BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE – The Manzini Lions Club has earned the Certificate for Most Impactful Environment Project for August 2025 under District 410E, which covers clubs in Eswatini and the eastern part of South Africa. The award comes in recognition of the club’s Makholweni Care Point project, a community driven initiative that strengthened food security and promoted sustainability.
Club president Sammy Msibi confirmed that the recognition forms part of a monthly “Go For Green” initiative under Lions International, which rewards clubs leading the way in environmental service. “This award means we are the cleanest club for August. What makes the project stand out is that it ticks all the boxes. It pushes sustainability, it promotes volunteerism, and it ensures long term benefits for the care point,” Msibi said.
At Makholweni Care Point, the Lions fenced the site, prepared a garden, and provided vegetable seedlings. Msibi explained that the garden, supported by donated seedlings from Vickery Seedlings, is now a permanent food source for the soup kitchen. “It is going to serve the beneficiaries for quite some time,” he said. “This project touched on hunger relief, youth development, and environmental care, which are three of the key pillars of Lions International.”
The club’s success also lay in its ability to mobilise members and partners. According to Msibi, the project drew full participation from Lions members, volunteers, and external supporters. “We are promoting the spirit of people becoming volunteers to help where they can. Our members came in full numbers. We also partnered with Vickery Seedlings, who donated seedlings, and we ensured that the project received publicity through media coverage and our social platforms,” he noted.
Msibi added that the project highlighted how Lions Clubs can improve visibility. “For a long time, the work of Lions has been a big secret. But we are now doing better with our public relations. People need to know about the work Lions are doing in the country,” he said.
The Manzini Lions Club has pledged to continue building on this achievement. Msibi stressed that partnerships, donations, and sponsorships remain vital in pushing forward. “We appreciate all the companies that have come out to participate, and we thank our members for volunteering their time and resources. Our motto is ‘We Serve,’ and we will continue serving communities by fighting hunger, addressing childhood cancer, and supporting other initiatives that bring positivity,” he said.
He also singled out Phumlani Dlamini, one of the club’s service chapter leaders, for consistently identifying areas where Lions can intervene. “We want to increase our footprint across the country so that the work of Lions is seen in all corners of Eswatini,” Msibi concluded.
(Courtesy Pics)
