Matsapha – His Majesty’s Correctional Services and the University of Eswatini have deepened their long-standing collaboration through a vocational curriculum workshop aimed at improving skills training and offender rehabilitation.
The partnership was formalised in September 2025 with a Memorandum of Understanding signed by HMCS Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini and UNESWA Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala. The agreement provides a structured framework for training, research, and capacity-building initiatives, building on years of cooperation where UNESWA students and researchers have actively worked in HMCS facilities, contributing to both academic advancement and professional development.
On Wednesday, HMCS and UNESWA’s Institute of Distance Education (IDE) hosted the Vocational Curriculum Design and Development workshop at the Correctional Staff College in Matsapha. The event aimed to enhance the capacity of HMCS teaching staff in modern curriculum development to support rehabilitation and vocational skills training for inmates. 
Senior HMCS officials present included Deputy Commissioner General Bongani Khumalo, Commissioner Cyril Maseko, Chief Assistant Commissioner Kenneth Nhlengethwa, and Assistant Commissioner Mkhiwa Maseko. The UNESWA delegation, led by IDE Director Professor C. Maphosa, included Dr. K.E. Kunene, Dr. P.S. Dlamini, and Mr. P. Maphanga.
Deputy Commissioner General Khumalo noted that officers from the Agriculture, Building & Maintenance, and Industries sections stand to benefit significantly from the training. He also praised HMCS officers for their dedication in delivering quality instruction to inmates and producing high-standard goods across various vocational units.
Professor Maphosa explained that the collaborative exercise will assist HMCS in meeting the regulatory teaching requirements of the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC), enhancing programme and material design, and supporting accreditation for quality assurance purposes.
