BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – A new chapter in disability inclusion has been opened in Eswatini as nine persons with disabilities were selected as winners of the country’s first ever Trolley Dash Competition dedicated specifically to empowering people living with disabilities.
The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla, together with Senator Stukie Motsa and representatives of persons with disabilities, gathered at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for the official draw, marking a milestone initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities through meaningful support and inclusion.
The competition, valued at E30 000, was made possible through contributions from Cabinet Ministers, Pick n Pay Eswatini, African Alliance and other partners who joined hands to create an opportunity that promotes dignity, independence and equal participation.
The nine winners selected through the draw represent different disability categories, including physical disabilities, visual impairment, hearing impairment, speech disabilities and albinism. They are Nozizwe Rebecca Shiba, Fikiswa Mgabhi, Nothando Ndlela, Khanyakwezwe Shongwe, Fikile Francis Sikhondze, Nkosephayo Zakumi Mamba, Sibusiso J. Maziya, Lindiwe Margaret Tembe and Phineus Themba Makhunga.
Each winner will participate in a trolley dash at Pick n Pay stores nationwide, where they will collect groceries worth up to E2 000. Any remaining balance from the allocated amount will be refunded, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the initiative.
Speaking during the draw, DPM Dladla highlighted that the initiative was created to address gaps in opportunities for persons with disabilities, noting that while trolley dash competitions have been conducted in the country over the years, persons with disabilities have rarely been included.
“Across the country we have witnessed numerous trolley dash competitions over the years, but participation of persons with disabilities has often been limited or entirely absent,” said Dladla.
She expressed appreciation to all partners who supported the initiative, emphasising that programmes of this nature should continue to be sustainable so that future generations can also benefit.
The competition was administered by the Federation of Disabled in Eswatini (FODSWA) to ensure a fair and transparent selection process. The initiative only targeted unemployed persons with disabilities, with applicants required to submit their personal details and disability information.
Speaking on behalf of Pick n Pay Eswatini, Sanelisiwe Nhlabatsi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, highlighting that the retailer currently employs nine persons with disabilities across its stores nationwide.
The initiative received contributions from various stakeholders, including Tinkhundla Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula, Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela, Finance Minister Neal Rijkenburg, Commerce Minister Mancoba Khumalo, DPM Dladla, Pick n Pay Eswatini, African Alliance and anonymous donors.
The first ever disability focused Trolley Dash Competition stands as a symbol of partnership, inclusion and recognition of the valuable role played by persons with disabilities in society.
#DisabilityInclusion #EswatiniEmpowers #TogetherForInclusion #PositiveEswatini
