BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE— Austria’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nikolaus Marschik, has praised a community-led care system in Esitjeni, describing it as a practical example of development driven from within.
Marschik, accompanied by Ambassador Romana Königsbrun, visited the community on 5 April 2026 under a programme supported by UNICEF Eswatini. The visit highlighted a locally built support system for vulnerable children led by 89 year old traditional leader, Inkhosikati Make LaMtsetfwa.
Over the years, the community has established a neighbourhood care point, a preschool, a primary school and a skills training centre within the same area. The initiative provides continuous support to children, from early learning to practical skills for employment.
“The energy she carries at 89 is remarkable,” Marschik said. “This is what community led development looks like.”
The visit brought together Austrian government representatives, UNICEF Eswatini and implementing partner Young Heroes, which works directly with children and youth in vulnerable communities.
At the Esitjeni Skills Training Centre, young people are gaining opportunities that were previously out of reach. Among them is 22 year old Ziyanda Mamba, who is training in computer programming.
Raised by her grandmother in a low income household, Mamba said access to resources had always been a challenge.
“Because of the passion I have for computer programming, I am currently engaged part time by a printing company,” she said. “Often times we miss out on opportunities because we do not have the necessary gadgets such as laptops. But I refuse to let that stop me.”
Through the Youth 4 Change Project, supported by UNICEF Eswatini and implemented with Young Heroes, more young people are being equipped with skills that improve their chances of employment.
The visit showed how external support can build on existing community efforts, rather than replacing them. For Esitjeni, the approach is already producing results, with young people moving closer to employment and self reliance.
For the Austrian delegation, the visit provided insight into a working model of community care. For local residents, it affirmed years of effort. For young people like Mamba, it is opening a path toward real opportunities.
“ dream of becoming a computer programmer working for a big company,” she said. In Esitjeni, that goal is now within reach.
(Courtesy Pic)
