Vuli Simelane Appointed CEO of UNESWA Foundation

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By Ntokozo Nkambule

The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Foundation has officially appointed Vuli Simelane as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Simelane has been with the Foundation for quite some time and was the Acting CEO before his official appointment.

The Foundation is a wing of the University of Eswatini and is responsible for mobilizing resources for the academic institution. The Foundations’ Mission is to become a partner of choice for impact investing and its Objective is to promote & strategically position UNESWA for funding.

The announcement was made by the Foundation’s Board Chairperson Ms. Nozizwe Mulela at a Stakeholder Engagement Session held at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Mbabane.

The Foundation also unveiled its Board of Trustees which is led by Mulela and comprises several reputable and notable figures.

UNESWA Foundation Board of Trustees

1.     Chairperson- Ms. Nozizwe Mulela

2.     Professor Justice Thwala- Vice Chancellor

3.     Mr. Mbuso Simelane- Vice Chairperson

4.     Dr. Salebona Simelane- Trustee

5.     Ms. Thabsile Mlangeni- Trustee

6.     Mr. Mfanzile Dlamini –Bursar

7.     Mr. Vuli Simelane- CEO

8.     Ms. Mbali Sibanyoni- Trustee

9.     Mr. Mandla Ndlovu- Trustee

10. Ms. Gcinaphi Mndzebele- Trustee

11. Mr. Mzamo Dlamini- Trustee

12. Ms. Salaphi Vilane- Board Secretary

The newly appointed CEO holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pretoria, Gordon Institute of Business Science, and a Master of Management degree from the University of Witwatersrand.

Over the years, he has been proactively involved in the execution and delivery of a cross-section of strategic initiatives spanning infrastructural development, agriculture, ICT, sports and recreation, engineering, and scholarships.

The Chairperson of the Foundation in her address noted that the Board appointed Simelane because they believe that he is well poised to support the delivery of the long-term financial sustainability and advancement of the University of Eswatini.

Simelane’s role encompasses mobilizing resources for UNESWA’s advancement which is the Foundation’s Mission Statement.

When making his address Simelane acknowledged the mammoth task ahead but pointed out that he believes it will be a collective journey between him, the Board of Trustees, development partners, and all stakeholders.

“It is incumbent upon all EmaSwati and development partners to leverage and bring together our collective genius and network of partnerships for the good of the institution. If we do not do that, then who will? I would not be remiss to say most of us here have a moral obligation to ensure UNESWA succeeds,” he noted.

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