THE Examinations Council of Eswatini (ECESWA) wants to put a stop to the annual examinations fees increase.
Yesterday ECESWA launched its five-year Strategic Plan pledging that examination fees for pupils will not rise significantly over the period.
The plan, which runs from 2026-2031, focuses on modernising assessment services, enhancing institutional credibility, and introducing diversified revenue streams to reduce reliance on traditional exam fees.
ECESWA Chief Executive Officer Dr Mandla Dlamini said examination fees would remain a necessary component of the Council’s operations, but will be managed carefully to avoid burdening pupils.
“Examination fees will always be there as long as there are exams. However, we are committed to cushioning our clients by exploring other sources of revenue so that annual fees do not increase significantly,” Dlamini said.
He emphasised that without proactive measures, fees could rise substantially, but the strategic plan provided mechanisms to mitigate such increases.
Central to this strategy was the Council’s vision of financial sustainability, which is one of five key focus areas outlined in the new Strategic Plan alongside digital transformation, assessment excellence, institutional capacity and strategic partnerships.
“With additional income streams, it will be possible for the Council not to increase exam fees exorbitantly,” Dlamini explained.
The plan would employ a robust framework of key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with the balanced scorecard (BSC) system, ensuring that operational priorities are met while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Diversifying ECESWA’s revenue sources would be a central pillar of the new plan. Leveraging the Council’s existing assets, the CEO revealed that ECESWA would explore property rental ventures, such as constructing flats for public accommodation and potentially developing event and meeting facilities.
“Within the five years, the Council will determine the best approach. The goal is not to heavily rely on exam fees,” he said. ECESWA has over the years also survived on government subventions, though such has always been characterized by fluctuations.
In addition to property ventures, ECESWA planned to generate income through branded merchandise, including T-shirts, umbrellas, pens, bags, cooler bags, caps, tracksuits, and pencil cases. An in-house store would facilitate these sales, creating a consistent revenue stream.
The Council also aims to sell past examination papers directly, offering them at more affordable prices than current retail outlets, thus benefiting pupils while supplementing operational funding.
The Strategic Plan emphasised efficiency, professionalism, and the use of technology across all operations.
Dlamini highlighted the ‘Nkwe spirit’, which underpinned service delivery, ensuring tasks such as providing replacement exam certificates or results symbols are completed within three weeks.
The plan also envisioned digital transformation to reduce paper usage, streamline internal processes, and minimise operational costs.
“Our strategy is modelled on best practices from regional partners, including Zambia, while adapted to meet Eswatini’s specific needs,” Dlamini said.
By incorporating lessons from other countries, the Council aims to align its operations with both local and international assessment standards, reinforcing public confidence in national qualifications.
ECESWA’s transformation into a State-owned enterprise in 2023 under the Examinations Council of Eswatini Act has strengthened its governance and operational framework.
The Strategic Plan builds on this foundation, positioning the Council as a technologically advanced, stakeholder-centric institution committed to delivering credible, high-quality assessments.
The Council’s secretariat, led by the CEO, will coordinate the operationalisation of the plan through its four core departments: product development, standards and research (pdsr), examination administration and results processing (earp), finance, and the CEO’s Office.
Dlamini explained that the plan’s financial impact has not yet been fully quantified but will be informed by annual revenue projections, which depend largely on the number of students taking exams each year.
Historically, examination fees account for approximately 80% of the Council’s revenue, covering essential costs such as exam setup and paper printing. By developing alternative income sources, the Council aims to stabilise finances while enhancing service delivery and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2023–2028 and the Government Programme of Action (PoA) 2024–2025, ECESWA’s Strategic Plan supported national social and economic transformation.
It seek to modernise assessment systems, strengthen institutional capacity, and maintain the integrity and credibility of the country’s education system.
“The plan provides a measurable roadmap for success,” reads an excerpt from the Strategic Plan document, “through clear objectives, targets, and Key Performance Indicators. It ensures informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and accountability in all aspects of our operations.”
The Council’s commitment to innovation and stakeholder-focused service is expected to enhance its reputation as a trusted regional examination authority.
Through strategic investments, technology-driven processes, and diversified income streams, ECESWA aims to uphold high standards in assessment while limiting the financial impact on students.
Furthermore, the document states that ‘this Strategic Plan positions ECESWA not only to deliver credible and high-quality assessments but also to operate sustainably, efficiently, and responsively. Our focus on long-term planning ensures that we remain a reliable pillar of Eswatini’s education system for years to come’.
