

10 February 2026,
This morning at the Manzini Nazarene Practicing School, the whir of a hard drive and the soft glow of a monitor screen weren’t just sounds and sights of technology, they were the heartbeat of a new promise. In a move that beautifully wove corporate renewal with educational aspiration, Business Eswatini (BE) and Southern Star Logistics handed over a donation that will redefine classroom learning: 28 desktop computers, 15 monitors, and 8 laptops.
The ceremony was more than a simple handover; it was a powerful story of how the private sector can look beyond balance sheets to directly touch the lives that shape tomorrow. Mr. E.Nathi Dlamini, CEO of Business Eswatini, stood before the students, his presence a testament to a fundamental belief. “We always encourage the private sector to collaborate with society,” he said, framing the moment within BE’s broader mission to build bridges between commerce and community. He saw in the young faces not just students, but future innovators. “Because of companies like Southern Star,” he reflected, “inspiring them to reach out, I think they now have a head start in their lives.” His voice carried a call to action for every business in earshot, urging a collective effort to build a world “filled with hope,” led by a private sector that shows it genuinely cares for the society it operates within.
The genesis of this donation came not from a warehouse of new gadgets, but from the natural evolution of a modern business. Southern Star Logistics, in its own upgrade cycle, found itself with equipment that had served its purpose but still held immense potential. “As we upgrade in our business, some of the computers become obsolete,” explained Managing Director Nic De Waal. But where some saw outdated machines, he saw a unique opportunity. In a conversation with the school’s deputy, a brilliant idea was born: why not let the learners understand the technology from the inside out?
This led to a remarkable pact. The donated computers would not merely be used; they would be opened, explored, and rebuilt. “I hope this will be adding value for all the kids,” De Waal said, before revealing his personal expectation: a promise from a teacher that in one month, he would be called back to see a computer that the students had fully refurbished with their own hands. What was once considered obsolete was now a toolkit for curiosity, a puzzle for problem-solving minds.
For the Head Teacher and the entire school community, the donation resonated as a profound investment. “This is far more than equipment,” he expressed with deep gratitude. The school’s vision to use technology as a lever for success suddenly had the tangible tools to become reality. These devices will propel students beyond passive theory into active practice, cultivating the critical thinking, innovation, and confidence needed to navigate the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, the sustainable act of refurbishment teaches a parallel lesson in environmental stewardship and resourcefulness, values as crucial as any digital skill.
Ultimately, this story is about bridging divides. It bridges the digital divide, ensuring that access to technology and the fluency it demands is not a privilege but a growing right for every learner in Eswatini. It bridges the gap between business and community, showcasing a model of partnership where corporate resources fuel social progress. And perhaps most importantly, it bridges the present to a future where today’s students, empowered by practical skills and ignited by possibility, are ready to lead, create, and build the world they deserve.