BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – A group of 44 spirited senior citizens from Eswatini were recently treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cape Town, thanks to an initiative by Eswatini Air.
And judging by the wide smiles and excited chatter, this was more than just a getaway, it was a dream finally taking flight.
Many of the pensioners, some with nearly 78 years of public service under their belts, had never boarded a plane, let alone flown across the Southern tip of the continent. But thanks to the national airline and the efforts of Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Batsabile Nkambule, along with Siyangena Events & Tours, these golden oldies were given the red-carpet treatment.
From retired nurses and teachers to veteran government workers, the seniors came from all walks of life. They were chosen for their unwavering dedication to nation-building over the decades, a gesture Nkambule described as long overdue.
“We often forget the people who kept this country running before us,” she said. “This trip is our small way of saying thank you.”
Wandile ‘Mduja’ Dlamini, the energetic team leader of Siyangena Events & Tours, the agency tasked with organising and looking after the pensioners during their stay, said the initiative was a milestone.
“We are honestly thrilled to be part of history,” he said. “This is the first time a trip of this kind has been done in Eswatini for pensioners, and we are honoured to lead it.”
The flight wasn’t just a typical hop across borders. From the moment the pensioners arrived at the airport, it was all VIP vibes. Eswatini Air and Siyangena’s staff pulled out all the stops, mobility assistance, pre-flight refreshments, comfy seating, the works.
“The excitement was unreal,” said one beaming passenger. “I couldn’t sleep the night before. This is something I never thought I’d get to do in my lifetime.”
Dlamini said the team ensured that no detail was left to chance.
“We took time to understand their needs, from meals to medical support and rest times,” he explained. “Our aim was to give them not just a trip, but a rejuvenating, dignified experience.”
Touchdown in the Mother City was met with more than just sea breezes and majestic mountains. The itinerary? Jam-packed. The seniors will soak in the sights of Table Mountain, take a reflective trip to Robben Island, and enjoy boat rides and markets at the V&A Waterfront. There’s also local cuisine on the menu and cultural shows to keep their feet tapping.
“I can’t wait to see where Mandela was locked up,” said one retired principal. “We taught the kids about it, now I get to see it with my own eyes.”
According to Dlamini, the guided tours were designed to blend leisure with learning.
“We didn’t want it to be just sightseeing,” he said. “We wanted to inspire them, to reconnect them with the world they helped shape.”
In the lead-up to the flight, Eswatini Air ensured that all arrangements were made to cater to the unique needs of the seniors. From special assistance at the airport to a comfortable flight experience, every detail was considered to make the journey enjoyable.
The airline’s team worked hard to provide a seamless travel experience, emphasizing safety and comfort for all passengers.
This initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of community and connection, especially for those who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Eswatini Air’s commitment to enhancing travel options for its citizens is evident in this thoughtful initiative, showcasing the airline’s dedication to connecting people and enriching their lives.
“It’s about dignity,” said Makhamisa. “They gave their best years to the country. Now it’s time they got something beautiful back.”
Dlamini agreed, adding that this was just the beginning.
“We’re hoping this becomes an annual programme,” he said. “Our seniors still have so much life, joy and wisdom to share, all they need is a little spark, and this trip is exactly that.”
As they explore the beauty of Cape Town, these pensioners carry with them the spirit of Eswatini, promising to return with stories and experiences that will inspire others in their community. This journey not only celebrates their years of hard work and dedication, but also highlights the importance of creating opportunities for seniors to engage in new adventures and experiences.
