BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE

MBABANE- Eswatini has officially awarded certificates to the first cohort of Solar PV Installers under the Solar Installer Accreditation Programme, marking a historic milestone in the country’s renewable energy sector. The certificate awarding ceremony took place at Mountain View today, October 31, 2025, and brought together government officials, industry partners, and international representatives.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), and the Directorate of Industrial and Vocational Training (DIVT) under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The programme aims to develop a skilled and regulated workforce capable of safely installing and maintaining solar photovoltaic systems across the country.

Attendees included representatives from the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Embassy of the United States of America, whose support through the Health and Rural Electrification for Africa (HETA) programme was instrumental in funding workshops and technical training that led to the creation of nationally recognized Solar PV qualifications at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 3 and 4.

Macakala Dlamini from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security said, “It gives me great pleasure to stand before you today as we celebrate this important milestone in our journey toward renewable energy development and skills empowerment in Eswatini. Today’s ceremony marks not only the success of our participants but also the strength of partnerships and collaboration that have made this initiative possible.”

The Solar Installer Accreditation Programme was developed in response to challenges in the solar energy sector, including unregulated installations that posed risks to grid stability and safety. Applicants for the certification are required to hold at least a Grade III Electrical Wireman Trade Test Certificate, ensuring that certified installers are highly competent and able to maintain safety and performance standards.

The programme also promotes gender inclusion. Nondumiso Dlamini, the only female to receive a Level 3 certificate, said she was proud to achieve this milestone and encouraged other women to explore careers in the energy sector. Student representative Thandeka Ntombiyekosi Mziyako highlighted the value of the programme in developing critical thinking, collaboration skills, and knowledge about harnessing solar energy responsibly.

Macakala Dlamini concluded, “Today, we celebrate not just individual achievement but the beginning of a new chapter for Eswatini’s renewable energy sector. Certified Solar PV Installers are now ready to contribute to energy access, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Together with our partners, we are lighting the path toward a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future.”

Level 2 Accredited Installers

Name
Surname

Noxolo Ntombikayise
Malandvula

Ettore Pini
Cuter

Simon
Khumalo

Mlungisi
Malaza

Qiniso
Khumalo

Sicelimphilo
Dludlu

Mlandvo Joyful Qiniso
Methula

Mndeni
Gama

Ephraem
Ephraem

Keegan
Young

Siboniso Boy
Mdluli

Thandeka Ntombiyenkhosi
Mziyako

Payot
Silveira

Mcolisi Ndumiso
Dlamini

Thamsanxa Mxolisi
Dlamini

Micheal Nathi
Van Vuuren

Andiswa Nolwazi
Masuku

Siyabonga
Kuhlase

Mduduzi
Ngozo

Sifiso
Simelane

Thabiso
Ntshangula

Bongiswa
Mlotswa

Malik Malachi
McNamara

Level 3 accredited installers

Name (s)
Surname

Lindokuhle Sanele
Khulu

Nhlanhleni Eugene
Shabangu

Mandla
Kunene

Mandla
Simelane

Xolane
Ndzimandze

Nkosingiphile Mthunzi
 Tsabedze

Sanele
Ndzabukelwako

Muzi Nakekelo
Dlamini

Mphumelelo
Nkambule

Banele Gcinumuzi
Tfwala

Sebenele Mathokoza
Msibi

Mkhonzeni
Hlongwane

Mduduzi
Zulu

Muzikayise Mvunulo
Msibi

Thulani
Ngwenya

Wandile Brian
Zwane

⁠Menzi Lloyd
Mahlalela

Delisa
Nkumba

Nondumiso
Dlamini