‘ESA helped my development’
DWALENI - Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA) former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Phil Mnisi has said he achieved personal development during his tenure at the association.
Speaking during a farewell event held in his honour at Mdolomba Eden Indigenous Resort, Dwaleni on Friday, he said being exposed to the sugar industry was a great opportunity for him.
“I really count myself privileged that after being a banker for many years, I got the opportunity to move into an industry that is very pivotal in the economic development of our country,” he said.
He further noted that the sugar industry was a major contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and a main employer besides government.
Dr Mnisi said he started his PhD while at Standard Bank, but was unable to finish his research.
“But when I got to Sugar Association I was able to intensify that, did the validation of my thesis, submitted and defended it, and I was conferred in 2018. This, to me, is a very big achievement,” he said.
He said even during this period as ESA’s CEO he was able to launch a church and build a structure which was completed during the COVID-19 era.
“All these are blessings that I can truly attribute personally and for my family to the opportunity of working at ESA. I thank God and yourselves (staff) for allowing me to be your CEO over the past six years,” said Dr Mnisi.
He further said he felt humbled that he was able to join ESA, earn a salary and be able to pay for his children’s education.
He also advised staff to be aggressive in their work. Dr Mnisi assumed his new
position as Governor of the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) on July 1.