Hon. Minister HRH Prince Lonkhokhela Profile

His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela served as CEO of the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) for 24 years before becoming Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Energy.

His Royal Highness began his career at the then Central Bank of Swaziland (now Eswatini) as an Internal Auditor and then moved on to the Research Department, then the Forex Department and finally, the Development Finance Department. In total, he was with the Central Bank for 16 years. In 1999, he joined ENPF as CEO, holding the role until 2023.

The Prince holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from New Hampshire College (USA) as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in International Finance from the same institution. He also holds a BA in Economics from Boston University (USA), and a Diploma is Social Sciences from the Vincennes University (USA). He is also a holder of a Certificate in Pension Schemes from Harvard University (USA). In 2014, the Honourable Minister successfully completed the Executive Programme in Leadership from the University of Stanford (USA).

His Royal Highness holds key leadership positions in various local Boards, including Montigny (Chairperson), Happy Valley Hotel (Chairperson), Old Mutual (Director), the Industrial Development Company of Eswatini (Director), Eswatini Mobile (Director) and Tisuka Taka Ngwane (Director). He has also previously served on the Boards of Eswatini Railways, Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), King’s Trust and Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF).

On 5 November 2023, His Majesty King Mswati III appointed Prince Lonkhokhela as Senator and then, on 13 November, His Majesty appointed His Royal Highness as Honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Energy. The Prince now leads a Ministry whose portfolio encompasses the management of natural resources and providing adequate services in water, minerals, energy, surveying, mapping, conveyancing, registration of real rights in land and valuation; to the public and private sector of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Civil Service work can be highly rewarding- Temabhengu

07 November 2023

Temabhengu Hlophe is an Assistant Economist/Planning Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. Since joining the civil service in December 2020, she has worked on projects with international organisations such as the World Bank. In the latest instalment of our civil servants’ blog, she talks about her role as an economist in Government.

Government Communications (GC): “What is your current job now and what does it entail?”

Temabhengu Hlophe (TH): “I am currently an Assistant Economist/Planning Officer under the Planning Unit at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. My responsibilities include: budgeting (capital and recurrent); coordinating the activities of the Ministry (departments and Parastatals) i.e. preparing budget performance reports; advising on appropriate sectoral policies and ensure that they are consistent with the various strategies implemented by government (SSDIG, NDS, PRSAP, NDP); appraising all project proposals to be included in the Capital Estimates and rolling three-year development plans by undertaking cost benefit or cost effectiveness analysis of project proposals, among others.

The Planning Cadre under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) was established to lead in overall development planning for the country, and monitoring of the economic performance. It does that through the production of national development documents such as the national development strategy/vision, poverty reduction strategy and development plans. It assists Government in formulating, co-ordinating and implementing economic policies, strategies/plans and intervention measures that will effectively and efficiently accomplish the country’s major economic and development objectives. The cadre was also tasked with the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating the impact of development programs and projects in meeting the objectives of the country as set out in the National Development Strategy and National Development Plan.”

GC: “What is the biggest project that you have been involved in working for Government?”

TH: “It is hard to pick one but I have worked with the Energy department on the World Bank Multi-Tier Energy Access Survey which aims at capturing the multidimensional nature of energy access focusing on a range of technologies and sources that can provide energy. This survey will inform future policy aspirations especially towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Ensure access to affordable and clean energy.”

GC: “What do you love the most about working in Government?”

TH: “Working for government can be highly rewarding as it often involves serving the public and contributing to the well-being of society. There are also many opportunities you are exposed to. As a government employee, one gets to work with international organisations and meet different people. With government you even have the opportunity to work with international organisations on contract without having to resign. I also appreciate that Government encourages human capital development by allowing its employees to further their studies on a full time basis while retaining their jobs. Government also has partnerships with training institutions for capacitating her employees with short training courses. I have taken quite a few this year to upskill myself.”

GC: “What do you love the most about your job and profession?”

TH: “Being an economist comes in shades of grey. It offers a lot of opportunities in governments, consultancy and in academia. It promotes and demonstrates strong analytical skills and research ability alongside, by its nature, a strong awareness of current events and their wider impact. Economics are a way of looking at problems, balancing unlimited wants with limited resources and that is something that I apply to my personal life too.”

GC: “What would you say are some of the challenges that come with your job?”

TH: “Government is a social service provider. It is not an income generating entity so as economists we have to bear in mind that a majority of the capital projects government implements will have more social benefits than financial benefits. Working with limited budgets is a major challenge too.”

GC: “What lessons have you learnt working for Government?”

TH: “Have a growth mind-set. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon. Irrespective of one's post or experience, it is important to upskill yourself.”

GC: “What advice would you have for someone who wants to work for Government?”

