By Tlalane Dlamini
The Chevening Eswatini Growth and Leadership Academy (CEGLA) held its 2025 graduation ceremony at Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane, celebrating 14 outstanding young leaders selected from a competitive pool of 373 applicants.
The event gathered partners from the British High Commission, University of Eswatini, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, the Ministry of Education, program mentors, alumni, media outlets, and families to celebrate the academic and leadership achievements of the graduating class.
Though not physically present, His Excellency Colin Wells, the British High Commissioner to Eswatini, expressed his congratulations via video message. He thanked everyone involved in the CEGLA program for their dedication and praised the graduates for their achievement.
A Celebration of Dedication and Inspiration
CEGLA Chief Coordinator Nozipho Zana Mziyako kicked off the ceremony with an enthusiastic and sincere welcome. She set the tone by recognizing the vital contributions of partners, mentors, academic institutions, and the organizing committee in driving the program’s success.
Out of 373 applications, you were one of the 14 chosen. You showed up and dedicated yourself to the journey!
She also paid tribute to the dedication of the mentors:
You didn’t just mentor; you inspired. When these graduates reflect on who helped them take the first step toward their success, they will mention your name.
Mziyako concluded by emphasizing that authentic leadership is rooted in influence, integrity, and kindness—a fitting message delivered right after the worldwide celebration of World Kindness Day.
“Leadership Begins and Ends With People”
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Lungile Dlamini, CEO of the Municipal Council of Manzini and a distinguished Chevening alumna, praised CEGLA for its vital role in developing globally connected leaders prepared for contemporary challenges.
Reflecting on her career in public service, Dr. Dlamini said:
“At its core, my work focuses on people—building environments where communities thrive, businesses succeed, and young people see a future for themselves right here in Eswatini.”
She emphasized that Chevening is a “global incubator for leadership.” She passionately challenged the graduates to apply their global insights locally by focusing on immediate, impactful actions:
• Strengthen governance through accountability and transparency.
• Drive economic opportunity through strategic thinking.
• Champion urgent climate action.
• Become mentors and bridges connecting Eswatini with the world.
She concluded with a powerful call to action: “Do not see your graduation as an endpoint. See it as a launchpad.”
The Scaffolding of Success: Reflections from a Mentor
Representing the mentorship network, Bantu Mabaso shared a moving account of her leadership journey, built on resilience, unwavering purpose, and, most importantly, mentorship.
Mabaso remembered witnessing how fragile traditional farming systems were during the 2012 drought in rural Eswatini, an experience that sparked her passion for climate resilience. Her breakthrough, she said, came through a college advisor who helped her turn an idea into a funded project, demonstrating that “A ‘why’ without a ‘how’ is just a wish.”
This initial mentorship propelled her onto global platforms, including the Clinton Global Initiative and the Resolution Project, leading to her Chevening scholarship. Her subsequent impact spans the continent, including advisory roles for entities such as the Rockefeller Foundation and IFAD, as well as contributions to Eswatini’s NDC 3.0.
My journey wasn’t made alone. It was supported by a framework of mentors.
Her advice to the new graduates was clear and actionable: Seek guidance boldly, remain curious and humble, and commit to paying it forward by building your “how” with others.
“We Rise Higher When We Rise Together”
Londiwe Ngobese, speaking on behalf of the 2025 graduates, delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected the cohort’s shared journey of growth and change. She called the ceremony “a moment of reflection, of gratitude, and of new beginnings.”
Ngobese candidly reflected on the programme’s uncertain first days:
“Many of us entered CEGLA with questions, doubts, and unspoken aspirations. What we found here was a community—one that believed in us before we fully believed in ourselves.”
She paid tribute to the mentors:
“You taught us that leadership is not a position but a practice. You taught us that growth requires resilience, especially in the unseen moments.”
Addressing her fellow mentees, she celebrated their collective advancement:
“From late-night reflections to honest conversations, we learned that leadership thrives in community. We rise higher when we rise together.”
Ngobese closed by reminding the class of their ongoing responsibility: “Today we celebrate, but tomorrow we continue the work—strengthened, inspired, and ready.”