…. Private sector and Government strengthen partnership to improve lives through school shoes and wheelchairs
BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – Hundreds of vulnerable children will walk into classrooms with renewed confidence, while persons living with disabilities will enjoy greater independence after Select Limited donated 440 pairs of school shoes and 17 wheelchairs valued at E220 000 to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
The donation, which reflects the growing partnership between Government and the private sector, is expected to improve the quality of life of many vulnerable emaSwati while advancing the country’s vision of inclusive and people-centred development.
Far more than a corporate social responsibility initiative, the handover symbolises a shared commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds and persons with disabilities who often face significant barriers to education and mobility.
Receiving the donation, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla described the occasion as a celebration of hope, dignity and opportunity.
She said the contribution would have a lasting impact on the lives of beneficiaries by restoring confidence, creating opportunities and giving vulnerable citizens the support they need to participate fully in society.
“Today, we celebrate much more than the donation of shoes and wheelchairs. We celebrate hope, dignity and opportunity,” she said.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the donation demonstrates what can be achieved when Government, the private sector, development partners and communities unite behind a common purpose.
She said while Government continues implementing programmes aimed at uplifting vulnerable citizens, partnerships with responsible businesses play a vital role in accelerating national development and extending assistance to those who need it most.
According to Dladla, the collaboration reflects the spirit of unity and compassion that has always characterised the Kingdom of Eswatini, where communities work together to care for one another.
She explained that something as simple as a pair of school shoes can transform a child’s educational journey by promoting confidence, equality and a sense of belonging in the classroom.
Likewise, she said a wheelchair offers much more than mobility. It restores dignity, independence and opens doors to education, employment and greater participation in community life.
Dladla added that every child who is able to attend school with confidence and every person whose mobility is restored represents another important step towards achieving the aspirations of Vision 2030, which seeks to create a prosperous and inclusive nation.
She further commended Select Limited for maintaining its partnership with Government, noting that the company has consistently supported vulnerable communities through previous donations of school shoes, socks and school uniforms.
The Deputy Prime Minister encouraged more companies to embrace meaningful corporate social responsibility programmes that directly improve people’s lives and contribute to national development.
Select Limited reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities across the country through initiatives that address practical needs and improve living conditions.
The company said it believes that no child should miss educational opportunities because they lack basic necessities such as school shoes, while no person living with a disability should be denied independence due to the absence of mobility equipment.
Beyond the latest donation, Select Limited has undertaken a number of community development projects, including school shoe campaigns, donations of hospital linen, renovations at schools and the installation of water tanks at rural learning institutions.
These initiatives, the company said, form part of its broader commitment to giving back to communities and supporting the country’s social development agenda.
The latest donation also highlights the increasing role that corporate partnerships continue to play in complementing Government programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable households.
For beneficiaries, the assistance represents more than material support. It offers renewed confidence, greater independence and fresh opportunities for a better future.
As the 440 pairs of school shoes prepare to accompany learners on their educational journey and the 17 wheelchairs restore mobility to those in need, the E220 000 donation stands as a powerful reminder that lasting national development is achieved when Government, businesses and communities work together to uplift the lives of emaSwati and build a stronger, more inclusive nation
