and the April Congregation,” posted the university.
Hhukwini Member of Parliament (MP) Alec Lushaba said, “Congratulations are in order, Queen Mulela. May the Almighty continue to guide you and be Light in your life.
Seasoned Journalist and State Photographer Simon Shabangu said, “Congratulations are in order, MD. You are an inspiration to many people out there. Keep soaring.”
National Maize Corporation (NMC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mavela Vilane also wished Mulela well in future endeavours.
“Like mother, like daughter, congratulations, my dear sister,” Vilane said.
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