UNESWA braces for major leadership exodus amidst financial struggles
SHOCKING! The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is gearing up for a major shakeup in its senior management, with the impending retirement of three key officials and the departure of one longstanding administrator. Dr. Salebona Simelane, UNESWA’s Registrar, is the latest set to bid farewell to the institution after over three decades of dedicated service.
When speaking with the Eswatini Broadcasting Information Service (EBIS), Dr. Simelane reflected on his tenure at UNESWA, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs he encountered throughout his tenure. With a career spanning back to 1986, Dr. Simelane’s journey at UNESWA has been marked by various roles within the Registry Department, which led to his appointment as Registrar in December 2014.
Dr. Simelane’s departure is part of a larger exodus of senior management, including the
retirement of University Registrar Mfanzile Dlamini and the vacant position of Librarian following the retirement of Dr. Ngcobo. Additionally, Musa Kunene, the University’s Dean of Students Affairs, has also retired after years of service.
UNESWA has wasted no time in seeking to fill these vacant positions, initiating the recruitment process and inviting applications from qualified candidates. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of a complete turnover in leadership, particularly amidst the institution’s ongoing financial struggles.
An anonymous UNESWA staff member expressed apprehension about the simultaneous departure of key officials, citing potential challenges in transitioning to a new management team. “This might not be good for the institution,” the staff member stated. “The University is already facing difficulties, and a complete turnover in management could exacerbate the situation.”
UNESWA has been grappling with financial constraints for solong since 2008. Recently, staff members resorted to industrial action over unpaid salaries, which resulted in disruptions to examinations.
The University of Eswatini is the national university of Eswatini. It was established by act of parliament in 1982. The university developed from the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, formerly known as the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland, which was established in 1964. The institution has three campuses which are Kwaluseni (Main campus), Luyengo and Mbabane.