THREE young Emaswati are set to begin a life-changing academic journey in Azerbaijan.
This is after securing prestigious scholarships that could help shape the future of the country’s petroleum and energy sector.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini bid farewell to Brilliance Dlamini, Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini and Temabhele Shabangu at Cabinet offices yesterday.
The farewell gathering was attended by ENPC Chief Executive Officer Nontombi Motsa-Maphanga, members of the ENPC Executive Committee (ExCo) and the parents of the three students.
The trio will travel to Baku to pursue specialised studies under scholarships provided by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).
Brilliance and Dalingcebo Dlamini will pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in Petroleum Engineering, while Shabangu will undertake a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, specialising in Oil and Gas Technology at the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS).
The scholarships were hailed as a significant outcome of the growing relationship between Eswatini and Azerbaijan with the opportunity emerging from His Majesty King Mswati III’s official visit to Baku in May.
During the visit, the king toured a number of strategic projects, including SOCAR facilities. It was during this engagement that SOCAR pledged to provide scholarships for Emaswati interested in developing expertise in the petroleum and energy sector.
The commitment has now translated into tangible opportunities for the three students. The ministry of natural resources and energy (MNRE) working through the ENPC subsequently advertised the scholarships and conducted a competitive selection process that produced the three successful candidates.
The PM told the students that their opportunity carried responsibilities beyond the classroom.
He challenged the students to excel as SOCAR scholarships open new chapter in Eswatini’s energy ambitions.
The premier urged them to approach their studies with discipline, humility, integrity and determination, warning them against distractions and negative influences, particularly substance abuse.
The prime minister also challenged the students to respect the culture and traditions of their host country, make responsible decisions and support one another throughout their stay in Azerbaijan.
He expressed confidence that they had the ability to excel and said their achievements could pave the way for more Emaswati students to access opportunities created through the growing partnership between the two countries.
“The scholarships are a blessing and the students should remain grateful to God while recognising the role played by His Majesty King Mswati III in cultivating international partnerships for the benefit of Emaswati.
“Make faith a cornerstone of your journey and to keep the Bible close as a source of guidance during your time abroad,” said Dlamini.
The significance of the scholarships extends beyond the three beneficiaries. For a country seeking to strengthen its technical skills base and develop greater capacity in the energy sector, the specialised training represents an investment in human capital at a critical time.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, told the students that their conduct and academic performance would have implications beyond their individual careers.
He emphasised that they would be expected to uphold high standards and that their success could contribute to strengthening the already cordial relations between Eswatini and Azerbaijan.
Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo echoed the call for discipline, dedication and excellence.
He reminded the students that they would effectively become ambassadors of both His Majesty the King and the country.
