BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has emphasised that government carries a responsibility to ensure that emaSwati are happy and their welfare is improved.
Speaking during an interview on Eswatini TV’s Asakhe Kwetfu programme, the Deputy Prime Minister said the wellbeing of citizens remains central to government’s mandate, noting that a content nation reflects the aspirations of King Mswati III.
Happiness Linked to National Stability
Dladla indicated that ensuring citizens are satisfied with their living conditions contributes to national stability. She noted that when people’s needs are met, there is less likelihood of unrest, as communities feel supported and included in national development.
She added that government’s responsibility to serve the nation was reinforced during Sibaya in 2023, where leadership was entrusted with the duty to prioritise the welfare of emaSwati.
Challenges in Supporting Vulnerable Communities
The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and destitute, remains a significant challenge.
She said visits to communities often reveal difficult living conditions, with many elderly people caring for large numbers of children under limited resources. In some cases, households rely on a monthly grant of E600, which she noted is insufficient to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and education.
Dladla highlighted that some elderly caregivers look after as many as five to ten children, many of whom have been left behind by parents seeking employment opportunities elsewhere.
Economic Pressures Affect Families
She further acknowledged that parents who leave their children in the care of relatives often do so out of necessity rather than choice, as they face economic hardships while trying to earn a living. These circumstances, she said, place additional pressure on already vulnerable households and underscore the need for broader social and economic interventions.
Commitment to Improving Welfare
Dladla reiterated that government remains committed to improving the lives of emaSwati through social support programmes and development initiatives. She noted that while challenges persist, ongoing efforts aim to uplift communities, particularly those most in need, and ensure that no one is left behind.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that improving citizens’ wellbeing is not only a government obligation but also a reflection of national values centred on care, dignity, and shared progress.
