Eswatini Sugar has extended congratulations to Nontobeko Pearl Mabuza for advancing to the final top three in the election for Executive Director of the International Sugar Organization (ISO). The rigorous selection process, which began in February, involved five shortlisted candidates. Mabuza successfully progressed to the final stage alongside candidates from Mauritius and Brazil. Her achievement has garnered praise from Eswatini Sugar, with the organization expressing pride in her accomplishment.
The ISO Special Council Meeting, held in London, saw Mabuza fail to secure the required two-thirds majority of votes from the ISO's 84 member countries. Despite this, Eswatini Sugar CEO Banele Nyamane emphasized the organization's pride in Mabuza's achievement, noting her competitive run in the highly contested race. Nyamane also highlighted the organization's commitment to working closely with the incoming ISO Executive Director to promote a sustainable future for the global sugar sector.
Mabuza, an Executive Management Committee member of Eswatini Sugar, boasts over 20 years of experience in trade policy, development finance, and multilateral engagement. Her background includes 10 years of shaping strategy in the Eswatini sugar industry and another 10 years with the European Commission. This experience likely contributed to her strong showing in the selection process, with Nyamane noting that she presented a compelling vision for a responsive ISO.
The election process was attended by several high-profile Eswatini officials, including Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula, who represented Commerce, Industry and Trade Minister Manqoba Khumalo, and Eswatini High Commissioner to the UK, Thandazile Mbuyisa. Their presence underscores the importance of the event and Eswatini's interest in the outcome. Nyamane's attendance alongside these officials further highlights Eswatini Sugar's engagement with the process.
Nyamane praised Mabuza's campaign, which generated strong engagement from governments and industry stakeholders worldwide. He noted that the campaign demonstrated Eswatini's expertise and commitment to international cooperation, reinforcing the country's standing as a respected participant in the global sugar sector. This, Nyamane believes, will have long-term benefits for the industry.
Eswatini Sugar has expressed gratitude to various stakeholders, including His Majesty King Mswati III, the Government of Eswatini, diplomatic missions, and industry partners, for their support during the election process. The organization maintained that leadership should be assessed on merit, experience, and vision, values that Mabuza's candidature embodied. Her campaign contributed positively to the debate on the ISO's future direction.
As the election process continues with the remaining two candidates, Eswatini Sugar looks forward to working with the incoming ISO Executive Director. The organization is committed to strengthening cooperation and promoting a sustainable future for the global sugar sector. Mabuza's achievement has showcased Eswatini's capabilities and reinforced its position within the sector.
Key points
- Nontobeko Mabuza, an economist with over 20 years of experience, reached the top three in the ISO Executive Director election.
- Eswatini Sugar CEO Banele Nyamane praised Mabuza's vision for a responsive ISO and her strong engagement with governments and industry stakeholders.
- The organization expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their support during the election process and looks forward to working with the incoming ISO Executive Director.
