BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – In a heartening move to protect and nurture the nation’s most vulnerable, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) will convert the former DPM residence in Waterford into a halfway house for abused children.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla announced the development on 11 August 2025 during a blanket donation event by the Kwakitsi Foundation at the Mankayane Home for the Elderly. She said the initiative is in direct response to the growing number of children facing abuse in Eswatini.
Currently, the country has one halfway house located in Manzini, where children are cared for until a permanent, loving family is found for them through adoption. The Waterford facility will complement this existing centre, helping to meet rising demand and ensuring that no child is left without shelter, safety, and care.
The adoption process is expected to follow strict guidelines to ensure every child is placed in an environment that supports their healthy development.
She explained that the Waterford residence had been lying unused since it was last occupied by a Deputy Prime Minister, leaving it vulnerable to break-ins and theft. Rather than let it deteriorate, the DPMO saw an opportunity to give the building a renewed purpose—offering security and hope to children who need it most.
Transforming this property into a halfway house is not just about providing shelter—it is about giving children a safe space to heal and a chance at a brighter future.
Upgrades will be made to ensure the building is suitable for children, creating a warm, safe, and supportive environment.
The decision has been widely welcomed as a practical and compassionate use of state resources, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to protecting its young citizens and giving them a strong start in life.
(Courtesy Pic)
