The University of Eswatini (or UNESWA; formerly known as the University of Swaziland, or UNISWA) is the national university of Eswatini.It was established by act of parliament in 1982. The university developed from the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS), formerly known as the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Swaziland (UBBS), which was established in 1964. It became the University of Botswana and Swaziland when the Lesotho campus withdrew to form the National University of Lesotho on 20 October 1975, and then became an independent national university in 1982.The university has eight faculties, which are located in the three campuses of the university. Luyengo campus houses the Agriculture and Consumer Sciences faculties, Mbabane campus is home to the faculty of Health Sciences, and Kwaluseni campus is the main campus. The University of Eswatini is mainly an undergraduate institution, offering bachelor's degrees. There are a few postgraduate programmes including two Ph.D. programmes.The head of the university is the Chancellor, who is His Majesty King Mswati III. Its daily management is the responsibility of the Vice Chancellor, who is Professor Justice Thwala. UNISWA is home to research centers and institutes. The university also publishes research periodicals such as the UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology and the UNISWA Research Journal.
Aluminium triflate, a relatively new addition to the family of metal triflates, showcases a distinctive reactivity profile that sets it apart from traditional Lewis acids such as aluminium chloride (AlCl3), tin (IV) chloride (SnCl4), and boron trifluoride (BF3). Its unique properties make it an attractive candidate for various catalytic applications. Notably, aluminium triflate can be easily prepared and utilised at low catalyst loadings, enhancing its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, its recyclability contributes to sustainable practices, aligning perfectly with the principles of green chemistry. The solubility and stability of aluminium triflate in aqueous media further enhance its appeal, as these characteristics allow for more environmentally friendly reaction conditions. Compared to other catalytic systems, Al(OTf)3 exhibits consistently superior performance, particularly in terms of selectivity and turnover frequency. This superior reactivity makes it a powerful tool in organic synthesis, enabling chemists to achieve desired transformations with greater precision and efficiency. In this comprehensive review, we explore the significant advancements in the application of aluminium triflate as a catalyst in organic transformations from 1985 to 2024. We highlight key studies that demonstrate its versatility across various reaction types, including the formation of carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds. This critical analysis of advancements in this field aims to provide insights into the future potential of aluminium triflate in organic synthesis and its role in advancing sustainable chemistry practices.
This scoping review examines the documented evidence on the implementation of inclusive education policy in Eswatini. It aims to identify the reported barriers between policy intentions and classroom practice, analyse the contributing factors and propose strategies for enhancement. Analysing 13 key documents (policy texts, national reports and local studies) published between 2000 and 2023, the review followed a structured process of identification, screening and thematic analysis. The findings, synthesised directly from the documents, reveal five consistent themes: (1) a documented chasm between policy rhetoric and on-the-ground resources and monitoring; (2) the prevalence of teacher-centered pedagogies incongruent with inclusive principles; (3) the influence of top-down policy development and cultural stigma; (4) significant gaps in teacher preparedness and support; and (5) a rigid, standardised curriculum. The review concludes that without addressing these interconnected systemic, pedagogical and socio-cultural barriers, inclusive education in Eswatini will remain aspirational. It advocates for a paradigm shift towards flexible, learner-centered practices, grounded in stronger theoretical and operational frameworks.
Fertiliser input in annual cropping systems can benefit crops and weeds. The effects of organic and inorganic fertilisers on weed species composition were evaluated across two agroecological zones in Eswatini: the Highveld and the Middleveld. Weed field surveys and weed seed bank studies were conducted over two cropping seasons, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, in fields managed by smallholder farmers practising maize and cattle production. Fertiliser regimes were cattle manure only, cattle manure plus inorganic fertiliser, and inorganic fertiliser only, replicated six times in each region. The weed survey was conducted using three 25-m transects, and the weed seed bank was assessed at sampling depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm. Results showed that cattle manure only and cattle manure plus inorganic fertiliser regimes had higher species richness and diversity than the inorganic fertiliser only regime. However, weed seed distribution did not differ between sampling depths or fertiliser regimes. Twelve weed species, including bermudagrass, crabgrass, and goosegrass, were key contributors to the differences in species composition between fertiliser regimes and agroecological zones, and were the most prevalent weeds in the seed bank. The study established that fertiliser type influences weed species composition and diversity. Proper cattle manure composting is essential to mitigate weed proliferation and enhance sustainable maize production. These findings demonstrate the need for integrated weed management and fertiliser strategies to improve crop yield and agricultural sustainability for smallholder farmers.
The study investigated the effect of climate change on environmental degradation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. Using data sourced from the World Bank indicator from 1990 to 2024, the study constructed indices for climate change and environmental degradation using principal component analysis. The study employed Robust Standard Error Estimation in the Pooled Ordinary Least Squares and Fixed-Effects Panel models to examine the study objectives. However, for the sensitivity analysis, the study used a Driscoll-Kraay Standard Error (DKSE) and Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) estimators to control for cross-sectional dependence and model heterogeneity. The results revealed that climate change significantly negatively affects the environment and trade openness. A variety of climate hazards critically expose 30% of the SADC region to environmental degradation driven by greenhouse gas emissions, and this may significantly reduce crop productivity without adaptation, especially for cereals. In conclusion, the SADC countries desperately need integrated policies and strategies that promote adaptation and mitigation of climate change, renewable energy, and reduced environmental pollution.
The emerging literature on COVID-19 has increasingly recognized families as essential care units, yet limited evidence documents how untrained family caregivers experienced home-based care during acute infection in low-resource settings, and how culturally grounded values may inform caregiver support. This study aimed to describe the lived experiences of family caregivers of COVID-19 patients in the Shiselweni region of Eswatini. A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was employed among ten purposively selected family caregivers, with the final sample size determined by data saturation. Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face, audio-recorded interviews using a pre-tested SiSwati semi-structured interview guide, then analyzed thematically following Colaizzi’s descriptive method. Trustworthiness was strengthened through forward–backward translation and dual coding, and the study adhered to relevant ethical principles. Five themes emerged: (1) emotional and psychological responses to COVID-19 infection, (2) family challenges brought by COVID-19, (3) family support resources, (4) coping with the challenges of COVID-19, and (5) family-perceived caregiving support needs. Findings indicate that caregivers faced substantial emotional and psychological burdens amid fear of infection, limited competence, and inadequate protective equipment. Public health responses should prioritize home-care packages that combine caregiver training, provision of personal protective equipment, and accessible consultation channels; these can be strengthened through islamic ethical principles of rahmah (compassion), amanah (responsibility), and mutual support to protect caregiver wellbeing and family resilience
