Chevening scholarship reflections from Eswatini alumni

The Chevening Scholarship has a wide imprint in Eswatini, with well over 100 alumni based in different sectors of society. 

As you consider advancing your education with a UK postgraduate qualification, it is perhaps important that we find inspiration from some of these alumni.

So, I did just that. I asked 17 current Chevening scholars and alumni from Eswatini on the impact of the Chevening scholarship on their lives, both professionally and personally. This is what they had to say, in their own words: 

1. Mvuselelo Fakudze, Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, University of Strathclyde, 1996/1997:

"The Chevening scholarship gave me an opportunity to increase my world view at a very early stage of my career as it placed me in a first world country and helped me interact with students from all corners of the world. It was also a stepping stone towards becoming a Chartered Accountant which at the time the Scholarship could not sponsor due to high failure rate. It further inspired me to make a contribution to my country."

2. Sharon Martins, Master's in International Studies & Diplomacy, School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London, 2019/2020:

"Receiving my Master's degree through the Chevening scholarship gave me the confidence to speak up in rooms I never thought I'd step into. Whilst studying in the UK, I had the opportunity to travel with my classmates to the United Nations offices in Geneva where I was selected by classmates to give a speech. That moment changed my life- a girl from Eswatini addressing leaders in Geneva- it was a dream come true. It boosted my confidence and made me believe in myself in a new, refreshing way. I bring that same confidence to any and every room I walk into even today- I speak up and believe that I deserve to be listened to. I no longer look around for someone with a smarter opinion- I trust in the knowledge set gained from my studies and the wealth of information received from fellow students and I use it as and where necessary. I am a stronger and more well rounded professional today because of Chevening."

3. Sephutile Mhlongo, MSc Business & Management, University of Stirling, 2020/21:

"The Chevening scholarship allowed me to consolidate my varied experience in education, health care, and public policy into one cohesive story that I could take forward into my professional journey while also adding some leadership and strategic management knowledge and insights. Secondly, it provided me with a professional reset and an opportunity to reconfigure what was most important me. Even though I was working on my academics, this period allowed me to take a break from my professional life and to make time to enjoy life: go to the park, enjoy watching the different flowers bloom in spring, in the summer, as well as really think about how I wanted the next five, ten years to look like for myself."

4. Manqoba Shabangu, MSc International Finance and Economics, Bournemouth University, 2019/20:

"For me the benefit of Chevening has been twofold. Firstly, I was able to build and solidify social relationships in the UK that are promising in a professional manner. The Chevening experience has widened my horizon of opportunities both locally and abroad. Secondly, when I took up my Chevening scholarship, it was my view that I had reached my "glass ceiling" professionally. Having acquired my MSc, that glass ceiling has been removed altogether- I am in management now and perceive myself to have endless possibilities. And I think that's been the greatest part of it: the ability to choose what you want to do and have options to adjust and pivot as you go along professionally."

5. Bantu Mabaso, MSc in Environmental Sustainability, University of Edinburgh, 2021/22:

"Chevening has been really great for both my personal and professional growth. It has been great for my career trajectory in the sense that through my Chevening experience I was able to complete my Master's and get skills that I don't think I would have been able to acquire anywhere else. Also, I was able to build a great network in just a year. I met a lot of people who work in different areas and I was able to learn from them but also build relationships with them. I still rely on that network. I relied on that network to help guide me towards opportunities that I could go for. It is true that Chevening is a really powerful network to have. Personally, my time in the UK really pushed me out of my comfort zone. While I was in the UK I got to explore, be self sufficient, and learn to be a go-getter. I find that now I am much more adventurous. I am much more willing to explore or go into something that I had never done before because I have had a whole year of practicing to just have the courage to put myself out there."

