ESHEC TRAINS 200 ACADEMIC STAFF IN ACCREDITATION AND COMPLIANCE
… higher education institutions empowered to enhance the quality and relevance of programmes
The issue of emaSwati getting a raw deal, losing significant sums of money, and wasting time on low-quality, irrelevant tertiary programmes that leave graduates struggling to find employment may soon be resolved.
Of the 96 programmes assessed by the Eswatini Higher Education Council (ESHEC) in the last financial year, only 6 per cent were accredited. There are 48 institutions registered with ESHEC, 11 of which are funded by the Government. ESHEC recently organised two capacity-building workshops for over 200 academic personnel, including academic leaders, programme coordinators, and quality assurance officers from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and other key stakeholders.
The workshops took place at eSibayeni Lodge in Matsapha on 17 and 19 September 2024. This proactive initiative by ESHEC aims to address the challenges institutions face in meeting regulatory requirements for programme accreditation, aligning academic content with industry needs, and ensuring that educational objectives comply with both local and international standards.
The theme for the first workshop was ‘Programme Development and Accreditation Compliance,’ equipping participants with practical tools for needs assessment and programme design. The second one themed ‘Building Sustainable Systems for Enhanced Learning Outcomes,’ empowered attendees to implement effective teaching and learning strategies while strengthening internal quality assurance systems to meet ESHEC requirements and improve educational outcomes.
ESHEC, a government entity established by the Higher Education Act of 2013, has a mandate that includes the promotion, accreditation, coordination and determination of higher education in Eswatini. Internationally renowned consultants Samuels Squared facilitated the workshops, having analysed several strategic documents covering around 45 programmes. The interactive sessions were designed to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet ESHEC’s rigorous standards.
“We focused on key areas such as needs assessment, programme design and development, and the continuous implementation of internal quality assurance mechanisms to foster sustainable improvements across the higher education sector,” said Joe Samuels, the facilitator, and Director of Samuels Squared Consultancy.
“One of the critical challenges we identified was the tendency of institutions to adopt franchise programmes from other countries without fully adapting them to local needs. We are confident that moving forward, these programmes will better reflect the unique socio-economic and cultural context of Eswatini, enabling them to serve their intended purpose more effectively.”
Crucial Support
The Acting Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Training, Nanikie Mnisi, commended ESHEC for successfully hosting the workshop, noting its crucial support for the Government’s efforts to ensure academically rigorous programmes that reflect the cultural values, economic realities, and aspirations of emaSwati, as well as the local context. She highlighted that this aligns with the National Development Plan, the Government’s Policy Framework, and the National Skills Development Strategy, stressing the importance of quality education for the country’s socio-economic growth.
Mnisi added that the initiative also resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. “ESHEC’s initiatives are aimed at ensuring that teaching strategies reflect global trends and specific industry needs, enhancing the relevance of educational programmes in Eswatini and ensuring their accessibility and benefit to the wider population. These efforts also aim to address workplace and entrepreneurial realities,” said Mnisi. Dr Sipho Shongwe, Quality Assurance Coordinator at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), emphasised the value of the workshop in equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet ESHEC’s stringent standards.
He explained that the sessions focused on essential areas such as needs assessment, programme design and development, and the continuous implementation of internal quality assurance mechanisms within institutions. These efforts, Dr Shongwe noted, are directed towards fostering sustainable improvements across the sector.
"At UNESWA, we found immense value in the workshop, particularly as we are currently undergoing accreditation for some of our programmes. The workshop provided us with clarity on previously unclear aspects. I attended alongside Heads of Departments responsible for various programmes, and it was an excellent opportunity for us to fully understand ESHEC's requirements, especially in programme design and development, which had previously been a challenge for us," said Dr Shongwe.
