BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE– The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) today, 6 October 2025, officially launched the Egg Sale Business Initiative under the Child-Headed Household Programme. The initiative, supported by Elangeni Chicks, aims to empower 40 child headed households across Eswatini’s four regions through poultry based entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla said the programme is a symbol of hope and empowerment for vulnerable youth who head households. She commended Elangeni Chicks for donating 1200 trays of eggs and for training beneficiaries in business management and financial literacy to help them build sustainable livelihoods.
“This generous contribution is far more than a material gift, it is a seed of opportunity,” said Dladla. “It represents a tangible investment in the futures of our child headed households, offering them a pathway to economic participation, self reliance, and dignity.”
She explained that the initiative targets 40 child headed households across all four regions of the country. So far, 10 beneficiaries from the Manzini–Mbabane corridor have each received 30 trays of eggs, totalling 300 trays distributed. Dladla said the pilot phase has already yielded encouraging results, with beneficiaries selling their initial stock within a week and placing repeat orders with Elangeni Chicks.
“We are equally grateful for the subsidised pricing extended to these young entrepreneurs, which enhances the viability and scalability of their business,” she added. The DPM also appealed to all Emaswati to support the initiative, saying, “Let us support their ventures, not out of sympathy, but in recognition of their potential and determination. Every tray purchased is a vote of confidence in their future.”
Elangeni Chicks Business Manager, Aron Dlamini, also spoke at the event, highlighting the success of the project’s initial rollout. He said the company was pleased to see the positive impact of the donation and the growing confidence among beneficiaries.
“From the four regions of Eswatini, ten beneficiaries from each region received 30 trays each,” said Dlamini. “After reviewing the profit margin, we found that the earnings from this venture can sustain both individuals and their families. Beneficiaries buy the eggs at cost price rather than the selling price, and we trained them in business management to ensure the sustainability of their ventures.”
Dlamini added that Elangeni Chicks is committed to continuing its support for young entrepreneurs and looks forward to scaling up the initiative in the coming months.
In closing, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Elangeni Chicks for their dedication to uplifting vulnerable communities and investing in the next generation. “You have planted a seed of hope, and we are confident that it will bear fruit in the lives of many,” she said.
The launch marks a major milestone in Eswatini’s efforts to empower child headed households through inclusive and sustainable economic opportunities.