6. Musa Lewis Nhlabatsi, MSc Health Research, Bournemouth University, 2022/23:

"The Chevening scholarship offered me a lifetime opportunity to come to the UK and experience a world-class health research education, a speciality I am passionate about. At the same time, it has allowed me to develop my leadership skills through the extracurricular activities they offer for the Chevening scholars. While pursuing my studies, I was able to access the extensive network of leaders from all over the world who are part of the Chevening program, and we share ideas on how we can work towards improving sustainability goals in our respective countries. Being a Chevening scholar has allowed me to embrace our diversity as a people and inculcated the culture of international collaboration in solving our global challenges."

7. Teetee Zwane, Master of Arts in Governance and Development, University of Sussex, 2015/16:

"My time in the UK exposed me to what the world has to offer in terms of diverse cultures, different life experiences, and networking opportunities. I made lifelong friendships and connections with colleagues from different countries, backgrounds and professions. The experience helped me strengthen my confidence and belief in myself and my capabilities. Chevening really gave me a life changing experience that continues to drive my determination to inspire change and make a valuable contribution towards the advancement of human rights in Eswatini."

8. Nkosinathi Mavimbela, MA Economics, University of Essex, 2020/21:

"Being around a group of highly motivated individuals doing meaningful work in their different fields definitely changed my outlook on the work that I do. It increased my self belief and motivation to do more for myself, the work that I do, and also an increased willingness to see and assist the people around me achieve more. The time spent studying abroad and being exposed to a diverse group of individuals also enhanced my overall understanding of diversity, inclusion, and tolerance."

9. Nozipho Nomzana Mziyako, MSc Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, Birkbeck, University of London, 2020/2021:

"Through the Chevening scholarship, I have learnt to be resilient and have adopted an agile mindset. I am part of the group that was awarded the Chevening scholarship during the COVID-19 pandemic. When I made the decision to still grab the opportunity and go for it amid a lot of uncertainties throughout the world, I knew that I would not only be going there to ‘learn’ but going there to succeed and make the most of my experience regardless of what was happening. This came with, for example, learning to interact, work with, and live with diverse individuals & being balanced. It came with my character being shaped to be self-reliant while also understanding and appreciating the importance of a community and healthy relationships as they are tied to my growth, success, and health. The skills I gained through the Chevening scholarship are helping me communicate and present myself better, and get more things done. They are helping me bloom wherever I am planted; a great advantage for both my career and personal life."

10. Mfomfo Nkambule, MSc Food Technology, University of Lincoln, 1993:

"It was a great experience for me. There were other nationalities in my university life. Other than the Brits there were those from Greece, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, etc, in my class. British politics were very interesting because the Labour party was getting ready to govern. Culturally it was a great shock for me. Some lecturers told me to consider taking politics after finishing my science studies. The opportunity prepared me for the international community. I began developing interest in rugby and now I am a fan of the cricket sport. I will forever be grateful to the British government for the assistance extended to countries like Swaziland/Eswatini who benefit a lot from such assistance."

11. Mzameni Mpanza, MSc Marketing, Loughborough University, 2016/17:

"The 'Chevening factor' has boosted my personal brand in ways I have never imagined as both a prospective employee (my previously rich CV is now "richer" with Chevening in the mix) and in my own capacity as an entrepreneur, where it has inspired a potent evolution of thought and outlooks in life. It has had the tone and direction of many conversations changing the moment my "Chevening factor" pops up. It ushered me into a world of endless opportunities by richly expanding my network thus exposing me to new and different ways and schools of thought which I have tirelessly leveraged for my own personal growth and that of my community and my country, eSwatini at large."

12. Maserame Mtshali, MSc Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health, Nottingham Trent University, 2021/22:

"The Chevening Scholarship has taken me numerous steps closer to my dream of practicing as a Mental Health Practitioner and facilitate healthier wellbeing one person at a time. Getting the scholarship and being able to not just study in but explore the UK and its culture in the most fulfilling way possible was such a surreal experience. There are still many hurdles to cross on the way to my dream but what keeps me going is that Chevening gave me hope and believed in my vision, literally throwing me a stepping stone towards it. If Chevening FCDO believes in the dream, who am I to question it!"

