BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
BHUNYA — Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has urged Constituency and Umphakatsi Councils to motivate children to attend school and complete their education, in line with Eswatini’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The DPM made the call today at Mabhukwini, in the Mangcongco Inkhundla, during the handover of a newly constructed house to Robert Mbolwane Mabuza .
Speaking during a recent outreach programme, Dladla reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving SDG 4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. She emphasized that education remains central to national development and to His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of empowering citizens through knowledge and opportunity.
The DPM highlighted that some communities, particularly in rural areas, continue to face challenges related to access to education. In several constituencies, children walk long distances to reach the nearest schools due to sparse settlements and the limited number of homesteads, which makes the construction of new schools unfeasible.
To help address this challenge, Dladla advised community leaders to collaborate and make use of the Regional Development Fund (RDF) available at Tinkhundla Centres. She said communities can apply for loans to purchase a khombi (minibus) to transport children to and from school safely.
She noted that ensuring children remain in school is not only a government responsibility but a shared community effort that will help the country meet its education targets by 2030.According to the United Nations, education is a key driver of sustainable development, reducing poverty, and promoting equality. Dladla reiterated that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and build a better future, regardless of where they live.