Queen Nozizwe Mulela, Managing Director of Eswatini Bank and wife of King Misuzulu KaZwelithini of the Zulu Nation, South Africa, arrived in Ghana on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to participate as the keynote speaker for the 7th edition of the University for Development Studies (UDS) Africa Leadership Lecture Series.

Upon her arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Queen Nozizwe Mulela was warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-hassan, and the Registrar, Mr. Nurudeen Issah Abubakar. The distinguished UDS officials led the Queen’s delegation to pay a courtesy call on the Minister for Education at his office in Accra.

During the courtesy call, Queen Mulela and the Minister exchanged warm pleasantries, setting a cordial and friendly tone for the engagement. Their discussions went beyond formal introductions, delving into fruitful exchanges of ideas on how Ghana and Eswatini, as well as the wider Southern African region, could collaborate to enhance educational opportunities, drive innovation, and foster cultural and academic exchanges between institutions of higher learning in both countries.

The Minister of Education welcomed Queen Mulela to Ghana, expressing his delight at her visit and her role in the prestigious lecture series. He praised her leadership in banking and education initiatives in Eswatini and South Africa, noting that her experiences would provide valuable insights for the academic community in Ghana. The Minister also expressed his personal eagerness to attend the lecture, indicating his desire to listen to her perspective on transformational leadership in Africa.

"I wish you all the best as you prepare for the lecture," he said. "We look forward to learning from your experiences and insights, and I personally hope to be present to hear you speak."

Queen Nozizwe Mulela, in turn, expressed her excitement at being in Ghana, describing the opportunity to speak at the UDS Africa Leadership Lecture Series as both an honor and a privilege. She emphasized the importance of such platforms in bringing together leaders and visionaries from across the continent to share experiences, inspire action, and shape the future of Africa.

“I feel truly honored to be here," Queen Mulela remarked. "To stand on a platform like the UDS Africa Leadership Lecture Series, which has hosted so many distinguished African leaders over the years, is a privilege I deeply cherish. I am looking forward to engaging with the Ghanaian academic community and contributing to discussions that will move Africa forward."

Her visit forms part of activities leading up to the 7th UDS Africa Leadership Lecture Series, a flagship initiative of the University for Development Studies, aimed at celebrating African excellence and leadership while inspiring the next generation.

Queen Mulela’s visit is seen as a symbol of growing bonds between Ghana and the Southern African region, particularly through academic and cultural exchanges. Her address at the Lecture Series is highly anticipated and is expected to draw dignitaries, scholars, students, and members of the diplomatic community.

Story by:
Abdul-Hayi Moomen
(UDS Media)