Major media outlets in Eswatini, led by the Eswatini Daily, have hailed the conferral of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters on Queen Nozizwe Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, by Ghana’s University for Development Studies (UDS) as a national moment of pride and international recognition of excellence.

In a report published on Sunday, April 27, Eswatini Daily correspondent Kwanele Dhladhla captured the emotional and celebratory mood of the prestigious event, held at the UDS Tamale Campus on April 26. The newspaper praised the recognition of Queen Mulela's leadership and her groundbreaking role in Eswatini’s banking and development landscape.

According to the Eswatini Daily, the atmosphere at the UDS Multipurpose Auditorium was “electric with excitement, pride, and celebration” as thousands gathered to witness the April 2025 Graduation Ceremony. Queen Mulela’s conferment was described as the high point of the occasion, where she stood tall among over 2,600 graduating students from across Ghana and beyond.

The paper noted that Queen Mulela was deeply moved by the honour, dedicating it to her late mother, Professor Lydia Makhubu, a pioneering scholar and the first woman in Eswatini to earn a doctorate. “This moment is bittersweet because I know my dear mother, my biggest supporter, is celebrating in spirit,” she said, adding, “I carry her pride and her dreams with me today.”

The UDS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, in his keynote address, underscored the values of perseverance and transformation, qualities embodied in Queen Mulela’s journey. The citation presented to her highlighted her historic 2022 appointment as the first female Managing Director of Eswatini Bank, breaking a six-decade barrier.

The Eswatini Daily further quoted Queen Mulela’s inspiring words: “Follow your dreams. Put in the work. Take up space and do it unapologetically. You are worthy.” The newspaper celebrated her message of hope, resilience, and faith as one that resonates with women and youth across Eswatini.

Public reaction in Eswatini has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages from national figures, colleagues, and admirers. Among them were Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba, who commended her as a beacon of inspiration, and seasoned journalist Simon Shabangu, who described her achievement as “a milestone for the nation.”

The Eswatini Daily article also gave tribute to Professor Makhubu’s rich legacy as a scientist, academic leader, and international advocate for women in science, a legacy now carried forward by her daughter on the global stage.

As the news of Queen Mulela’s honorary degree continues to trend, Eswatini media have made it clear: this is not just a personal victory for Queen Mulela, but a proud moment for the Kingdom of Eswatini. Her achievement at UDS has elevated the profile of the nation and reignited conversations about women’s leadership and the power of legacy.

Story by:
Abdul Hayi Moomen
UDS Media