BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS) brought smiles to the residents of Mhlangatane Constituency.
The residents received food parcels with financial support from the Government of Japan, through the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies, Pretoria Cluster. Mhlangatane Constituency consists of eight chiefdoms, and all residents in these chiefdoms received food packs from the Red Cross.
The eight chiefdoms include Malibeni, Mangweni, Mpofu, Ndvwabangeni, Nhlanguyavuka, Nyakatfo, Sidvwashini, and Zinyane.
According to Red Cross Public Relations Officer Nontobeko Dlamini, during distributions, targets are ordinarily capped at five members per household. However, in an unprecedented move—and much to the joy of the communities—every household member received their own pack.
Dlamini noted that the communities played a crucial role in ensuring the security of the consignments before distribution. Meanwhile, Eswatini Red Cross Society volunteers, led by Pigg’s Peak Field Coordinator Celani Malaza, ensured a smooth distribution process.
The volunteers also entertained the attendees while educating and raising awareness about gender-based violence (#GBV), much to the crowd’s appreciation.
Mhlangatane Member of Parliament (MP) Madala Mhlanga expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, IFRC, and BERCS for providing relief to the Mhlangatane residents.
Mhlanga stated that the aid came at a critical time, as the residents of his constituency were struggling with drought, with very little rainfall in their area. He explained that while the residents had ventured into growing sugarcane, the lack of water made it nearly impossible. As a result, they were forced to settle for profits of just E5,000 per year from their businesses.
According to Mhlanga, that amount of money was insufficient even for a single person, let alone for households with 10 to 15 children. He emphasized that Mhlangatane was fortunate to be among the recipients of the Red Cross aid, valued at E4.3 million. He also noted that other MPs had expressed interest in receiving similar assistance and urged Mhlangatane residents to appreciate this gesture.
BERCS President Bongani Masuku also congratulated the residents of Mhlangatane on receiving the relief from these three organizations. He further thanked them for allowing BERCS to provide assistance. Masuku also expressed appreciation to the Red Cross volunteers for their significant role in ensuring that the food hampers reached the intended recipients.
