BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – Machegwini Primary School learners in Nkhaba received 41 pairs of new school shoes from Eswatini Mobile on 17 February 2026 following an appeal by the school to assist pupils who were attending classes without proper footwear.
The donation was handed over by Eswatini Mobile Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Sichula, who said no child should be deprived of education because they lack basic necessities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Sichula said the initiative forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Investment programme. “As a company operating within communities across the Kingdom, we believe it is our responsibility to give back in meaningful and practical ways. Supporting education is one of the most impactful ways we can do so,” he said.
He added that while 41 pairs of shoes may seem like a simple gesture, the impact is significant. “A pair of shoes restores dignity, boosts confidence and removes one more barrier that may stand between a child and their education. It is our way of saying, we see you, we value you and we believe in your future,” he said.
Sichula noted that His Majesty Mswati 111 has consistently called on the public and private sectors to work together to build a stronger economy, adding that education is the foundation of national development. “By investing in our children, we are investing in Eswatini’s future workforce, future leaders and future innovators,” he said.
He further stated that the company’s board, led by founder Michelo Shakantu, together with management, remains committed to ensuring that Eswatini Mobile plays an active role in nation building and community upliftment.
The school’s Headteacher, Susan Motsa, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the donation and shared how the assistance came about. She explained that when company representatives visited the school, she showed them a list of learners who did not have school shoes.
“We told them we had written a list of learners who did not have shoes and we did not know where to take it. We asked if they could assist, even if it was just 10 pairs to reduce the number,” she said.
Motsa said the list was completed, stamped and handed over for consideration. “The following day, we received a call informing us that the CEO was very interested in the list and had decided to buy shoes for all 41 learners,” she said.
The announcement brought excitement and relief to the school community, as many of the beneficiaries come from underprivileged families and walk long distances to school. School authorities said the donation will not only protect the learners’ feet but also restore their confidence and encourage regular attendance.
Through this gesture, Eswatini Mobile reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