TH: “Determine your interests and skills to find a role that aligns with your passions and strengths. Government offers a wide range of job opportunities from policy analysis, law enforcement, healthcare, education, finance, tourism and more. Internships are a great way to gain experience and learn about Government processes. Be persistent in your pursuit of your government career and stay committed to your goals.”

GC: “What are your aspirations for the future in Government?”

TH: “I am still new in the Civil Service but I aspire to work under Planning Units in other Ministries to assist/direct me towards the field of Economics I will specialise in when I eventually pursue another MSc degree or PhD.”

--Ends—

Follow Government on social media:

Facebook: Eswatini Government

Twitter: @EswatiniGovern1

Instagram: @eswatini_government

LinkedIn: Eswatini Government

Civil Service work can be highly rewarding- Temabhengu

07 November 2023

Temabhengu Hlophe is an Assistant Economist/Planning Officer in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. Since joining the civil service in December 2020, she has worked on projects with international organisations such as the World Bank. In the latest instalment of our civil servants’ blog, she talks about her role as an economist in Government.

Government Communications (GC): “What is your current job now and what does it entail?”

Temabhengu Hlophe (TH): “I am currently an Assistant Economist/Planning Officer under the Planning Unit at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. My responsibilities include: budgeting (capital and recurrent); coordinating the activities of the Ministry (departments and Parastatals) i.e. preparing budget performance reports; advising on appropriate sectoral policies and ensure that they are consistent with the various strategies implemented by government (SSDIG, NDS, PRSAP, NDP); appraising all project proposals to be included in the Capital Estimates and rolling three-year development plans by undertaking cost benefit or cost effectiveness analysis of project proposals, among others.

The Planning Cadre under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) was established to lead in overall development planning for the country, and monitoring of the economic performance. It does that through the production of national development documents such as the national development strategy/vision, poverty reduction strategy and development plans. It assists Government in formulating, co-ordinating and implementing economic policies, strategies/plans and intervention measures that will effectively and efficiently accomplish the country’s major economic and development objectives. The cadre was also tasked with the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating the impact of development programs and projects in meeting the objectives of the country as set out in the National Development Strategy and National Development Plan.”

GC: “What is the biggest project that you have been involved in working for Government?”

TH: “It is hard to pick one but I have worked with the Energy department on the World Bank Multi-Tier Energy Access Survey which aims at capturing the multidimensional nature of energy access focusing on a range of technologies and sources that can provide energy. This survey will inform future policy aspirations especially towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 – Ensure access to affordable and clean energy.”

GC: “What do you love the most about working in Government?”

TH: “Working for government can be highly rewarding as it often involves serving the public and contributing to the well-being of society. There are also many opportunities you are exposed to. As a government employee, one gets to work with international organisations and meet different people. With government you even have the opportunity to work with international organisations on contract without having to resign. I also appreciate that Government encourages human capital development by allowing its employees to further their studies on a full time basis while retaining their jobs. Government also has partnerships with training institutions for capacitating her employees with short training courses. I have taken quite a few this year to upskill myself.”

GC: “What do you love the most about your job and profession?”

TH: “Being an economist comes in shades of grey. It offers a lot of opportunities in governments, consultancy and in academia. It promotes and demonstrates strong analytical skills and research ability alongside, by its nature, a strong awareness of current events and their wider impact. Economics are a way of looking at problems, balancing unlimited wants with limited resources and that is something that I apply to my personal life too.”

GC: “What would you say are some of the challenges that come with your job?”

TH: “Government is a social service provider. It is not an income generating entity so as economists we have to bear in mind that a majority of the capital projects government implements will have more social benefits than financial benefits. Working with limited budgets is a major challenge too.”

GC: “What lessons have you learnt working for Government?”

TH: “Have a growth mind-set. Knowledge is the most powerful weapon. Irrespective of one's post or experience, it is important to upskill yourself.”

GC: “What advice would you have for someone who wants to work for Government?”

TH: “Determine your interests and skills to find a role that aligns with your passions and strengths. Government offers a wide range of job opportunities from policy analysis, law enforcement, healthcare, education, finance, tourism and more. Internships are a great way to gain experience and learn about Government processes. Be persistent in your pursuit of your government career and stay committed to your goals.”

GC: “What are your aspirations for the future in Government?”

TH: “I am still new in the Civil Service but I aspire to work under Planning Units in other Ministries to assist/direct me towards the field of Economics I will specialise in when I eventually pursue another MSc degree or PhD.”

--Ends—

Follow Government on social media:

Facebook: Eswatini Government

Twitter: @EswatiniGovern1

Instagram: @eswatini_government

LinkedIn: Eswatini Government

      

                                                         

ADVERTISEMENT

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY AND DELIVERY

GROUNDWATER DRILLING RIG, SUPPORT TRUCK, TRUCK MOUNTED AIR COMPRESSOR, PUMPING TEST KIT, DTH BOREHOLE CAMERA AND ACCESSORIES.

for groundwater resource exploration and development service of

the ministry of natural resources and energy.

