BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – This past weekend, the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS) held an interactive campaign to support asylum seekers from Mozambique.
The event took place on Saturday at Mpaka, under the Dvokodvweni Constituency in the Lubombo Region.
Organized by BERCS in collaboration with the Health Promotion Department under the Ministry of Health in Lubombo, the campaign was attended by over 130 people from the Dvokodvweni constituency. Themed “Phumela Ebaleni” with the message “Take Care of Your Health. Visit Your Nearest Health Facility,” the initiative focused on providing health services and education to both asylum seekers and the local community.
According to Red Cross Public Relations Officer Nontobeko Dlamini, the campaign aimed to assist Mozambican immigrants who fled to Eswatini due to violent protests in their home country. It also targeted communities near the Malindza Reception Centre, where these asylum seekers are hosted by the Eswatini Government.
“As an auxiliary to the Government, BERCS helps provide for the needs of asylum seekers, with health being a top priority,” said Dlamini. “This campaign brought essential health services to Malindza, free of charge, ensuring attendees could access care that might otherwise cost them at health facilities.”
Dlamini emphasized the importance of prioritizing health even in challenging circumstances. “We want to remind everyone, asylum seekers and Emaswati alike, to continue their treatments and visit health facilities for ongoing care,” she said.
Services Offered
The campaign offered a range of health services, including screening for communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as blood donation drives. Attendees also received information about the proper treatment and integration of asylum seekers.
Lubombo Health Promotion Officer Lazarus Mpila stressed the importance of understanding the mental and physical health needs of asylum seekers. “International policy affirms that asylum seekers have rights, including the right to health. Communities hosting them should help ensure they access necessary medical services and are registered,” Mpila said.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) participated, emphasizing the importance of registering asylum seekers for their protection. Crime Prevention Officer Bongizipho Dlamini noted that registration prevents opportunists from exploiting the situation and helps ensure asylum seekers understand and abide by local laws.
“Let’s welcome asylum seekers and encourage them to register through community structures. This ensures their safety and helps us provide the necessary support,” he said.
Community Support
Nkosinathi Ngwenya, Bucopho from the Malindza Chiefdom, welcomed attendees and partners, urging humane treatment of asylum seekers. “Asylum seekers are people like us. We must know how to treat them with dignity. Let’s ensure they are registered and supported as they live among us,” Ngwenya said.
The event also featured entertainment by Gedlembane, who encouraged attendees to visit stalls offering health services. All services provided during the campaign were free of charge, and attendees received healthcare and goodies from partners.
This initiative highlights the collaborative effort between government, organizations, and communities to support asylum seekers while fostering a spirit of compassion and inclusion.
