BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE- Elderly and vulnerable people living in urban communities could soon receive greater support, including monthly meals and houses, as Government moves to address urban poverty in Eswatini.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Her Excellency Thulisile Dladla, made the proposal during the launch of a soup kitchen in Msunduza, Mbabane, where elderly residents received food and support.
The initiative is set to bring a new focus to vulnerable people living in towns, who the Deputy Prime Minister noted can sometimes be overlooked because poverty interventions have traditionally focused more strongly on rural communities.
Dladla highlighted that urban poverty is also a reality, with vulnerable elderly people living in towns facing challenges that require attention and practical interventions.
She proposed that houses for elderly and vulnerable people could be built in Msunduza, giving hope to residents who may otherwise struggle to secure decent and safe accommodation.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that municipalities have an important role to play in identifying vulnerable people within urban communities and creating opportunities for Government to support them.
The Msunduza soup kitchen launch also introduced what could become a meaningful monthly tradition for elderly and vulnerable people.
It was announced that, going forward, food will be prepared and distributed to elderly and vulnerable people at the end of every month, with the next activity expected to take place in Mbabane town.
A suitable location will be identified where meals will be prepared and served to those in need.
The programme marks a significant step in widening community feeding initiatives, which have previously largely focused on children.
For elderly people, receiving a nutritious meal at least once every month could provide not only food but also an opportunity to feel remembered, valued and connected to their communities.
The Msunduza launch therefore represents more than the opening of a soup kitchen. It signals an emerging effort to ensure that vulnerability is recognised wherever people live whether in rural areas or within busy towns.
As the monthly initiative takes shape, it could become an important platform for Government, municipalities and communities to work together in identifying elderly and vulnerable residents and responding to their basic needs.
The message from Msunduza was clear: poverty does not stop at the town boundary, and neither should support for vulnerable emaSwati.
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