Compliance with ESHEC Dr Lomkhosi Mkhonta, Director of Quality Assurance at the Institute for Research Management and Development (IRDM), echoed Dr Shongwe’s sentiments, noting that compliance with ESHEC’s standards offers institutions an opportunity to significantly enhance the quality of education they offer. She asserted that by adhering to these standards, higher education institutions can contribute to a more resilient and robust higher education system in Eswatini, benefiting both students and the nation as a whole.
“This proactive approach by ESHEC supports institutions in meeting the requirements rather than taking a punitive stance towards non-compliance. Instead, they guide and assist us, thereby contributing to the Government’s efforts to increase the number of accredited institutions recognised by ESHEC. This provides emaSwati with more opportunities for skills development and training in properly accredited institutions, fostering the production of skilled professionals for Eswatini and beyond,” said Dr Mkhonta. Ncamsile Makhanya, from the Matsapha Police Academy, mentioned that the institution had obtained full registration from ESHEC, and four of its programmes had been accredited.
“The workshop has been highly beneficial for higher education institutions, particularly in terms of programme development aimed at improving the country's economy. ESHEC has also emphasised the importance of collaboration with Government, other local and international learning institutions, and industry to ensure adaptability and forward-thinking in addressing the changing landscape of higher education,” said Makhanya. Quality Assurance The Acting Country Director of the Institute of Development Management (IDM), Karabo Baipidi, who is also responsible for quality assurance, stated that many institutions are currently developing various learning programmes for accreditation with ESHEC.
“This initiative is designed to enhance the capacity and competence of those involved in developing learning programmes within different institutions. IDM sees the benefit of this, as we are in the process of implementing a new academic plan with a new set of programmes,” said Baipidi.
“The insights gained from the workshop have been instrumental in ensuring that these new programmes are current and relevant to the needs of emaSwati, whether in Government, industry or for the students themselves. The country prioritises developing the right skills to propel the nation forward, and the best way to achieve this is by ensuring institutions of higher learning develop high-quality, relevant programmes. IDM is enthusiastic about this opportunity, as it aligns with our goals. We are eager to implement what we have learned and expect to see significant changes by this time next year.” Meanwhile, Stella Shongwe, Head of Academics at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, expressed that the university feels empowered by ESHEC to deliver high-quality certificates that students and industry can trust.
“The outcomes of the workshop are driving our research efforts and upgrading institutions to align with current digital migration trends. The focus is on e-learning and skills-based programmes, in line with the country's strategic direction,” said Shongwe.
A revelation Sanele Gama from SoftTech College, an ICT institution based in Mbabane, said the workshop was more than just training—it was a revelation. “It has empowered us to think critically about the relevance of our programmes in a global context and how we can ensure our students graduate with qualifications that stand the test of time,” said Gama. “By fostering these new perspectives, ESHEC is reshaping the future of higher education quality assurance in Eswatini, ensuring students receive the best education possible and institutions are equipped to deliver world-class standards. As the country moves towards realising its educational ambitions, the impact of this workshop will undoubtedly be felt in classrooms, boardrooms, and beyond.”
Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Samuels stressed the need for innovation in teaching and learning, explaining that the pandemic had accelerated the adoption of blended learning and other modern educational strategies. “Our role at ESHEC is not just to regulate but also to facilitate and guide institutions in their quest for excellence,” said Dr Loretta Mkhonta, CEO of ESHEC.
“As we continue to enforce compliance with the regulatory registration and accreditation standards, which were developed after extensive engagement with stakeholders in the education sector and are in line with international best practices, we will work alongside our institutions of higher learning and key role players on capacity-building initiatives.”
“We will continue to provide the necessary resources, training, and support to ensure our programmes meet both local and international standards.” Dr Mkhonta emphasised that collaboration is key to progress, calling for greater cooperation with industry, communities, and all sectors of society. "We must learn from one another and explore best practices that have been successful in other contexts."
“There is a need to strengthen collaboration between higher education institutions and various industries, addressing the link between employability and diverse types of industries. Together, we must develop innovative solutions to better serve our institutions and students,” she concluded.