The Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) is taking direct action to safeguard the country’s future labour force through its nationwide school sensitisation drive, “Choose Right, Choose Accredited.”
The initiative targets Form 5 learners to ensure that Eswatini’s future professionals enter the labour market with recognised, credible, and economically valuable qualifications—a move that analysts say could curb skills mismatches and strengthen the country’s competitiveness.
For years, unaccredited institutions and programmes have undermined workforce readiness, leaving graduates with qualifications that employers cannot accept.
Dr Ncamsile Motsa, Acting CEO of ESHEC, says early intervention is key to reversing this trend.
“Many young people only learn about accreditation gaps when applying for jobs or further study,” she said.
“The emotional and financial losses are significant. By reaching them now, we help prevent decisions that compromise their future earning potential and slow down national development.”
Dr Motsa emphasised that ESHEC’s regulatory work is not adversarial but collaborative.
“We are here to support institutions, students, and families. When everyone works together, we strengthen the credibility of Eswatini’s qualifications and safeguard the country’s human capital.”
Smart Education Choices = Stronger Workforce Outcomes
During each school visit, ESHEC simplifies a concept that has enormous economic implications:
Accreditation is not paperwork — it is long-term protection.
Learners and parents are urged to:
• Check ESHEC’s list of registered institutions
• Verify programme accreditation
• Ask for proof before paying fees
• Request documentation and entry requirements
• Contact ESHEC directly for verification
“This information protects students from investing in training that employers cannot recognise,” Dr Motsa said.
“It ensures qualifications that open doors, not close them.”
“Better Decisions Today Build a Smarter Workforce Tomorrow”
ESHEC Advocacy and Communications Officer Mihla K. Khumalo told InsideBiz that empowering learners with accurate information improves long-term workforce quality.
“Your education is an investment. Before you commit, verify,” he said.
“When students make informed choices, businesses receive graduates with real competence—and that strengthens entire sectors.”
Khumalo added that accountability is shared across the system.
“Students, parents, and institutions all play a role. Quality assurance becomes stronger when everyone verifies and asks the right questions.”
He noted that learners are already responding with sharper awareness and clearer expectations.
Classroom-Level Impact, National-Level Value
Teachers across multiple schools say the campaign is shifting how young people think about higher education. Many learners, particularly in rural areas, were previously unaware of the difference between an institution’s registration and a programme’s accreditation.
Now, pupils are asking more informed questions about:
• Entry requirements
• Industry recognition
• Long-term career pathways
• Programme credibility
This increased awareness directly supports employability, sector stability, and future workforce planning.
Learners, Parents, and Educators Weigh In
Learners:
• “I didn’t know what accreditation meant until the talk. Now I’ll always check.” — Lindiwe
• “My friend was rejected because her course wasn’t accredited. We won’t repeat that mistake.” — Sipho
• “My parents saved for years. Now I know to check the institution and the diploma.” — Thandi
• “I’ll make sure the programme is recognised by employers and ESHEC.” — Moses
Parents:
• “We almost paid for a course without checking. ESHEC opened our eyes.” — Mr Dlamini
• “An unrecognised qualification is a false start. Now I know what to ask.” — Mrs Mbatha
Retired Educator:
• “Parents often choose in desperation. ESHEC coming into schools prevents costly mistakes before they happen.” — Mrs Ngwenya
So far, ESHEC has engaged schools including:
• Mhlatane High School
• Lubombo Central High School
• Zandondo Lutheran High School
• Duze High School
• Siphocosini High School
• Mbekelweni Lutheran High School
More schools are being added as demand increases.