DURBAN, South Africa: University of Eswatini final year student Vuyelwa Simelane has won the 2026 SADC Tertiary Institution Essay Competition.
Simelane, 26, received the top prize of US$2,000 during the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Durban on Monday.
She won the competition with her essay titled, “From SADCC to SADC: Continuities, Changes and Policy Lessons.” 
Simelane is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Eswatini.
Her essay examines the development of the regional organisation from the Southern African Development Coordination Conference, established in 1980, to the Southern African Development Community, created through a treaty in 1992.
Simelane uses a family metaphor to describe the region’s journey and pays tribute to the founders of SADC.
She also compares the external threats faced by Southern African countries in the past with the internal challenges confronting the region today.
These challenges include democratic setbacks, disputed elections and governance crises.
The essay draws lessons from the region’s history, including the importance of unity, political will, self reliance and collective defence.
Simelane said receiving the award was both an honour and a humbling experience.
She said the achievement had special meaning because it was announced in the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III and other SADC Heads of State and Government.
The SADC award is Simelane’s second international essay competition victory.
In 2025, she won the ARSO Continental Essay Competition, further establishing her as an emerging academic and writer on the African continent.
Simelane is the first born daughter of Eswatini Observer photojournalist Lucky Simelane.
Malawi’s Yamikani Bottomani finished as runner up and received US$1,000, while Namibia’s Benice Mujoro took third place and won US$500.
The Government of Eswatini congratulated Simelane on the achievement and praised her for representing the country at the regional level.