The Central Transport Administration of The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, invites Tenderers for the supply and delivery of Groundwater Drilling Rig, Support Truck, Truck Mounted Air Compressor, Pumping Test Kit and Accessories. Tender Number 63 of 2022/2023.

Tenders must be enclosed in a sealed envelope.

The Envelope must be marked as follows:

The Secretary

Eswatini Government Tender Board

Treasury Building,

P.O. Box 38

Mbabane.

 

The envelope must be clearly marked with the following words; “Tender for the Procurement of Groundwater Drilling Rig, Support Truck, Truck Mounted Air Compressor, Pumping Test Kit, Borehole Camera and Accessories”, Tender Number 63 of 2022/2023, Do not open envelope before 9th September 2022”.

 

The invitation to tender can be obtained as from the 27th July 2022 at The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy through The Department of Water Affairs, Office 202, 2nd Floor, Millers Mansion Building, Corner of Dzeliwe and Mdada Streets. The tender document costs a non-refundable E500.00 (Five Hundred Emalangeni) payable at any Government Revenue Office under head 531/5004/21132.

The completed tenders must be delivered to the offices of the Eswatini Government Tender Board Treasury Building, Mhlambanyatsi Road, Mbabane, Eswatini. The tender document should comprise One (1) original document and three (3) copies.

Deadline for submission of Tender

The deadline for submission of tender shall be 09:00hrs local time on the 9th September 2022. Late, telegraphic, electronic and faxed tenders will not be considered. Tenderers may attend the opening session.

Tender Opening

The following documents must accompany the Tender document;

  1. Original General Receipt for Five Hundred Emalangeni (E 500.00) for the Tender Document.
  2. A certified copy of an official statement of the Directors, alternative directors, managers and auditors of the company (for Eswatini firms: Form ‘J’).
  3. A certified copy of an official statement of the annual summary of shares capital and shares (for Eswatini firms: Form ‘C’).
  4. Certified Certificate of Incorporation.
  5. A certified copy of relevant current Trading Licence.
  6. An original copy of current Tax Clearance Certificate.
  7. Tender Form and Price Schedule duly signed by authorised person.
  8. A certified VAT registration certificate.
  9. A certified copy of Labour Compliance Certificate.
  10. A certified copy of Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) certificate of compliance.
  11. Declaration of Eligibility Form duly signed by authorised person.
  12. The Tenderers shall furnish, as part of its Tender, a Tender Security of One Hundred Thousand Emalangeni (E100 000.00) in the form of an original bank security bond or duly complete form for tender security as attached.
  13. Police Clearance Certificate for all directors.
  14. Manufacturer’s Authorisation Form.

NOTE:

  1. Foreign Tenderers should provide equivalent documents to all of the above documents.
  2. The Government of Eswatini does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any proposal.

For further information please contact in writing: Ms. Swane Zandile Dlamini; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SECRETARY,

Eswatini Government Tender Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


RELIABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR SHISELWENI

 

IMG 4203

Minister for Natural Resources and Energy making his remarks during the launch.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has officially launched the Network reinforcement and Access Project (NRAP) worth over E700 million. This project will see over 8000 households benefitting The project which is funded by the World Bank was launched by the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Peter Bhembe. The project will go long way in providing reliable electricity supply, as the country strives to attain SDG7 which calls for ensuring access to modern energy for all by 2030. Minster Bhembe highlighted that the project is in line with their majesties’ vision of a first world status for Eswatini which mandates access to electricity for all Emaswati by 2022. The Shiselweni region had in the past been lagging behind in terms of network upgrades and strengthening. The main aim of the project is to improve the quality of electricity supply in the southern part of the country and facilitate access to electricity. During the implementation of the project, it is envisaged that the project shall have positive spillovers to the region by bringing employment opportunities as well as business opportunities both in the short, medium, and long term. The Minister further highlighted that he was hopeful that the project will be a success and benefit all the various sectors and communities in the Shiselweni region. Furthermore, he thanked the Members of Parliament (MPs) for the support they showed towards the implementation of the project as he averred this would develop the Shiselweni region positively. The NRA project would enable Eswatini to be able to produce adequate supply for the country and also sell it to other countries, similar to what South Africa is doing. The power cuts would be a thing of the past in the region as the project would produce enough electricity for the region. Business Eswatini CEO Nathi Dlamini applauded the ministry and the World Bank for implementing the project in the region as he averred that businesses depended entirely on the availability of electricity. He said this project would attract a lot of investors in the Kingdom as a whole. World Bank Representative Nonhlanhla Zindlela stated that she was happy that the project was at its implementation stage as this meant the country was headed in the right direction in terms of development.

OffCanvas Menu