13. Joy Nokuthula Mdlovu, Msc International Development: Development Management, University of Manchester, 2021/22:

"The Chevening scholarship has helped me become more confident of my own place in the development policy arena. I am now able to think strategically and look at development from all spheres. The fact that I witnessed inclusive development first-hand in the UK has broadened my imaginative thinking of what the end-goal of development policy should look like. Chevening's emphasis of networking has also made me more intentional in all my relationships (work or personal). I now perceive ALL relationships as an asset. From my Chevening network, I no longer find any task impossible, I always have someone at my disposal with the needed skills or to connect me with the right person (skills that I would otherwise pay a fortune for!). The fact that Chevening exposed me to a multicultural network has also made me even more confident of forming relationships with people from all walks of life!"

14. Sibusiso Siyaya, MSc Finance and Investment, University of Essex, 2019/2020:

"My interactions with other scholars in my cohort provided me with a fresh perspective of how I view some of the challenges in my professional field and that these are not experienced only in my country. The interactions enabled me to establish strong relationships. I am pleased that in the one year studying in the UK I was able to make meaningful connections with scholars from across the world. Professionally, the scholarship provided the opportunity to study in a “class room like no other” where the approach to teaching is both theoretical and practical. I had the opportunity to attend seminars and lectures delivered by leading practitioners in my field who were able to close the gap between theory and practice. I am again pleased to say that a year after completing my master's I was able to move into the core function of financial markets activities which involves investment portfolio analysis, a role that is giving me the platform to practicalise some of the theoretical concepts of my master’s degree."

15. Lindokuhle Mthupha, MSc Marketing and Brand Management, Nottingham Trent University, 2022/23:

"Personally, the Scholarship has provided me with an incredible opportunity to expand my horizons, experience different cultures, and develop a global perspective. I have been exposed to a diverse and multicultural environment, enabling me to engage with people from various backgrounds and gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives, perspectives that shape our future. Moreover, the Scholarship has empowered me to become a more confident and well-rounded individual. Through its emphasis on leadership development, I had the chance to participate in workshops, events, and networking opportunities at my university that honed my leadership skills and broadened my professional network. It has also broadened my perspectives, enabling me to approach challenges with a more innovative and a global mindset. The Scholarship has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to give back to my community. I am now equipped with unwavering determination to catalyze positive change in Eswatini and create a lasting impact. It has truly been the springboard propelling me towards an extraordinary future."

16. Nongabisa Mkhabela, Masters in Public Health (Global Health), University of Nottingham 2021/22:

"I think the Chevening experience helped me gain exposure to the different cultures and people that make up our wonderful human race. It expanded my circle of friends as well as my professional network. I'm proud to know so many people from different corners of the world who are putting in the work in helping the world be a better place; movers, shakers and future leaders of the world. And dare I say, I believe I met a few future prime ministers and presidents."

17. Gugu Nkambule, MA Corporate Communication, Bournemouth University, 2016/2017:

"Being awarded the Chevening Scholarship was definitely a game changer. It opened doors both in my personal & professionally development.

My Chevening journey experiences have literally exposed me to endless network connections and opportunities that have catapulted me to thrive towards influencing transformation in others to become agents of change and influence. I'm always discovering limitless career & personal growth opportunities that come with being part of the Chevening Community, a network for life."

So, there you have it. You've heard from fellow emaSwati who have walked this Chevening journey. Why not take the leap of faith, as well? Applications for the Chevening scholarship will reopen around August 2023. All the best as you apply!

By: Sibongiseni Zondi (Chevening Social Media Ambassador)

NB: Sibongiseni Zondi writes this blog in his personal capacity. The views expressed here do not represent the views of the Chevening Scholarship Secretariat, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Chevening partners.

Zondi is a 2022/23 Chevening Scholarship recipient pursuing a Master's Degree in Public Relations and Digital Communications at the University of Salford, in Manchester, United Kingdom. 

Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarships and fellowships programme. Chevening Scholarships are awarded by the UK Government to develop international leaders.