BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
BUSELENI – The spirit of empowerment and progress was alive in Buseleni as 34 women proudly graduated from the Women In Development Outreach Fashion Design programme. The event, held at Buseleni Umphakatsi, drew a large crowd of community members who gathered to witness this important milestone.
The ceremony was graced by high level dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Tinkhundla Administration Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Indvuna Yenkhundla Bongani Nkambule, and a representative from the Regional Education Office. Their presence underscored the national importance of women’s empowerment and skills development in rural areas.
In her speech, DPM Dladla praised the determination of the women and commended the programme for giving them tools to build better lives. She announced plans to establish a vocational training centre in the area, fully equipped to support women’s skills development. Encouraging them to aim higher, she proposed that the women open a store to sell their products, turning their talent into sustainable income.
She reminded the audience of the words of King Sobhuza II: “You cannot say you are poor if you can still walk on your own two feet,” telling the graduates that with their new skills, they now have the power to change their lives. One of the trainees expressed deep gratitude to the DPM, saying the programme would help them become independent — “and an independent woman is a strong woman.”
Despite facing challenges such as a shortage of materials during training, the women persevered. Their trainer, the driving force behind their success, described the journey as difficult but rewarding. Her gratitude to the dignitaries reflected the pride felt by everyone present.
The Deputy Prime Minister further promised to support the community’s food security by providing indigenous seedlings, urging emaSwati to return to traditional farming and embrace local food. She encouraged people to go back to the fields and use their hands to build better lives. To conclude the event, she handed out rice to the graduates and gifted warm blankets to elderly women in attendance, asking them to wear them with pride.
The Buseleni graduation was not just a celebration of skills, it was a testament to resilience, the power of opportunity, and the bright future that lies ahead when women are supported and empowered.