BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – From the streets of Fairview to the halls of power, Ntombizonke “Zonke” Tembe is proving that dreams can come true with dedication and opportunity.
This week, Eswatini’s DREAMS Ambassador had the distinct honor of visiting the White House in commemoration of World AIDS Day. During her visit, Tembe met with the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Health Diplomacy, Dr. John Nkengasong, to discuss the transformative impact of the PEPFAR DREAMS program on Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Eswatini.
Since becoming a DREAMS Ambassador in 2020, Tembe has been at the forefront of advocacy for AGYW, focusing on education, mental health, and the prevention of HIV and gender-based violence (GBV). She began her journey in 2014 and remains dedicated to placing young women at the center of health and social change.
Tembe’s visit to Washington, D.C., was part of her role in a group of DREAMS Ambassadors representing 15 countries. These ambassadors are amplifying the program’s success in empowering young women to become leaders in the fight against HIV and GBV.
The remainder of her week in the U.S. capital will involve attending various sessions and speaking engagements, underscoring her commitment to advocacy and change.
Reflecting on the significance of the DREAMS program, Zonke remarked, “Empowering young women is not just about giving them opportunities; it’s about ensuring they have the tools to rewrite their own stories and build healthier, stronger communities.”
