Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a historic stride for the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Ministry of Education and Training, in partnership with UNICEF, officially launched three groundbreaking documents aimed at elevating the nation’s education system.
The event, held at the SibaneSami Hotel, on the 21st of November 2025, introduced the Eswatini Inspection Handbook (2025), the Eswatini Inspection Standards for Primary Schools (2025), and the Eswatini Inspection Standards for Secondary Schools (2025). The launch drew senior education officials, school leaders, and UNICEF representatives, whose support has been pivotal.
Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, was represented at the launch by Charles Hlatjwako, who emphasized the transformative potential of the newly unveiled frameworks.
“These documents are not merely administrative tools,” he said. “They are strategic instruments designed to ensure that every learner, regardless of background, has access to high-quality, equitable, and inclusive education.”
The initiative was made possible through a partnership with UNICEF, which sponsored the project with E650 000, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Eswatini’s education system. Rubèn Pagès, Chief of Youth and Adolescent Development at UNICEF, highlighted the collaboration, stating, “Together, let’s uplift the educational standards for every child in Eswatini.”
The frameworks are firmly grounded in national legislation and aligned with international priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4. They have also been benchmarked against regional and global best practices, ensuring both relevance and impact.
The Eswatini Inspection Handbook offers a comprehensive guide for inspectors, school leaders, teachers, and ministry officials, promoting transparency and consistent evaluation across all educational institutions. Meanwhile, the Inspection Standards for primary and secondary schools provide actionable benchmarks to guide schools toward excellence, identifying areas needing support while fostering quality teaching and learning.
Hlatjwako noted that the frameworks take a holistic approach to education, addressing key dimensions such as safety, nutrition, health, psychosocial support, and competency-based learning. He added, “These frameworks provide schools with a clear foundation for monitoring and evaluating teaching quality. They integrate seamlessly with our Education Management Information System (EMIS) and the DHIS2 platform, reinforcing a culture of data-driven decision-making.”
Acknowledging the collaborative effort behind the documents, Hlatjwako extended special thanks to Chief Inspectors Dr. Thamsanqa Dlamini and Dr. Cebsile Nxumalo, as well as the dedicated writing task team. UNICEF Eswatini and Education Specialist Mr. Victor Nkambule also received recognition for their unwavering support.
Importantly, these frameworks will be publicly available online, giving educators, parents, and the general public easy access to the full documents and ensuring transparency and inclusivity in monitoring educational standards.
The launch signals a decisive step forward for Eswatini, equipping schools with practical tools to raise education standards, support teachers, and ensure that learners not only excel academically but thrive in life. As Hlatjwako concluded, “May these documents serve as beacons of integrity, professionalism, and learner-centered progress across our education system.”
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