The University of Eswatini Foundation (UF) has officially launched the Project AY’BUYE Inyuvesi YemaSwati Capital Campaign.
UNESWA Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vulindlela Simelane notes that the AY’BUYE campaign is a special vehicle for restoring the University of Eswatini to a world-class standard.
When making his presentation the CEO said the project will help foster the transformation of future leaders, promote scholarly excellence, and enhance the competitiveness of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The CEO said the campaign will see the Foundation embarking on a drive to mobilize capital to ensure that the institution is restored to its past glory.
Simelane disclosed that the campaign entails a resource mobilization exercise which comes in two phases.
The Foundation together with development partners estimates to mobilize E70 million for phase 1 of the project, while it estimates mobilizing E75 million for phase 2. This means the Foundation aims to mobilize at least E145 million in total.
The CEO stressed that their focus at the moment is on phase 1, which commences this year and elapses in 2029, meaning the Project AY’BUYE Inyuvesi YemasWati Capital Campaign for phase 1 will run for six years. He then broke down what the E70 million will be utilized for.
“I believe we can all agree that before we talk about transforming UNESWA to the University of Choice in Africa and globally, there are fundamentals that must be addressed first.”
“A total of E30.2 million which represents 45% of our estimated figure will go towards fencing, as we have witnessed undesirable events unfold at the University. Road rehabilitation will cost around E29.2 million and represents 42% of the E70 million estimate. Finally, around E9 million will be utilized for the painting of the institution.”
Worth noting is that the campaign will focus on all UNESWA campuses, which entail Kwaluseni, Luyengo, and the Mbabane campuses respectively.
Also present during the launch which took place at the Hilton Garden Inn was the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Ms. Nozizwe Mulela who noted that the campaign is not only about UNESWA but the country.
“Project AY’BUYE Inyuvesi YemaSwati Capital Campaign is a clarion call to all emaSwati to join hands in the revival, rebirth, and revitalization of this great national institution. The launch of Project AY’BUYE signifies the awakening of this giant to its rightful position as the premier higher learning institution of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” she noted.
The CEO concluded his presentation by revealing some of their capital mobilization initiatives which include; A Membership Registration drive, Homecoming Events which entail family fun days, music festivals, and a sports day.
A Gala Dinner is also on the cards and has been tentatively slated for November 2023. An enterprise shop will also be launched which will sell UNESWA merchandise. These initiatives are not exhaustive as the Foundation is still working on others.
Noteworthy attendees on the evening included the Vice Chairperson of The Executive Board of Trustees, Mbuso Simelane who is the Managing Director of Inhlonhla, and the Vice Chancellor of UNESWA Prof. Justice Thwala, Swaziland Building Society Managing Director, Mbali Sibanyoni, Registrar of UNESWA Dr. Salebona Simelane, among other Executive Board of Trustees and distinguished guests.