The Quality Awards are aimed at recognizing organizations that have made a conscious effort and commitment to promoting quality culture in Eswatini through the use of quality principles, practices, and management systems in their behavior.
By Ntokozo Nkambule
The Ministry of Commerce Industry and Trade has announced that entries for the 5th Annual Eswatini Quality Awards are now open.
The Quality Awards are aimed at recognizing organizations that have made a conscious effort and commitment to promoting quality culture in Eswatini through the use of quality principles, practices, and management systems in their behavior.
The awards comprise six categories
- Eswatini Company or Organization of the Year
This category has two awards; one for Large Enterprises, and the other for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The focus of the criteria used under this category will be organizations that are implementing quality principles covering all essential key business elements.
- Eswatini Product of the Year
This category also comprises two awards, large enterprises, and MSMEs. The focus of the criteria in this category will be on the product that best reflects a commitment to quality.
- Eswatini Service of the Year
Also comprises two awards, large Enterprises, and MSMEs. The focus of the criteria will be on a locally delivered service that best reflects a commitment to quality.
- Eswatini Exporter of the Year
Two awards under this category, are large enterprises, and MSMEs. The focus will be on a company or organization that has made significant progress in commencing or expanding exports to newer or wider markets by introducing quality in the company.
- Eswatini Quality Individual of the Year
This award is given to an individual that has made significant input into quality advancement within their organization and Eswatini Quality Infrastructure at large.
- Eswatini Conformity Assessment Body of the Year
Three awards are given to Conformity Assessment Bodies i.e Testing and Calibration Laboratories, Medical Laboratories, and Inspection Bodies. The focus of the criteria is on the organization implementing ISO/IEC 17020 or ISO/IEC 17020 or ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189.
The Ministry notes that those interested in applying should send their applications physically to the Regulatory and Quality Infrastructure Development Department at the DPM’s Office in Mbabane on or before 30 September 2022. Entry forms are available on the Eswatini Standards Authority website. Winners will be announced at the Eswatini Quality Awards ceremony, in November 2022.