BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LUYENGWENI – Women empowerment and environmental sustainability received a major boost after CONCO Limited invested E150 000 towards the establishment of the 15th Vukani BoMake Cottage Factory, a women-led initiative aimed at transforming textile waste into sustainable products and income-generating opportunities for communities.
The cottage factory, located at Luyengweni, is expected to create opportunities for women through recycling, entrepreneurship and skills development while also contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
The factory was officially launched on May 9, 2026, during an event attended by community leaders, business executives and residents at Luyengweni.
CONCO Limited, often trading as CONCO Unlimited, is the Eswatini-based concentrate manufacturing arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The company operates one of the country’s most strategic industrial facilities at the Matsapha Industrial Site.
Among those present were during the launch were Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament Marwick Khumalo, Chief Lembelela, Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer E. Nathi Dlamini, Tokky Hou, as well as CONCO limited General Manager Muzi Mahlobo.
The launch also saw 15 women graduate from the programme and begin a new chapter in entrepreneurship and skills development through the cottage factory.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of CONCO Unlimited, Muzi Mahlobo said the initiative represented the power of collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to empowering communities.
He said the Vukani BoMake Cottage Factory was more than just a production facility, describing it as “a symbol of opportunity, resilience and hope” for women in communities.
Mahlobo said through the initiative, women were being equipped with practical skills, sustainable income opportunities and the confidence to shape their own futures.
“As CONCO, we recognize that true progress is achieved when communities are actively involved in development initiatives,” he said.
He further stated that the company remained committed to supporting programmes that create economic opportunities, promote social upliftment and encourage entrepreneurship.
Speaking during the event, E. Nathi Dlamini said meaningful development happens when organisations work directly with communities and create opportunities where people live.
He commended CONCO Unlimited for investing in grassroots empowerment and supporting women through sustainable economic initiatives.
Tokky Hou was recognised for her 24-year journey in community empowerment and recycling initiatives, which contributed towards the growth of the Vukani BoMake programme.
The newly opened centre becomes the 15th Vukani BoMake Cottage Factory to be launched in Eswatini, reflecting the continued expansion of community-based empowerment initiatives across the country.
For the women of Luyengweni, the launch marked more than the opening of a factory, but the beginning of renewed hope, economic independence and a future driven by community empowerment, sustainability and opportunity.
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