In Eswatini, water is life, yet providing reliable access to it has long been a challenge. Rising to meet that challenge with vision and determination is Nomahlubi Matiwane, a leader whose career demonstrates how strategy, innovation, and empathy can transform public services. From her academic foundations to her current role as Director of Business Enablement and Corporate Affairs at the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), Matiwane has consistently shown that effective leadership is measured not by titles, but by the tangible impact on people’s lives. Her work has reshaped how water services are delivered across the country, improving both efficiency and community trust.
Matiwane’s academic journey laid the groundwork for her exceptional career. She earned a Bachelor of Social Science in Media and Communications, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Human Resources, and later an MBA. This combination of studies provided her with a unique blend of analytical skill, organizational strategy knowledge, and human insight. It equipped her to navigate complex organizations while maintaining a strong focus on the people they serve. Her education instilled in her the understanding that leadership is not just about directing operations, but about shaping culture and empowering communities.
Her professional journey began at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), where she worked as a communications analyst. At UNFPA, Matiwane gained firsthand experience in stakeholder engagement and policy communication, learning how strategic messaging could influence programs that affected entire communities. These early lessons about the intersection of people, policy, and development became the foundation of her approach to leadership, emphasizing accountability, responsiveness, and collaboration.
In December 2011, Matiwane joined EWSC as Public Affairs Manager, stepping into a role that demanded both operational understanding and strategic vision. Over the years, she held leadership positions in Customer Experience and Human Resources, gaining deep insight into the operational, cultural, and social challenges inherent in managing a national utility. Her ability to integrate efficiency, strategy, and culture distinguished her as a transformative leader within the organization.
As Director of Business Enablement and Corporate Affairs, Matiwane has led significant initiatives that have redefined water service delivery in Eswatini. She spearheaded the rollout of prepaid water metering, providing citizens with greater control over consumption and costs while promoting transparency and accountability. She also championed EWSC’s “Blue Culture” philosophy, embedding customer care and service excellence into the organization’s values and day-to-day operations. Through these initiatives, Matiwane has shown that innovation, when paired with empathy, can profoundly impact both communities and institutional performance.
Matiwane’s influence extends beyond EWSC. She has served on boards such as the Eswatini National Youth Council and SAfAIDS, highlighting her commitment to youth empowerment, social development, and health advocacy. She has also contributed to UN-Habitat initiatives, helping improve water utility performance across Africa. These efforts underscore her belief that leadership should create positive change not only within organizations but across societies, combining professional excellence with social responsibility.
Today, Nomahlubi Matiwane stands as a model of transformative leadership. Her career illustrates what can be achieved when vision, strategy, and empathy intersect. By reimagining how water services are delivered and embedding customer care into organizational culture, she has left a lasting mark on both her institution and the communities it serves. Matiwane’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is measured not by position or title, but by the tangible, enduring impact it creates in the lives of people.
