By Phiwa Sikhondze
The 2024 STEM Expo, organized and hosted by the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), was a defining moment for Eswatini, spotlighting the critical need for the nation to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and beyond.
Dr. Andile Simphiwe Metfula, the Acting CEO of RSTP, delivered a powerful address, urging Eswatini’s youth to seize the technological opportunities that lie ahead.
Dr. Metfula’s keynote, titled “Catching the Baton,” employed a vivid analogy to underline the pivotal moment Eswatini is facing. He likened technological advancement to a baton in a relay race, crucial for future progress.
“What is a baton?” he questioned, prompting reflections on the pervasive role of technology in everyday life, from cell phones to gaming consoles. “Before you catch the baton, someone must hand it to you. This baton represents our leap forward,” he said.
Reflecting on Eswatini’s historical context, Dr. Metfula observed that the country has previously lagged in industrial revolutions, primarily supplying raw materials while others advanced. He cautioned against repeating this pattern and urged the youth to actively engage with current technological opportunities.
To underscore the importance of this moment, Dr. Metfula warned that failure to catch the baton of technological progress could lead to stagnation, continued reliance on foreign aid, and persistent youth unemployment.
“If we miss this opportunity, we risk remaining in a state of dependency and poverty,” he cautioned.
Dr. Metfula stressed that catching the baton involves diving into fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, fintech, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and space science.
“This is the baton we are offering you. I urge you to seize it and move forward with it,” he said, emphasizing that the country’s advancement lies in the hands of the youth.
Bongani Motsa, Managing Director of Macmillan Education Eswatini, echoed Dr. Metfula’s sentiments in his address at the expo. Motsa highlighted the importance of STEM education in building a knowledge-based society and achieving sustainable development goals.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress,” he affirmed, stressing that investment in STEM is vital for addressing challenges like climate change and ensuring sustainable development.
Motsa commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of ICT, and RSTP in organizing the expo and advancing STEM education. He reaffirmed Macmillan’s commitment to improving educational quality and fostering innovation.
“Mastering STEM disciplines and cultivating critical thinking skills are essential for empowering our youth and advancing Eswatini’s future,” Motsa stated.
The 2024 STEM Expo underscored the collective responsibility of Eswatini’s government, industry, and education sectors in supporting technological advancement. The event highlighted the vast potential within the youth and the urgent need to actively engage in shaping a technologically advanced future.
As the expo concluded, the remarks by Dr. Metfula and Motsa reinforced a unified vision: Eswatini’s future hinges on its ability to seize and excel with the baton of technological innovation. With ongoing investment in STEM education and a concerted effort to support young innovators, the nation is set to make significant progress on the global stage.