BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – For thousands of young volunteers across Eswatini, a new chapter of leadership, innovation and humanitarian service has begun following the launch of the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS) 2026–2029 Youth Engagement Strategy (YES).
The landmark framework, adopted in 2023, was officially launched on July 8, 2026, at Mountain View, Mbabane, where youth leaders, development partners, volunteers and key stakeholders gathered to witness a historic milestone aimed at placing young people at the centre of humanitarian action.
The strategy is set to equip young people with leadership skills, create opportunities for innovation and strengthen their participation in transforming communities across the Kingdom. It also seeks to nurture a generation of young humanitarian leaders capable of responding to social challenges through creativity, volunteerism and sustainable solutions.
The launch positions Eswatini as a regional trailblazer, making it the first country in Southern Africa, second in Africa and third globally to adopt and implement the Youth Engagement Strategy.
Developed through extensive consultations involving young volunteers from branch level to the national structure, the 2026–2029 YES framework provides a clear roadmap for advancing youth leadership, strengthening volunteer engagement and promoting innovation and social entrepreneurship within BERCS.
Speaking during the launch, BERCS National Youth President Thabo Philani Mdluli described the occasion as a proud moment for Eswatini and the Red Cross movement.
“This is a historic milestone for our organisation and our country. We are proud that Eswatini is the first country in Southern Africa to launch this Youth Engagement Strategy. The framework was shaped by young people themselves through consultations across our branches, ensuring that their voices and experiences informed its direction,” said Mdluli.
He said the success of the strategy would depend on collective commitment from all structures within BERCS and its partners.
“We call upon all our structures and partners to invest in youth leadership so that young people can continue driving meaningful humanitarian solutions in their communities,” he added.
BERCS President Dr Bongani Masuku praised young volunteers for their commitment, describing them as the driving force behind the organisation’s continued relevance and impact.
“Our young volunteers bring the energy, creativity and courage that keep our organisation strong. They have consistently demonstrated that young people are not only future leaders but leaders who are already making a difference today,” said Masuku.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that young people remain at the forefront of humanitarian initiatives across Eswatini.
BERCS Secretary General Danger Nhlabatsi said the organisation was determined to translate the strategy from a document into meaningful action.
“This strategy must not merely remain on paper. Management is fully committed to integrating it into departmental plans, mobilising resources and creating opportunities for youth volunteers to deliver impactful humanitarian work throughout Eswatini,” he said.
BERCS Organisational Development and Volunteer Coordinator Ncamsile Gama described the strategy as a major milestone in youth empowerment, highlighting that it was guided by the principle of “Nothing for us without us.”
She said young volunteers played a critical role in disaster preparedness, health promotion and strengthening community resilience, adding that the strategy provides a structured pathway to expand their impact.
“This is a youth-led strategy that recognises the contribution of young people. It transforms their passion and commitment into a framework that will guide meaningful action over the next four years,” said Gama.
Meanwhile, BERCS Shiselweni Region Youth Officer Sikhulekile Nkomo highlighted innovation and social entrepreneurship as key pillars of the strategy, particularly in responding to youth unemployment.
“The strategy encourages young people to change their mindset by looking at challenges within their communities as opportunities for innovation and enterprise. It is about moving away from dependency and becoming active participants in economic and social development,” she said.
Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC) Chief Executive Officer Lwazi Mamba applauded BERCS for developing a structured approach that places youth empowerment at the centre of humanitarian work.
“This strategy represents a shift from intention to action. It provides a framework that ensures young people remain central to humanitarian operations and that their voices continue shaping the future of the organisation,” said Mamba.
The official launch was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolising the beginning of a new era for youth leadership within BERCS.
As implementation begins, the 2026–2029 Youth Engagement Strategy is expected to strengthen youth participation, expand leadership opportunities, promote innovation and social entrepreneurship, and empower young emaSwati to play a greater role in building resilient communities.
Through this initiative, BERCS continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating space for young people to lead, serve and inspire positive change across the Kingdom.
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