BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOMAHASHA- Rural youth are set to benefit from a E90 000 investment by the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RES) following the handover of 10 kiosk containers under the Community Youth Enterprise Development Project.
The handover was held on May 6,2026 at Lomahasha Inkhundla during the Kiosk Containers Presentation, targeting young entrepreneurs in the Lomahasha and Shewula communities.
Speaking at the event, RES Managing Director Nick Jackson said the initiative was part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods in communities where it operates.
“As a sugar manufacturing company, we know sustainability goes beyond agriculture it is about resilient livelihoods, stronger communities and real opportunities for people to thrive,” he said.
Each kiosk is valued at approximately E9 000, bringing the total donation to E90 000. The units were constructed by a local supplier from kaMjekuza in the Nkambeni community, supporting local business while creating infrastructure for youth enterprise.
The kiosks have been handed over to Community Development Committees, who will identify deserving youth beneficiaries, with the programme specifically designed to promote entrepreneurship among young people.
The programme also supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction (SDG 1), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and partnerships for development (SDG 17).
This is the second phase of the initiative, following the rollout of 10 units at Madlangempisi last year. Improvements have been made to the new containers, which are slightly wider and fitted with tracking tags to help monitor their impact.
In addition, RES donated 10 waste bins to ensure clean and hygienic working environments for the beneficiaries.
The project builds on earlier RES investments, including the construction of 13 market shelters that largely benefited women, with the current phase extending opportunities to youth in a bid to create a more inclusive local economy.
Beyond this initiative, RES continues to support communities through programmes such as access to clean water, youth soccer development, community leagues linked to environmental campaigns, university bursaries and waste management.
Jackson said the success of the project would depend on community support and collaboration.
“These units belong to the community, and their success will depend on all of us,” he said.
The initiative is expected to unlock sustainable youth-led businesses, uplift households and stimulate rural economic growth in the area.
#Eswatini #RES #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityDevelopment #RuralEconomy #Entrepreneurship #Lomahasha #Shewula #EconomicGrowth
(Courtesy Pic)
