BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Over 19 000 orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) across Eswatini have had their school fees paid through a massive E47.8 million investment by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) in the first quarter of 2025.
This financial intervention, covering the period from March to June, is highlighted in the DPMO’s first-quarter performance report. According to the report, “Significant progress was made in social grants, with 19,436 OVCs newly enrolled in the Education Grant Programme and E47.8 million paid in school fees one third deposits.”
The funding is part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening social protection services, particularly for vulnerable groups such as orphaned children, the elderly, and people with disabilities (PWDs). Elderly and disability grants were also increased to E600 and E450 per month respectively, positively impacting over 87,000 elderly citizens and 17 000 PWD beneficiaries.
The DPMO continued to extend its reach through community-based initiatives like the Nkwe Programme, which identifies and connects vulnerable groups — including child-headed households and those in dire housing conditions — to essential services.
The report also highlights the Office’s commemoration of World Autism and International Albinism Awareness Days, which included the distribution of assistive devices and campaigns to promote disability inclusion.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare managed over 1,100 child maintenance cases, although a high default rate remains a concern, primarily due to economic hardship. Additionally, 101 custody and guardianship cases were received, with only 17 completed — delays stemming from logistical issues, legal processes, and case sensitivities.
Alarmingly, 911 child abuse cases were reported, with neglect being the most common, often linked to family instability, substance abuse, and unemployment. In response, social workers provided counselling to 466 individuals and facilitated the placement of 23 children in residential care. Four children were successfully reintegrated with their families.
The Halfway House, which currently accommodates 28 children, was flagged as needing urgent rehabilitation and increased staffing to meet growing demands.
In terms of strategic development, the Office launched a pilot for the National Dynamic Social Registry (Imbeleko) in the Shiselweni Region, successfully collecting data from over 47,000 households. This data will help inform more targeted and efficient distribution of social support in the future.
Additionally, Eswatini secured E3.6 million from the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the construction of 25 houses for vulnerable groups, and E6.3 million for the rehabilitation of the Mzimpofu School Hostel, including a new boys’ hostel.
The DPMO’s annual recurrent budget for 2025 stands at just over E1 billion, with E263.9 million released and E208.7 million already expended — the remainder largely committed to critical goods and services.
This performance signals continued progress in Eswatini’s efforts to build an inclusive social safety net, with education and dignity at the centre of its national agenda.
(Courtesy Pic)
