BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
SHISELWENI– Thousands of Emaswati stand to benefit from improved social protection services, housing support and employment opportunities through the Social Registry Imbeleko Programme, which was presented to Shiselweni Members of Parliament and stakeholders at Phumula Guest House.
The dissemination of the Social Registry Imbeleko Study Results (Shiselweni Pilot), led by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Thulisile Dladla, highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that assistance reaches the most vulnerable households through a reliable and data driven system.
In her address, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the Social Registry is a crucial tool for identifying families in need and connecting them with appropriate government support programmes. She noted that the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to improving the living conditions of vulnerable Emaswati, including support for the construction of decent homes.
The programme has received a major boost through financial support from the World Bank, which has contributed US$2.5 million, equivalent to approximately E42.5 million. Beyond improving access to social services, the initiative is also expected to create employment opportunities for Emaswati during the implementation phase of housing and community development projects.
Presenting the study findings, Social Registry official Nosizo Mtfupha explained that the programme has achieved extensive coverage in the Shiselweni Region. According to the presentation, the 2017 Population and Housing Census recorded 46 838 households in the region. With projected population growth of 0.9 percent, the estimated number of households increased to 47 260.
The registration exercise covered 47 766 households. Of these, 3,088 households were recorded as vacant or non consenting, while 44 683 households were successfully registered in the Social Registry database and are now ready for targeting under various social protection programmes.
Mtfupha further explained that the programme uses a Proxy Means Test (PMT), an internationally recognized poverty targeting methodology. The assessment is based on 20 variables identified through the Eswatini Household Income and Expenditure Survey (EHIES), allowing government to accurately identify households most in need of assistance.
Each region will be given three months to implement projects under the programme, creating jobs while improving the quality of life for beneficiaries. Stakeholders described the initiative as a significant step towards poverty reduction, inclusive development and improved service delivery across the Kingdom.
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