BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE (INTERN)
SHISELWENI– A new chapter in Eswatini’s social protection journey is unfolding as the government rolls out the National Dynamic Social Registry, known as Imbeleko, a system designed to ensure that support reaches the people who need it most.
Addressing Members of Parliament from the 15 Tinkhundla in the Shiselweni Region during the dissemination of the Social Registry Imbeleko Study Results at Phumula Guest House, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Thulisile Dladla described the initiative as a major step towards building a fairer, more transparent and responsive social protection system.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the project began in March 2025 when enumerators were trained at Mbangweni Inkhundla before embarking on a full household registration exercise across Shiselweni between June and July 2025. The exercise collected critical information from households across the region, laying the foundation for a comprehensive database that will guide government interventions.
“Today is a watershed moment,” she said, as stakeholders received feedback on the data collected during the pilot phase.
For years, government has invested heavily in programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens. However, challenges such as fragmented beneficiary information, duplication of assistance and difficulties in identifying deserving households have limited the effectiveness of some interventions.
The Imbeleko Social Registry seeks to change that. Through a centralized database, government will be able to accurately identify poor and vulnerable households and match them with appropriate support programmes, including cash transfers, food assistance and other social services.
Hon. Dladla emphasized that the registry will help eliminate guesswork in decision making by providing verified and reliable data. She noted that the system will strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency while ensuring that resources are directed to deserving beneficiaries.
The registry is also expected to play a critical role in responding to climate related disasters such as droughts, floods and storms. With real time information on vulnerable households, government will be better positioned to mobilize assistance quickly during emergencies.
More importantly, the Deputy Prime Minister said the registry is about people. It is about restoring dignity, creating opportunities and ensuring that every vulnerable household has a fair chance to access support.
As Eswatini continues to strengthen its social protection systems, the Imbeleko Social Registry is emerging as a powerful tool for inclusive development, evidence based planning and improved service delivery. Stakeholders believe the initiative will help build stronger communities and ensure that no deserving household is left behind.
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(Courtesy Pic)
