Harnessing the Spirit of Nkwe: The Power of the Portfolio Career
In Eswatini, Nkwe is our driving force. As our economy evolves, the days of waiting for one “permanent and pensionable” vacancy at a large firm are shifting. To thrive today, we must adopt the Spirit of Nkwe: the art of the Portfolio Career. This aligns with the recent call from His Majesty King Mswati III, who urged Emaswati to be industrious and “run” toward any opportunity to work, rather than sitting idle. His Majesty’s vision is clear: a nation that moves is a nation that prospers.
Beyond the “Big Wait”
A portfolio career is a deliberate professional strategy where you manage a collection of different roles, it is a strategy where you manage a collection of different roles; freelancing, consultancy, or small-scale trade, rather than one single job. For a local jobseeker, this might mean managing social media for a boutique, bookkeeping for a Malkerns farm, and tutoring online.
Waiting for one “big” vacancy is high-risk. If that door remains closed, you remain stagnant. The Nkwe strategy offers:
- Resilience: If one contract ends, you have others. You are never left with zero income.
- Skill Growth: Diversification makes you a “Swiss Army Knife” of talent.
- Agility: You can pivot quickly as new industries emerge in the Kingdom.
Managing the Hunt
To manage multiple streams, you must be disciplined. Identify an “Anchor Skill”; your most stable income source, and build others around it. In Eswatini, reputation is currency. Treat every small gig as an audition for a long-term partnership.
Small opportunities are the building blocks of a massive career. They provide the “social proof” that you are reliable. When a major vacancy finally appears, it will go to the Nkwe who is already active and proven. As His Majesty encouraged, do not wait, run toward the work.

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