Locations“Girls Belong in Construction Too”
July 2, 2025
Nomfundo Fakudze poses with dignitaries at the EYEP-CIC event.
The offboarding of 17 graduate interns under the partnership between the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) and the Construction Industry Council (CIC) marked the official launch of the second edition of this impactful collaboration.
Held at Happy Valley Hotel at Ezulwini, today, the event was both a celebration of achievement and a call to action for deeper investment in youth empowerment. Nomfundo Fakudze, one of the interns, expressed heartfelt gratitude to both EYEP – a government initiative funded by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development and supported by UNDP – and CIC.
She highlighted the value of the experience: not just being placed in work environments, but also receiving mentorship, being challenged, and ultimately being empowered.
“For many of us, especially the young women in the programme, this was more than a career stepping stone,” she said, adding: “It told us, and it told the world, that girls belong in construction too.”
Over the six months, the interns gained critical skills in project management, technical operations, safety compliance, communication, and leadership. They were placed in various roles, with 60% serving as site engineer trainees, and the remaining 40% divided equally between quality assurance officer assistants and quantity surveyor assistants.
Ms Gail Groening from Stefanutti Stocks, speaking on behalf of the seven host organizations, described EYEP as a shining example of what strategic partnerships can achieve in nurturing future leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
“By bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application, EYEP equips young professionals with the essential skills, experience, and networks needed to thrive in today’s dynamic professional landscape,” she said.
The Municipal Council of Mbabane absorbed the majority of interns, at 38%, followed by Stefanutti Stocks and Mgcabho Construction, at 19% each, and Echo Architects, Hluma Projects, Siphosabo Construction, and Du Van Developers at 6% each.
The Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Hon. Dr Tambo Gina, was represented by the Principal Secretary, Ms Thabsile Mlangeni. In his remarks, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to turning youth empowerment into a well-resourced priority, as articulated in the 2025 National Budget.
He highlighted key allocations:
E1.2 billion (approx. USD 68 million) for the education sector.
E150 million (approx. USD 9 million) for Technical and Vocational Education.
E60 million (USD 3.4 million) for the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund to support youth-led businesses and innovation
“This is a whole-of-government approach,” he said. “Ministries and agencies are being tasked to report not only on expenditures but real outcomes; jobs created, businesses supported, and youth transitioned into sustainable livelihoods.”
Dignitaries pose with the graduate interns at the event.
Also speaking at the event, UNDP Resident Representative Mr Henrik Franklin thanked MEPD, CIC, and host companies for the fruitful partnership. He emphasised the need for continued efforts to reach more graduates in need of similar opportunities.
“That’s why we are calling on more players across the private sector – not only in construction, but also in fields such as law, finance, communications, design, and administration – to join us in shaping a future where Eswatini’s graduates are empowered, not excluded,” he said.
Franklin further said UNDP proposes the creation of a national forum that brings together industry, academia, and the Ministry of Education and Training to collaboratively address the gap between education outcomes and labour market needs.
“This roundtable platform would not only bring to light the challenges in aligning education outcomes with labour market demands, but also serve as a springboard for co-designing practical, actionable solutions that are data-driven, industry-informed, and youth-centred,” he added.
The Minister of Public Works and Transport, Hon. Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, was represented by Under Secretary Mr Nhlanhla Motsa. He commended the host construction companies for investing in human capital and thanked tertiary institutions for their continued role in building a productive future workforce.