MINISTRY OF ICT HOLDS A WORKSHOP WITH PARLIAMENTARIANS

The Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) held a two-day workshop with Senators, Members of Parliament, and representatives from its broadcasting, information and regulatory institutions.

The representatives of the institutions, such as Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) and Eswatini TV Authority (Eswatini TV) were given an opportunity to paint a picture of their respective organizations to the distinguished guests by expressing their challenges, strategies and goals. The floor was then given to the Senators and Members of Parliament, who are members of the Ministry of ICT’s Portfolio Committee, to engage in dialogues with the speakers. They used this opportunity to voice out their suggestions and questions to which the Minister of ICT and Principal Secretary also joined in answering.

The Minister of ICT, Honourable Savannah Maziya, spoke on the need to carry out duties with honour by putting the country’s best interests forward. She expressed that this was a crucial cornerstone in building a better future for Eswatini, and also emphasized that leadership positions should not be exploited for personal gain.

The minister expressed the ministry’s vision for fostering urban development. She spoke on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Taiwan Government to implement 5G network in Eswatini, within 18 months. She mentioned that Mbabane will be the first beneficiary of this initiative with future plans for countrywide expansion. Maziya further mentioned the construction of two computer labs for local schools, outfitted with 70 computers, and ongoing efforts to promote what is known as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, through outreach programs, demonstrating the ministry’s commitment to advancing technology education in Eswatini.

The ministry’s goal is not only to compete with international television and radio stations but to become the competition. To this cause, Maziya highlighted some notable achievements, including Eswatini Post and Telecommunications’ rehabilitation of four transmitters, enabling radio access in areas like Ntontondozi, Hlatsikhulu, Siteki, and other regions where transmitters were installed. She also mentioned the provision of broadcasting equipment to Eswatini TV, further strengthening the capabilities of the ministry’s departments.

Eswatini TV CEO, Mr Mlamuli Dlamini expressed the importance of TV in shaping the image of a country, and the eagerness for Eswatini TV to match the pace of the ministry to reach international standards, saying “Throughout the world, TV is a big economy driver. Our goal is to tell ‘our story’, and bring the hearts of emaSwati back to local broadcasting. We are confident that the Honourable Minister’s initiative for the key players to work as a team is a big first step towards achieving this success.”