BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– Students in rural Eswatini are now enjoying access to clean and safe water following a partnership between Select Limited and the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS).
The collaboration has resulted in the installation of 11 water tanks across rural schools, a move that is improving hygiene, saving time, and creating better learning conditions.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Select Limited Customer Service Manager Nomcebo Ginindza commended BERCS for its role in ensuring the smooth implementation of the project. “We are grateful to Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society for supporting us throughout this initiative. Together, we are helping communities thrive and giving children a chance to learn with dignity,” Ginindza said.
She also highlighted Select Limited’s broader commitment to Corporate Social Investment (CSI), revealing that the company has contributed around E1 million to initiatives including school renovations, donations of uniforms and shoes, hospital bedding, and now, water tanks for rural schools.
The E150,000 water tank project was implemented in collaboration with BERCS, which managed logistics and installation to ensure accountability and efficiency.“The tanks are already in use. Access to water means children can focus on learning instead of walking long distances to fetch it. Water is essential for hygiene, dignity, and education,” Ginindza added.
BERCS General Secretary Danger Nhlabatsi praised the partnership as an example of how collaboration between the private sector and humanitarian organisations can impact communities positively. “Schools cannot function properly without water. This project restores hope and allows children to learn in dignity,” Nhlabatsi said.
Beneficiary schools welcomed the project. Sthembile Nxumalo Nkambule, Head Teacher of Malindza Primary School, said the water tanks arrived at a critical time. “Our previous tanks were broken. Now, students have water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, which improves both hygiene and learning,” she said.
The schools benefiting from the project include Mcuba Primary, Lonhlalane Primary, Ludzibini High, Florance Academy Primary, Madulini High, Mentiwa High, Mavalela Primary, Malindza Community Primary, Lomveshe Primary, Mazamhlophe High, and Bhekezi Primary, spanning Hhohho, Shiselweni, and Lubombo regions.
The ceremony closed with a message of community and hope, highlighting the importance of partnerships in building a brighter future for Eswatini’s children.
(Courtesy Pics)
