By Mbongeni Ndlela
(Pics: DPMO)
HLUTSI – In a powerful display of how government support can change lives, a young man’s musical dreams have struck the right chord—bringing joy, opportunity, and inspiration to a small community in Gilgal Inkhundla.
Nkosenomusa Sibaya Gamedze, a 25-year-old visually impaired musical talent from Hlutsi under Gilgal Inkhundla, received a life-changing gift: musical instruments worth E156,300. The official handover was done personally by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, who applauded Nkosenomusa’s determination to turn his talent into a source of income.
Born with normal sight, Nkosenomusa lost his vision to glaucoma during his early teens, cutting short his schooling while in Form 2. But even as darkness settled in his eyes, a light was lit within—his love for music. He began playing the keyboard at a young age and never let go of that passion, now serving as a musician at his local church.
Refusing to be limited by his circumstances, Nkosenomusa boldly reached out to the Deputy Prime Minister, seeking support to pursue music professionally. His courage paid off.
“I am truly grateful to you, Deputy Prime Minister, for uplifting the standards of persons with disabilities,” Nkosenomusa said during the ceremony. “When I called, you received me with so much warmth. That moment made me feel seen and heard.”
His mother, Bakhetsile Gamedze, was visibly emotional as she recalled their family’s journey—from fighting to save her son’s vision, to watching him develop a gift that now inspires many. “We tried everything, but the doctors said glaucoma could not be cured. Today, I see that God had a different path for my son—one filled with purpose,” she said tearfully.
The Deputy Prime Minister, visibly moved, expressed how proud she was to meet Nkosenomusa in person.
“His story is not only inspiring—it’s proof that disability is not inability. With this support, we are confident he will become self-reliant and even help others,” she said. “As a family, your support will continue to be his greatest strength.”
In the same spirit of service, the DPM also announced the donation of two houses for vulnerable families within Gilgal Inkhundla, aligning with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of ensuring every Liswati has access to decent shelter.
The uplifting event was attended by senior government officials including Principal Secretary Siboniso Nkambule and Under Secretary Makhosi Simelane, as well as Gilgal’s Inkhundla council led by MP Sifiso Gadlela.
Nkosenomusa’s story is a beautiful reminder that when talent meets opportunity, lives are transformed. And with support from leaders who listen, dreams—no matter how distant—can play the sweetest tunes.
