BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla has called on Emaswati to uphold unity, peace, and compassion to ensure that the tragic events of 2021 — when homes and businesses were destroyed during political unrest — are never repeated.
Speaking on 21 October 2025 at Timbutini under Mafutseni Inkhundla, Senator Dladla officiated the handover of a newly built home to Mamani Simelane, a mother whose house was burnt down during the 2021 unrest. The reconstruction symbolises hope, recovery, and the nation’s collective commitment to rebuilding lives affected by that dark chapter.
Sharing her emotional story, Simelane revealed that her family narrowly escaped death after she received a warning from her late mother in a dream. “I was told to wake up and leave the house with my grandchildren,” she said tearfully. “If it wasn’t for that dream, we would not be here today.”
The Deputy Prime Minister used the moment to remind citizens of the deep pain caused by the 2021 unrest, urging them to protect national peace and unity. “The events of 2021 should never be repeated,” she said firmly. “When we destroy one another’s homes and livelihoods, we destroy our country. Let us stay united as one people and work together for progress.”
Senator Dladla emphasised that peace and mutual respect are the foundations of Eswatini’s social fabric. She noted that the Government of His Majesty King Mswati III, through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, remains committed to restoring dignity and stability for affected families. “Government took swift action to rebuild homes and bring relief to those affected. Every Liswati deserves a safe and decent place to call home, and no one should be left behind,” she said.
Addressing the importance of family values, Senator Dladla condemned rising cases of abuse and neglect of parents by their children, calling it a moral crisis that must be addressed. “No child should ever raise a hand against a parent or chase them out of their home,” she declared. “Parents carry blessings for their families, and when we dishonour them, we bring destruction upon ourselves. We must protect and respect the elderly as a pillar of our heritage.”
She further urged communities to embrace compassion and collective responsibility as the cornerstone of national development. “Unity builds, and division destroys,” she said. “Together, we can build a caring, peaceful, and prosperous Eswatini — a nation where every citizen feels safe, respected, and valued.”
The event at Timbutini was attended by local leaders, community members, and representatives from the DPM’s Office. It forms part of a broader government initiative to support victims of the 2021 unrest through home reconstruction, psychosocial assistance, and community healing programmes.
As Eswatini continues to heal, the DPM’s message serves as both a reminder and a call to action — that unity, empathy, and shared responsibility remain the true foundations of national peace and progress.
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