BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has reaffirmed her commitment to empowering vulnerable families through education and skills training.
Speaking at a Life-Skills Graduation Ceremony held at The George Hotel today, the DPM celebrated the success of five graduates who completed courses in Catering, Hairdressing, and Nail Technology.
The graduates—Noxolo Mabuza, Nontsikelelo Zikalala, Gcinile Masuku, Cebileumalo, and Tenele Mkhabela—were identified during the DPM’s outreach program. The government fully sponsored their tuition, enabling them to pursue skills that will help them sustain their livelihoods and support their families.
“Today is a significant milestone for these five beneficiaries, who have faced tremendous challenges, including the loss of both parents and the burden of heading their households,” said the DPM. “This program equips them with skills to become entrepreneurs and contribute to their families and communities. In the next financial year, we aim to enroll more vulnerable children, ensuring they receive the support they need to transform their lives.”
The DPM also announced seed capital for the graduates to start their businesses and encouraged them to focus on building a brighter future. Expressing their gratitude, the graduates shared heartfelt stories about how the program has positively impacted their lives.
“Through the DPM’s support, my family now has chickens, a fenced home, and a maize field. My younger siblings are back in school, and I’m trained to support them,” said Noxolo Mabuza of Ekupheleni.
Another graduate, Nontsikelelo Zikalala from Bhunya, shared how her training enabled her to care for her grandmother during the festive season. “I wish my mother were alive to see this moment. I promise to use my skills to change my life for the better,” she said.
The program, initiated in 2020, initially focused on providing agricultural support such as fencing, planting fields, and backyard gardens. In response to changing weather conditions, it expanded to include livestock, indigenous chickens, goats, and water tanks for rainwater harvesting.
“This initiative is more than just skills training,” the DPM added. “It’s about restoring dignity, fostering independence, and ensuring that vulnerable families can rise above their circumstances.”
As the program prepares to enroll more participants in the coming year, the success of these five graduates serves as a testament to the transformative power of government-led social initiatives.
