Govt leaders to gather for REDI’s company secretaries convention

MOMENTUM continues to build ahead of the country’s highly anticipated first National Convention of Company Secretaries, with governance professionals, legal experts, corporate leaders and compliance practitioners preparing to converge at Pigg’s Peak Hotel from tomorrow to Thursday.

Organised by REDI Consulting, Training and Expert Advice, the convention is expected to mark a turning point in the country’s corporate governance landscape as it places the spotlight on the increasingly strategic role of company secretaries in strengthening institutions and driving organisational accountability.

Held under the theme, ‘Company Secretaries Enhancing Governance, Empowering Corporates,’ the two-day gathering comes at a time when organisations across both the public and private sectors are facing growing pressure to improve transparency, ethical leadership and compliance standards.

With preparations entering the final stages, organisers say interest in the inaugural convention has exceeded expectations, reflecting the growing recognition of governance as a critical pillar of sustainable development.

A TIMELY CONVERSATION FOR MODERN ORGANISATIONS

In today’s fast-changing business environment, governance professionals are no longer confined to administrative functions.

Company secretaries are increasingly expected to guide boards on governance risks, regulatory obligations, ethical conduct and strategic accountability.

According to governance experts, organisations that fail to prioritise governance often expose themselves to financial, legal and reputational risks that can undermine long-term sustainability.

The upcoming convention seeks to address these realities by creating a platform for dialogue, collaboration and professional development among governance practitioners.

Participants are expected to explore a wide range of issues, including:

• Board effectiveness

• Ethical leadership

• Corporate compliance

• Governance in State-owned enterprises

• Risk management

• Regulatory developments

• Artificial intelligence and governance

• Institutional accountability

Organisers believe these discussions are essential as Eswatini continues efforts to strengthen institutions and improve corporate performance across sectors.

REGIONAL EXPERTS TO SHARE GOVERNANCE INSIGHTS

The convention will feature respected governance specialists and corporate leaders from Eswatini and South Africa, bringing together extensive expertise in company secretarial practice, law, banking, ethics and board leadership.

Among the keynote speakers is Trevor Sithole, Chairperson and Company Secretary Director of First Corporate Secretaries in South Africa, who is expected to speak on evolving governance trends and the strategic contribution of company secretaries in modern organisations.

Also taking centre stage will be Eswatini Bank Managing Director and former Company Secretary at Standard Bank, Dr Noziwe Mulela.

Her participation is expected to provide valuable insights into how governance frameworks contribute to organisational growth, institutional stability and executive decision-making.

Legal and governance expert Advocate Sifiso S. Nyoni, former Head of Legal and Board Secretariat at Brand South Africa, is also expected to engage delegates on governance accountability, legal compliance and board oversight responsibilities.

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL GOVERNANCE LEADERSHIP

The convention will also showcase local governance professionals who continue to shape corporate governance standards within Eswatini.

Tibiyo TakaNgwane Corporate Secretary Nonhlanhla Shongwe is expected to share practical experiences from her work in institutional governance and board leadership, while former Central Bank of Eswatini executive Refiloe Mamogobo will contribute perspectives from the financial regulatory environment.

REDI Chief Executive and governance expert Dr Sikhomba Gumbi, who is serving as programme convenor, says the convention aims to strengthen the professional standing of company secretaries while promoting governance excellence across industries.

“This convention is about recognising governance professionals as strategic partners in organisational success,” he said ahead of the event.

“Strong governance is no longer optional. It is essential for sustainable growth, investor confidence and institutional resilience.”

ETHICS AND TECHNOLOGY TO SHAPE DISCUSSIONS

One of the major talking points expected at the convention is the growing impact of technology and artificial intelligence on governance systems.

As organisations increasingly adopt digital systems and AI-driven tools, governance professionals are being called upon to understand new ethical and regulatory challenges emerging from technological transformation.

UNESWA Coordinator of the Artificial Intelligence Academy Professor S.S. Motsa is expected to lead discussions on how artificial intelligence is influencing governance practices, compliance monitoring and organisational decision-making.

Experts say the conversation is particularly relevant as companies seek to balance innovation with accountability, privacy protection and ethical responsibility.

The inclusion of ethics scholar and REDI Chief Operations Officer Thembayena Dlamini is also expected to deepen conversations around values-based leadership and ethical corporate culture.

STRENGTHENING ESWATINI’S GOVERNANCE CULTURE

Observers say the convention arrives at a crucial time for Eswatini’s corporate sector, where institutions are increasingly recognising the need for stronger governance frameworks and professional governance support.

Good governance is widely seen as a foundation for economic growth, investor confidence, institutional credibility, risk reduction, public trust and sustainable development.

By creating a dedicated platform for governance professionals, the convention is expected to contribute toward building stronger institutions capable of responding effectively to modern governance challenges.

Participants are also expected to benefit from networking opportunities that could strengthen collaboration among governance practitioners across sectors.

A HISTORIC FIRST FOR THE PROFESSION

The inaugural National Convention of Company Secretaries is being described as a historic milestone for the profession in Eswatini.

For many practitioners, it represents long-overdue recognition of the important role company secretaries play in supporting boards, guiding compliance processes and strengthening accountability systems.

The event is also expected to inspire greater investment in governance training and professional development within organisations.

As anticipation builds ahead of the convention, stakeholders say the gathering has the potential to shape governance conversations well beyond the two-day programme.

With governance increasingly viewed as a strategic necessity rather than an administrative obligation, the convention may signal the beginning of a new era for corporate leadership and institutional accountability in Eswatini.

For governance professionals, legal practitioners and corporate leaders alike, all eyes will now be on Pigg’s Peak Hotel this week as the country hosts what is expected to become one of the most important governance platforms on the national calendar.