BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
HOSEA – Hosea Inkhundla came alive today as hundreds gathered to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week, turning the rural centre into a hub of education, culture, music and laughter.
The event, hosted under the national theme “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” brought together community leaders, Ministry of Health officials, the Eswatini National Nutrition Council, Baphalali Red Cross, World Vision and local residents in large numbers.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula, speaking through his representative Dr Adman Shabangu, said breastfeeding remained “a cornerstone of a healthy society” and should be treated as a national priority.
“Breast milk is not just food, it is the first vaccine a child ever receives. It protects against infections, promotes healthy growth, reduces childhood obesity and even shields mothers from breast cancer,” he said.
“If we want stronger families and healthier communities, we must support mothers and normalise breastfeeding everywhere.”
He added that the government was committed to strengthening baby-friendly health systems, empowering nurses and community health workers with skills to counsel mothers, and tightening regulations against the aggressive marketing of breast-milk substitutes.
The day’s programme was rich with both learning and entertainment. Popular comedian Gedlembane doubled as host, drawing laughter with his sharp humour while creatively blending in key messages about breastfeeding.
Upcoming artist Thabiso spiced the event with soulful maskandi sounds, while traditional groups, lutsango, sibhaca and imbali maidens, reinforced the message through powerful cultural song and dance.
Demonstrations on proper breastfeeding positioning and attachment were led by Eswatini National Nutrition Council’s Tholakele Mhanga, who stressed that correct techniques make feeding easier and healthier for both mother and child.
Baphalali Red Cross Shiselweni Chairperson Wandile Vilane urged mothers to embrace breastfeeding fully, calling it a natural gift no child should be deprived of.
The Red Cross also used the platform to raise awareness on farming readiness, fire safety ahead of the dry season, and announced continued relief support for communities during disasters and pandemics.
Dr Shabangu closed his remarks by applauding civil society and development partners for their role.
“We appreciate Baphalali Red Cross, World Vision, and all our partners for being pillars in strengthening health and nutrition interventions. Breastfeeding requires collective effort, and together we can raise a stronger nation,” he said.
The Hosea commemoration left the community informed, entertained and inspired, with one clear message echoing across the grounds: breastfeeding is not just a mother’s choice, it is society’s responsibility.
