BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
NHLAMBENI – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has urged emaSwati to unite in protecting children’s education, preparing for possible drought conditions and supporting national development while handing over three new homes to vulnerable families in Nkomiyahlaba, Ludzeludze and Nhlambeni.
Addressing community members during the handover ceremonies, Dladla said the provision of decent housing is part of Government’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens. She encouraged emaSwati to work together in addressing challenges facing families, particularly poverty, education and climate change.
Using the story of one of the beneficiaries, 52 year old Thandi Mavimbela of Nkomiyahlaba, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the financial difficulties many families continue to face. Mavimbela, who lives with her two children and nine grandchildren, has struggled to pay school fees for her children, placing their secondary education at risk.
Dladla said every child has the right to education and stressed that no learner should be left behind because of financial hardship. She acknowledged that although Government continues to subsidise school fees, many parents still find it difficult to afford the required top-up payments.
She said Government remains committed to finding long-term solutions that will make education more accessible to all children, noting that such reforms take time but remain a national priority.
The Deputy Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of educating girls, saying education empowers young people, protects their future and creates opportunities that can help break the cycle of poverty.
Speaking on economic development, Dladla said His Majesty King Mswati III continues to engage potential investors abroad to attract investment into Eswatini. She said these efforts are aimed at creating employment opportunities, strengthening the economy and improving the livelihoods of emaSwati.
Turning to climate change, Dladla urged citizens to prepare for the possibility of below-normal rainfall during the coming season. She advised communities to avoid unnecessary veld fires, encouraging farmers instead to cut and store grass for livestock feed while preserving harvested crops to help households cope should drought conditions worsen.
Her remarks reflect wider regional concerns. Weather and climate experts have warned that El Niño conditions can increase the risk of hotter and drier weather across parts of Southern Africa, affecting crop production, water availability and grazing conditions. Communities are encouraged to adopt early preparedness measures to reduce the impact of prolonged dry spells.
Despite these challenges, Dladla encouraged emaSwati to remain hopeful, continue supporting one another and pray for favourable rains. She said unity, resilience and shared responsibility will help communities overcome future difficulties.
For Thandi Mavimbela, Thobile Msibi of Ludzeludze and Sipho Maseko of Nhlambeni, the newly handed over homes represent more than shelter. They are symbols of restored dignity, renewed hope and the opportunity to build a better future for their families.
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