Sidwashini – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini visited Waterford Kamhlaba yesterday to speak at the United World Colleges (UWC) Africa Week, where he called on young people to take the lead in changing the continent’s future.
The event, held at the school’s campus in Mbabane, focused on the theme “Unfolding the blueprint. For Us, by Us,” and attracted students from across the region.
Dlamini told the students to stand firm in their African identity and resist systems that continue to hold the continent back. Sharing an experience from the recent 29th UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan, the Prime Minister said his Kazakhstani counterpart had praised Waterford for its positive influence on his son, describing it as a place that produces transformational education. 
Addressing the gathering, Dlamini said Africa was not poor but had been left impoverished by systems dating back to colonial times. He urged students to embrace their roots and protect Africa’s natural resources.
“We should not destroy the environment thinking it can be rebuilt. Our forefathers taught us sustainable ways of living, and we must apply that wisdom,” he said.
Dlamini described the students as architects of the future and urged them to tackle challenges such as inequality, climate change and innovation with the belief that Africa’s destiny lies in its own hands.
“Whether it’s tackling inequality or driving innovation, Africa’s future does not belong to distant saviours. It is in our hands,” he said.
He also spoke of the Grand Plan for National Transformation, a government blueprint recently concluded, which he said benefitted from the input of Waterford alumni and educators living around the world.
Dlamini praised UWC for its presence in Eswatini, a country he described as peaceful, stable and free from civil conflict since independence. He credited the country’s home-grown Tinkhundla democracy for maintaining political stability and high voter participation.
“Our system is built on peace, unity and respect for every human life. There is no universal model of governance, and as Swazis, we are proud of our own path,” Dlamini told the students.
