BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini has once again demonstrated its commitment to community resilience by delivering vital farming support to households affected by the December 2025 hailstorms in the northern Hhohho region.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla led the distribution of 517 farm input items across five constituencies, offering renewed hope to farmers whose livelihoods were disrupted by the severe weather.
The beneficiary constituencies — Mhlangatane, Mayiwane, Ndzingeni, Maphalaleni and Nkhaba — suffered widespread damage when heavy hail destroyed newly planted crops, homes and roads. In response, government intervention focused on helping families return to productive farming while the rainy season is still favourable.
The distributed inputs, mainly maize and bean seeds, are expected to help households replant and secure food for the year ahead. In addition, government ensured that each affected homestead received one hour of tractor ploughing services, easing the burden on families restarting their fields. The Deputy Prime Minister also donated E1 000 to each constituency as part of the relief effort.
Addressing community members, Dladla said the intervention was carried out on the directive of Their Majesties, in line with the Nkwe mandate issued by His Majesty King Mswati III during the 2023 Sibaya. She encouraged beneficiaries to plant immediately and take advantage of the ongoing rains to achieve good yields.
A total of 604 households benefited from the initiative, valued at over E642,000, coordinated through the National Disaster Management Agency. Earlier efforts also saw the distribution of roofing materials in the most affected areas.
Farmers expressed gratitude, noting that the timely assistance had restored confidence after devastating losses. Members of Parliament from the affected constituencies praised government’s swift response and compassion.
This intervention not only supports food security but also empowers families to rebuild with dignity, reinforcing government’s dedication to safeguarding livelihoods and strengthening rural resilience.
