College ready to transform into university - principal

MANZINI - William Pitcher College is ready to transform into a university.

This was said by the college’s Principal Ntombifuthi Mhlongo to the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, when she was making her remarks during the graduation ceremony of 170 graduates yesterday.

The principal told the minister that in their effort to transform into a university, she was proud to mention that almost all their academic staff members hold Master’s Degrees in their respective areas of specialisation. She said nine of them, including her, held Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualifications, while others were busy with their PhD studies on a parttime basis.

ACTIVE

Again, she said the institution; in particular its lecturers were already active in research, which was another requirement for a tertiary establishment to attain the status of a university.

Furthermore, she said in order to remain relevant, the college was at an advanced stage of integrating entrepreneurship and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into the teacher training programme.

She said the college further wishes to offer part-time programmes and undergraduate degrees. She said with the support of the ministry, University of Eswatini (UNESWA), the Eswatini Higher Education Council and other stakeholders, they hope this would be achieved shortly.

IMPOSSIBLE

To the gradating 173 former students - 51 Primary Teachers’ Diplomas (PTDs) and 122 Secondary Teachers’ Diploma (STDs), she said it always seems impossible until it was done. She said she still remembered during orientation, where most of them indicated they never wanted to be teachers. She said they hoped the three years of training experience had changed their attitude.

Therefore, she challenged them to make the graduation ceremony a stepping stone towards more academic achievements in their lifetime. She said the diploma qualification was not all they could get in the world of academics.

In terms of awards, she extended appreciation to MA Consulting for continued support in awarding outstanding students in Mathematics, Science and Information Communication and Technology (ICT).

In response to the proposal and please that were made by the principal, the minister said he would take the issue of the college’s bid to transform to a university to Cabinet. He also promise keep in touch with the administration of the institution regarding the other requests.

On the same note, UNESW Vice Chancellor Justice Thwala, who was represented by Dr Eunice Mthethwa said, despite the financial challenges which they were facing as an institution, they would be willing to be consulted by the college in its bid to achieve its long standing dream of becoming a university.

Nompumelelo Mabuza (R), who graduated with a Primary Teacher’s Diploma in Agriculture and Consumer Science, receiving her scroll from Dr Kunene yesterday.

William Pitcher College graduate Angel Ntshalintshali (R) who graduated with a Secondary Teacher’s Diploma in English and French, receiving her scroll from Dr Eunice Kunene.

Dr Kunene, who was representing UNESWA VC Professor Justice Thwala, giving Sebenzile Zwane (R), who graduated with a Primary Teacher’s Diploma in Agriculture and Consumer Science.

William Pitcher College Principal Dr Ntombifuthi Mhlongo addresing the graduates yesterday.

William Pitcher College former SRC President Bheka Mabuza (R) has been hailed by the college administration for reducing protest actions as he preferred dialogue, receiving his scroll.