Eswatini Government Statement on liSwati Student Seeking Assistance in Morocco. – The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has been made aware of a social media post by Mr. Xolani Maziya, a liSwati who received a scholarship from the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco to pursue his studies in Morocco. We note the contents of the post and the various assertions that
were made therein.
The Government of Eswatini takes this opportunity to highlight the fact that any, and all, scholarship offers, come with terms and conditions as to the granting of that scholarship. The scholarship that is offered by the Government of Morocco is no different in this regard.
In recognition of the social, cultural and linguistic differences between the two countries, and in an effort to mitigate against some of the issues that are raised by Mr. Maziya, the Government of Morocco enrolls all recipients of their scholarship for a six-month French tuition course through Alliance Frangaise. This course is paid for by the Government of Morocco. This thereafter helps to prepare potential students for tuition in the medium ofi instruction at that student’s respective institution of higher learning.
Having indicated his desire to discontinue his studies to the relevant authorities, and, in line with his scholarship award, the Government of Morocco is in the process of facilitating his return back to Eswatini in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini in Rabat. As this is an outcome that had not been anticipated as the student was supposed to remain in Morocco for a stipulated period of time, this process has been subject to certain procedures by the Government of Morocco, the awarding entity in this case, and the Embassy is awaiting finalisation of the same to ensure his return home.
In addressing the issues that Mr. Maziya raises in his post, the Government of Eswatini has been made aware of the fact that Mr. Maziya verbally informed the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco that his mother had passed on. The sponsor (Morocco) informed the Eswatini Embassy in Morocco about the ‘sad occurrence’ and requested that the Embassy officially reduce this into writing. To that end, the Embassy duly contacted the student about this so that proper procedure could be followed as per
request by the sponsor. Unfortunately, upon enquiry, it transpired that this is not factual. The student was therefore instructed to retract the statement made to the sponsor, of which he duly complied upon understanding that this is tantamount to fraud. This was concerning to the Embassy, and in
extension, to the Government.
The Government of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has made contact with the number on the flyer that was published by Mr. Maziya highlighting his situation and further seeking donations from concerned parties. A certain Mcebo Dlamini, who
responded, was invited to come to Ministry on the 28″ October 2023, to get further information and also to update him on the steps that the Governments of Eswatini and Morocco had done, with regards to resolving this matter.
In this discussion, Mr. Dlamini let it be known that Mr. Maziya wanted to return home in order to secure another scholarship in another preferred destination that he has since been promised. This was said to be done with the assistance of a certain parliamentarian who claimed to be working with
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This is false as the Ministry does not have any knowledge of the said parliamentarian.
Further, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation does not facilitate scholarships on an individual basis, but enters into bilateral agreements with countries to provide scholarships for all emaSwati.
Notwithstanding all the above, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini remains committed to assisting all emaSwati students in the pursuit of their aspirations to further their studies, within and outside our borders. We shall continue to assist emaSwati to do so, and, further foster understanding of the various nuances related to the different scholarships that are offered in this regard.
By way of conclusion, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini encourages emaSwati to make use of official channels of communication for
the redress of any issues that may arise for emaSwati on their travels. We are hopeful that the process for Mr. Maziya’s repatriation shall be completed through the use of the established bilateral channels.
We also take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the Government of Morocco for extending the sponsorship to Eswatini students to study in Morocco, while extending Eswatini’s sincere and unreserved apologies to the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco for this. In our dealings with the Government of Morocco, we have always prioritised truth, respect, and
mutual appreciation and understanding. We therefore wish to take this opportunity to renew to the Government of Morocco the assurances of our highest consideration.
ALPHEOUS NXUMALO
Government Spokesperson
