BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE– The Government of Eswatini has successfully reunited 20 families across the country through its flagship Asibambaneni Sibe Ngumndeni programme, an initiative designed to strengthen family structures while protecting vulnerable children and elderly citizens.
The programme, implemented by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, focuses on restoring family unity and empowering households through social protection, housing support and livelihood development initiatives.
Speaking during a school uniform donation to 24 children on 9 March 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla highlighted the programme’s positive impact on communities across the country.
She revealed that 12 households have already received full-package interventions under the initiative, while additional families are still undergoing assessment for support.
“This programme is a living testament to our Government’s commitment to changing the lives of every citizen,” said Dladla. “We are ensuring that children and the elderly are protected, while families are empowered to thrive and build sustainable futures.”
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the programme has achieved several important milestones since its launch. Two permanent homes equipped with modern sanitation facilities have already been completed for beneficiary families. One of the houses is powered entirely by solar electricity, while two additional homes have reached the roofing stage of construction.
Other homes are currently at different stages of assessment and groundwork as the programme continues to expand its reach.
Dladla emphasised that livelihood support forms a key pillar of the initiative, helping families transition from dependency towards self-sufficiency. Through the programme, several households have received goats and chickens to support livestock farming, while six families have been provided with agricultural inputs to strengthen food production and income generation.
“We have provided goats and chickens for livestock farming, as well as agricultural inputs to help families start sustainable livelihoods,” she explained. “These projects are designed to move households from dependency to self-sufficiency.”
In addition to economic support, the programme has also prioritised social protection services to ensure that vulnerable children and families can access essential government services.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that four children who previously lacked legal identity documents have now received birth certificates, enabling them to access education, healthcare and other essential services.
“All families initially received emergency support such as food parcels, clothing and assistance with birth registration while long-term sustainability plans were being developed,” she said.
Among the families that have experienced significant transformation is the Simelane household, which now lives in a modern home equipped with improved sanitation and a strong agricultural foundation that supports their daily needs.
Dladla described the family’s progress as a powerful example of how restoring stability within households can create lasting change in communities.
“True leadership is measured by the strength of the family unit,” she said. “By stabilising homes and equipping families with the tools for self-sufficiency, we are ensuring that the unity restored today remains resilient for generations to come.”
The Asibambaneni Sibe Ngumndeni programme is implemented in partnership with Eswatini TV and Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services. The collaboration aims to increase awareness about family welfare and highlight success stories that inspire communities across the Kingdom.
Government officials believe the programme demonstrates a strong commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development. By addressing housing needs, strengthening livelihoods and restoring family unity, the initiative continues to transform lives and provide hope for vulnerable households throughout Eswatini.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has indicated that the programme will continue to expand, with more families expected to benefit as assessments and interventions progress in different regions of the country.
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