Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, Naniki Mnisi, has challenged African education leaders gathered in Eswatini to address the real problems keeping children out of classrooms and graduates out of jobs. The challenge was issued on Monday at the opening of the Pan-African Conference on Teacher Education, PACTED 2026, in Ezulwini. The conference brings together policymakers, teachers, teacher unions, training institutions, and development partners to discuss the future of the teaching profession.
The conference, running from October 5 to 7, focuses on transforming teaching through innovation, recognition, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion, and professional excellence. However, Mnisi emphasized that while the formal agenda is important, delegates should also confront uncomfortable issues facing Eswatini and many African countries. These issues include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), free education, school feeding, vulnerable children, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Mnisi highlighted that STEM remains weak in Eswatini, yet it is supposed to be driving the economy. The country continues to struggle with STEM teachers and the overall strength of STEM education at a time when the economy needs technical skills. This weakness is a significant concern, given the importance of STEM in driving economic growth and development.
Education stakeholders were also encouraged to learn from other countries on how they manage free education. Mnisi pointed to Namibia and Tanzania as countries Eswatini could learn from, particularly in addressing infrastructure development in the era of free primary education. Free primary education has created new pressure on infrastructure, and this must be addressed to ensure that education is accessible and effective.
Mnisi also called for honest discussions on school feeding, school dropouts, and orphans and vulnerable children, as these issues determine whether children stay in school or not. Environmental education should also be part of the conversation, so that young people understand the need to protect the environment. These side discussions should happen alongside the main agenda to ensure a comprehensive approach to education.
On TVET, Mnisi acknowledged Eswatini's challenges, including the TVET funding model, TVET policy, the TVET Act, and issues involving the qualifications authority. The country needs help from continental and international partners to address these challenges. PACTED 2026 is expected to produce the Eswatini Declaration on Transforming the Teaching Profession in Africa, along with an action plan.
The conference provides a unique opportunity for education leaders to share experiences, challenges, and best practices in teacher education. By addressing the pressing issues in education, African leaders can work towards creating a more effective and sustainable education system that prepares students for the future.
Key points
- Eswatini's education official urges African leaders to address STEM weaknesses.
- Free education and infrastructure development are pressing concerns.
- TVET challenges require help from continental and international partners.
