Africa-Press – Eswatini. Over 60 Civil Engineering students from the Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT) gained first-hand exposure to the construction industry today, thanks to Inyatsi Construction’s Umliba Loyembili Programme, which blended mentorship with live project site visits.
The programme, designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, saw students and lecturers welcomed at Inyatsi House before heading to active construction sites, where they experienced how classroom lessons are applied to real-world projects.
“STAY DISCIPLINED, STAY CURIOUS”
Delivering the keynote address, Inyatsi Construction Chief Executive Officer Paul Lwiindi urged students to embrace resilience and discipline if they want to succeed in the engineering field.
“Your journey to growth will require you to stand firm and never fear the challenges ahead,” he said.
“Put in the effort, keep your discipline, stay curious, and remain committed to your goals. These four pillars will take you where you want to go.”
He stressed that Inyatsi’s mission was not only to build infrastructure but also to empower local talent, investing in the next generation of engineers through education and exposure.
A PROUD ECOT ALUMNI
Inyatsi’s General Manager Njabulo Dube, himself a proud ECOT alumnus, reminded students that they too could rise to leadership in the industry.
“At Inyatsi, we are guided by our vision of becoming Africa’s Leading Integrated Business Partner,” Dube said.
“Our values, agility, accountability, commitment, teamwork, and embracing change, are principles that have guided my own journey from ECOT to Inyatsi, and they can guide yours too.”
His words sparked loud applause, especially when he acknowledged some of the lecturers who once taught him.
FIELD LEARNING COMES TO LIFE
The highlight of the day was the site visits. Students toured the Mhlaleni project, where Inyatsi is executing the Manzini Water Supply Lot 2 using pipe jacking technology, a first in Eswatini. The Contract Manager described it as “where theory meets practice,” adding that hosting students on-site was a privilege for the company.
Later, at the Matsapha Water Treatment Plant, students learned about the construction of the raw water pumping main, treatment plant, and rising main. Foreman Percy Dlamini guided them through technical processes while answering eager questions.
STUDENTS SPEAK OUT
For the students, the experience was transformative.
“Seeing what we learn in class being applied at this level has motivated me to work even harder,” said Saneliso Dlamini, a second-year Civil Engineering student.
“I learned so much about safety protocols and how technology is used in construction,” added Nontsikelelo Mziyako. “This has opened my eyes to the career opportunities that exist in this field.”
Another student, Simanga Dlamini, said the visit gave him “a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation,” while Sonnyboy Magagula described the pipe jacking demonstration as “a once-in-a-lifetime highlight.”
A BRIDGE BETWEEN CLASSROOM AND CAREER
Inyatsi Construction said the Umliba Loyembili Programme was part of its corporate social investment, designed to give students first-hand exposure while inspiring them to take up key roles in the country’s development.
“This programme reflects our commitment to nation-building,” said CEO Lwiindi. “We want young people to not only dream big but also see what is possible when they step onto the field.”
For ECOT students, today was more than a tour, it was a glimpse into their future.
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