BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE — The Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, together with the Roman Catholic Church led by Father Sakhile Peter Ndwandwa, handed over a two room house valued at E65 000 to Phineas Jonah Dlamini of Nsangwini, bringing relief to a resident who had been living under difficult conditions. The handover took place on 13 April 2026.
During the ceremony, Dlamini received a fully equipped home fitted with solar installation, curtains, a bed and a blanket, improving his comfort and dignity after years of living in a tent provided by the National Disaster Management Agency following the collapse of his old stick and mud house.
Father Ndwandwa said the house was built in commemoration of his 20 years of priesthood and was made possible through support from proceeds of his book. “This house shows collaboration between Majesties, traditional leaders, the Church, community members and government,” he said, adding that the project reflected service roote in compassion and shared responsibility.
An emotional Dlamini said the new home had restored his sense of safety and peace. “I can now sleep peacefully even during heavy rains,” he said. “I was wondering how I survived under those harsh conditions where I was sleeping and people would make fun of me. This year I will see who are they going to make fun with.”
He further expressed gratitude to both the Church and government leaders for the support, asking them not to withdraw their assistance. Indvuna Yenkhundla Mthobisi Vilakati, representing Member of Parliament Jabulani Mabuza, highlighted the importance of compassion in leadership. “Loving your neighbour is one of the greatest commandments,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla commended the initiative, saying it reflected the spirit of service and unity across institutions. “True leadership is shown through humility and love just as Christ washed the feet of His disciples,” she said. “Today, we are called to serve one another with that same spirit.”
She also praised Father Ndwandwa for extending support beyond religious boundaries and thanked Bishop Luis Ponce de León for participating in what she described as a demonstration of unity and service.
The Deputy Prime Minister further pledged support for the construction of a lavatory for Dlamini. The Catholic Church said the project also symbolised broader cooperation between the Church, traditional leadership, government and communities in supporting vulnerable households.
