"A theme was developing on our trip to the Kingdom of Swaziland involving the number 13. Lucky for King, Mswati III who has said number of wives, unlucky for me as this is the number of cows I was told that I was apparently worth!" said Fiona Murie. "I had expected many more and despite attempts to inject other criteria to increase the ‘cow count’, I was unsuccessful! The same could not be said for our time working with the Government of Swaziland," Fiona explained.

"Appointed by the Commonwealth Secretariat, myself and fellow Director, Sarah Goodwin spent nearly three weeks conducting a training needs assessment for senior leadership development in Swaziland. This is central to helping Swaziland achieve its Vision for 2022, ensuring Principal Secretaries have vibrant, political and technical leadership to work collaboratively towards clearly articulated national outcomes."

Click on the 'Gallery' tab at the left hand side to see photographs from our time in Swaziland.
Based in the capital, Mbabane, we worked with Principal Secretaries and their deputies, across 22 different ministries. We conducted at total of 33 interviews focusing on each individual’s competence as a leader and this was complimented by an electronic survey to assess the leadership capability. After analysis, a composite report was written to identify strengths and areas for development and make recommendations so that a leadership development strategy could be agreed.

Our work culminated in a workshop with all those involved to discuss leadership theory, feedback the results of the assessment, validate recommendations and agree the next steps. All of the 25 recommendations were confirmed and it was suggested that the same exercise is run for all Ministers. We continue to work with Janet Kathyola and her team in the Commonwealth Secretariat to provide assistance as required.

Despite working long hours, there was some time to enjoy the sunshine and see Swaziland. Although it is now autumn, the temperature was a very pleasant 22 °c so whilst the locals thought it was cold and wore jumpers, we thought it was hot and hit the air-con. I went horse-riding for the first time and Geronimo and I bonded well. At 13ish hands (that number again) he took me on an hour long trek through a beautiful valley, where I learned the basics.

We were also fortunate to go on safari where we saw 41 different animals and birds. It was fantastic and an experience we will never forget made even more special because we had lunch with Ted Riley, the owner of the game park. Swaziland owes the creation and survival of three of its major wildlife sanctuaries to him.

What makes Swaziland special? The answer is many things, but predominantly the people who were without exception so welcoming, respectful and happy. It was a joy to see so many smiling faces every day and a huge contrast to our normal lives back home. We made many friends and would like to say a massive thank you to those who orchestrated this project. This includes Under Secretary, Mbongeni Similane who’s office we invaded most days and set up base-camp, Joanna and all the secretaries and officers who helped organise us. However, there was one very special person who became known as our Swazi husband - Bernard our driver for the three weeks. The man with the biggest smile we have ever seen, has probably still not recovered from the experience of ferrying us to and from meetings on a daily basis.

Overall, the project was a success and we achieved all of the objectives set. We feel privileged to have worked with the Government of Swaziland and to have met so many wonderful people. Let’s just hope we are fortunate to return soon.