Khuluma Eswatini and the Southern Africa Nazarene University (SANU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen youth empowerment, expand career opportunities, and facilitate the transition of graduates into the labour market.
The partnership was announced on Monday during a media briefing, where both institutions also shared updates on the upcoming GradConnect and Business Seminar scheduled for November 21.
Khuluma Eswatini Chairman, Mandla Luphondvo, said the MoU represents the culmination of months of collaboration to address the growing challenges facing graduates in an increasingly competitive job market.
He observed that about 58% of young people in Eswatini are unemployed, highlighting the urgent need for measures that connect higher education with industry.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter,” Luphondvo said. “The transition from tertiary education to industry has become complex, and we want to be part of the solution. SANU provides strong educational and practical foundations, while we enhance that with industry readiness seminars, CV development, interview prep, and support for career changes.”
Luphondvo added that Khuluma Eswatini is committed to ensuring that graduates experience “a softer landing” as they enter the world of work. This experience has become more uncertain due to technological changes, heightened competition, and limited formal employment opportunities.
SANU Vice Chancellor Dr. Faith Mlotsa-Mngomezulu welcomed the partnership, noting that it aligns directly with the university’s ongoing turnaround strategy, which emphasizes strengthening industry partnerships and improving graduate employability.
“This partnership comes at a time when we have just commenced our turnaround strategy. We want to enhance partnerships with industries, and this one is particularly significant because it will greatly impact our graduates,” she said.
Dr. Mlotsa-Mngomezulu emphasized SANU’s concern about unemployment among graduates and noted that the university is already running a project to improve employability outcomes. The initiative involves tracking graduates, assessing their transition into the labour market, and guiding curriculum reviews to keep programs aligned with community and industry needs.
“We want to see our students engaging with real industry. We want to see them making an impact in the nation and even beyond,” she said. “This seminar will help our students simulate workplace experiences, understand what is happening in industry, and prepare to become leaders, whether as outstanding employees or as job creators.”
She added that insights from such partnerships will directly influence curriculum reform as the university aims to graduate students prepared for the changing demands of the economy.
In closing, I want to thank Khuluma Eswatini for trusting us. We believe that what will be offered during Friday’s seminar will benefit both current and future students. We look forward to expanding this partnership,” she stated.
The new partnership will officially launch during the second edition of the GradConnect and Business Seminar, which will unite students, graduates, employers, and industry leaders for hands-on skills development, mentoring, and professional networking. The event is expected to draw hundreds of young people looking for guidance and opportunities as they transition from school to the workplace.
Luphondvo thanked SANU for its willingness to collaborate, noting that the institution’s international reputation, based on the global efforts of the Nazarene Church, lends significance to the initiative.
He also acknowledged the wide range of partners supporting this year’s seminar, including OK Foods, Oracle Group Eswatini, Voice of the Church, Eswatini TV, Enactus, SEDCO, MTN Fintech, Platinum Sounds, Cert Water, Eswatini Observer, Eswatini National Agriculture Union (ESNAU), Birth Media, Khuluma Academy, and SANU.