MTN Eswatini has become the first organization outside South Africa to be certified under the South African Board of People Practices (SABPP)’s new Professional Practice and Governance Standard (PPGS).
The landmark achievement was celebrated on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, at the MTN Eswatini Clubhouse, during a ceremony attended by high-level dignitaries, HR professionals, and company staff.
Speaking under the theme “Celebrating a People-Centric Milestone”, Acting Chief Executive Officer Sibusiso Nhleko described the certification as a bold declaration of the company’s commitment to its people and a recognition of MTN Eswatini’s excellence in human resource (HR) practices.
“This certification is more than just a plaque on the wall; it is a testament to our commitment to our people, our most valuable asset,” Nhleko said. “We now have a benchmark, we now have visibility, and we now dare to improve, refine, and innovate continuously.”
MTN Eswatini’s journey toward certification included a rigorous external audit process that evaluated the company across 13 HR standards, including Strategic HR Management, Talent Management, Employee Wellness, HR Technology, Learning and Development, and HR Governance. MTN scored 60% and above in all categories, an exceptional result, especially as this was the company’s first audit under the updated SABPP framework.
In her remarks, Nokwanda Dlamini, Senior Manager for HR Operations at MTN Eswatini, highlighted that the company had already been certified in 2019 under a previous standard, but voluntarily underwent reassessment to align with the updated PPGS.
“Excellence is not a destination, it’s a continuous journey,” Dlamini said. “We were especially commended for our use of HR analytics, individualized learning plans, and the strategic role of HR at the executive level. These are not just best practices; they are the building blocks of a future-fit organization.”
Dlamini acknowledged the valuable recommendations made by SABPP, including the need for a comprehensive HR handbook and formalized mentoring structures. “These are opportunities we embrace with enthusiasm, as they will only strengthen our foundation,” she added.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Anthony Masilela, praised MTN Eswatini for its leadership in people management and called on other companies to follow suit.
“This is not just about compliance or ticking boxes,” said Masilela. “It’s about embedding a culture of accountability, ethics, and continuous improvement. HR here is not just a support function; it is a strategic partner. In a rapidly changing labour market, professionalizing HR is not just a corporate priority, it is a national imperative.”
The certification ceremony also featured an address by Tshegofatso Tshidada Rasego, Professional Solutions and Business Manager at SABPP. She commended MTN Eswatini for embracing the audit process and setting a precedent for the region.
“This is not a technical exercise, it’s a leadership act,” said Rasego. “MTN has shown what it means to raise the bar in HR, to build workplace cultures rooted in ethics, fairness, and compliance. Thank you for carrying the values of HR and putting people at the centre of your success.”
In honouring the HR community within MTN, Acting CEO Nhleko expressed gratitude for the team’s diligence, vision, and resilience throughout the certification journey. He also took the opportunity to highlight the company’s broader investments in people development, such as the MTN Skills Academy, which aims to equip Eswatini’s youth with digital skills and career readiness.
“We’re not just building careers, we’re building dreams,” Nhleko declared. “We are making MTN not just a place to work but a place to belong, to grow, and to create extraordinary experiences for our customers.”