Business Eswatini (BE) hosted a heartfelt farewell gathering to recognise Dr. Loretta Mkhonta, the departing Director of the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), celebrating her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to skills development in the Kingdom.
Held at the BE War Room, the event was attended by BE CEO E. Nathi Dlamini, BE staff, Dr. Mkhonta, and her Executive Assistant. It focused on honouring the profound impact of her tenure, particularly through the strong collaboration fostered between ESHEC and the private sector, championed by Business Eswatini.
Dlamini expressed sincere appreciation for Dr. Mkhonta’s exceptional commitment.
“It is rare,” he stated, “to engage with a leader so dedicated to understanding the critical importance of skills for our economy and so proactive in forging collaborative pathways.”
He highlighted her active work with BE, the recognised voice of the private sector, to address skills mismatches and promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which are key priorities for Eswatini’s businesses.
Under Dr. Mkhonta’s strategic leadership, significant progress was achieved on complex issues vital to the private sector. BE specifically praised her efforts in addressing certification, accreditation, and regulation of illegitimate institutions, initiatives that have improved the credibility and responsiveness of the higher education sector to market needs.
“We have always valued and appreciated your contribution in this regard,” emphasised the BE CEO, noting that Dr. Mkhonta’s approach shaped and influenced private sector engagement in skills development. He reaffirmed BE’s ongoing commitment and active involvement in addressing skills gaps and championing TVET, reaffirming that BE remains a strong advocate for private sector participation in shaping the nation’s skills landscape.
These shared objectives and the successful partnership formed the core of the farewell discussions. Dlamini conveyed the BE Board’s decision to honour Dr. Mkhonta, stating, “BE is hopeful that your successor will appreciate the progress made thus far and the vital importance of the collaboration we have established.”
He expressed a key concern for the private sector: ensuring continuity to prevent regression in the essential work accomplished, especially regarding TVET development. “We feel privileged to have worked with you and benefited from your knowledge transfer,” he added.
Deeply touched by the recognition, Dr. Loretta Mkhonta responded, “It’s very unusual for one to get gratitude for one’s good work, and I feel quite honoured and appreciated.”
Expressing optimism for ongoing progress, she stated, “I am hopeful that my successors will take over the work we have done and carry on the baton. There is no need to start all over again as the foundation has already been laid.”
She extended her best wishes to the BE Board, assuring them of her continued willingness to contribute to Eswatini’s development in any way possible.