Phiwa Sikhondze
The Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has announced the appointment of Ncamiso Keith Mhlanga as the new Executive Director of the Eswatini Standards Authority (SWASA).
According to the Minister, Mhlanga, a seasoned professional with over 16 years of experience, is set to bring his extensive expertise obtained from previous roles in water resources management, agriculture, biodiversity, and climate change adaptation to the forefront of SWASA’s operations.
His academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Integrated Water Resources Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, equipping him with the knowledge to lead the authority effectively.
Having worked with notable organizations such as Eswatini Water & Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and WaterAid, Mhlanga has been instrumental in implementing significant environmental and water management projects in Eswatini. His tenure as Country Director for WaterAid saw the mobilization of over E200 million in investment projects, significantly improving access to clean water across the nation.
SWASA, established in 2007 and operating under the recently revised Standards and Quality Act of 2023, is committed to providing quality standards and conformity assessment services. As a subscriber member of the International Standards Organization (ISO), the authority ensures that Eswatini’s trade practices align with global best practices.
The Authority also plays a crucial role in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, developing standards that facilitate trade within the continent. To date, SWASA has developed over 250 National Standards and has been pivotal in certifying entities to adhere to these standards.
Khumalo believes that the SWASA Council, along with Mhlanga, is set to drive the mission of the Authority and enhance its national and international standing. “As Mr. Ncamiso Keith Mhlanga takes the helm as the new Executive Director, we can expect his transformative leadership, policy-making expertise, and strategic acumen to further elevate SWASA’s standing both nationally and internationally. His wealth of experience, coupled with his passion for community development and his visionary perspective, will undoubtedly steer SWASA tow