BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) staff from the Mbabane headquarters spread festive joy on Tuesday morning by delivering much-needed groceries and clothing to an elderly woman in Mdzangwini, a small community on the outskirts of Mbabane East.
Led by Assistant Commissioner Gab’sile Manyatsi, who represented the Commissioner General Phindile Dlamini, the team collaborated with Mbabane East Indvuna Yenkhundla, Phindile Maziya, in a generous act of kindness. The donation, valued at E2,500, included Christmas groceries and clothes, benefiting 70-year-old Gogo Veli Nkabindze. Gogo Veli, who is wheelchair-bound, lives with her daughter and two granddaughters in a home that has been struggling due to unemployment and poor health.
The ceremony was opened with a prayer and a word of God, led by Warder Sibandze. In his message, Sibandze emphasized the importance of love and gratitude, particularly during the holiday season. “This is the perfect time to give and to thank God for His blessings,” he said, setting a reflective tone for the occasion.
During the donation ceremony, Gogo Veli expressed her heartfelt gratitude. Overwhelmed by the generosity shown to her family, she shared that the relief brought by the donation would have a profound impact, especially during the festive season.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity shown to me. We stay alone, and sometimes we go to bed without eating. Thank you for making my Christmas beautiful,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Neighbor Jacob Dlamini, who lives close to Gogo Veli’s household, confirmed the family’s struggles. He shared that at times, Gogo Veli and her family have reached out to him for food, highlighting the daily challenges they face. “It’s true. They sometimes approach me for food. They’ve been going through a tough time, and this donation will make a big difference for them,” Dlamini said.
Assistant Commissioner Manyatsi praised Maziya for identifying the family and underscored the importance of supporting those in need. She also conveyed the Commissioner General’s appreciation for the ongoing charitable efforts in the community.
“We thank the Commissioner General for making this possible. We also commend the Indvuna Yenkhundla for identifying the right person, as some might have taken this opportunity to benefit their friends or relatives,” Manyatsi said.
Gogo Veli also raised concerns about the safety of the donated groceries, noting that her house had been a frequent target for thieves. However, despite her worries, the gesture was deeply meaningful to her and her family.
Maziya, who played a key role in identifying Gogo Veli’s family, expressed her commitment to securing further assistance for vulnerable individuals in her community.
“The response has been wonderful. It has been a worthwhile appeal, and we hope to build on this year after year. We are deeply thankful to the Commissioner General for helping us,” Maziya remarked.
Earlier in the week, Maziya had also distributed warm throws to elderly residents in a local church, continuing her dedication to supporting the elderly in Mbabane East.
This initiative reflects HMCS’s broader commitment to community outreach and highlights the importance of giving back, especially during the holiday season. It also serves as a reminder of the significant impact that such acts of kindness can have on those in need.
