SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGES STRESSES COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CHILDREN AT ESWATINI CHILDREN’S CUP 2026 LAUNCH

BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)

MBABANE – SOS Children’s Villages has called on government, communities, and businesses to share responsibility in nurturing Eswatini’s youth, as it launched the Eswatini Children’s Cup 2026 in partnership with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE).

Speaking at the launch held at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, SOS Children’s Villages Board Chair, Xolile Lokotfwako, thanked sponsors Easy Buy and Century Fashions for their generous contributions. “Your commitment is not just financial; it is a powerful statement that the wellbeing of children is a shared national responsibility,” she said.

She highlighted that the Cup is more than a sporting tournament. “It is a space where children from all backgrounds come together to learn teamwork, leadership, discipline, and to believe that their dreams are valid and achievable,” Lokotfwako said. She added that initiatives such as this reflect a broader national movement, emphasising hope, responsibility, and the importance of creating opportunities for young people.

“In November 2025, we launched our National Fundraising Campaign named Sakha Sivivane, which means building a legacy for our children. This initiative is a call to action, a reminder that raising a child is not the responsibility of one home alone, it is a shared duty,” she said.

“This partnership is historic for our organisation,” Lokotfwako continued. “By embracing sport as part of our programmes, we remind the country that raising a child is a collective effort. It is not just the duty of families, but of communities and institutions alike.”

The launch drew participation from government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Sports, Youth, and Culture, as well as executives from the Premier League of Eswatini, media representatives, and invited guests.

Easy Buy’s support includes financial backing of E100 000 annually over three years, while Century Fashions contributed football jerseys, ensuring that children can fully participate in the tournament. The collaboration aims to provide not only an exciting sporting experience but also essential life lessons that will guide young participants well beyond the pitch.

Lokotfwako concluded with a message of hope: “Every child deserves a chance to dream, to learn, and to grow in a safe, nurturing environment. The Eswatini Children’s Cup 2026 is one way we can make that possible, together.”