By Phesheya Ian Kunene
NHLANGANO – In the heart of KaMagele, Hlathikhulu, stands a two-story wonder—crafted not by engineers or builders, but by one man with a dream.
Mlulami Dlamini, a 45-year-old resident with no formal training in construction, stunned the nation by single-handedly building his home using sticks, mud, and unmatched ingenuity.
This week, Dlamini’s creativity received the highest recognition yet.
Government, through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, has pledged to construct a one-bedroom executive house for him. The initiative will be carried out by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), ensuring Dlamini a safe and comfortable living space equipped with proper wiring and plumbing.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla visited Dlamini’s homestead to witness the marvel for herself. With admiration, she toured the home, complete with a stairway, upper sitting room, ensuite bedroom, and a rainwater harvesting system. Remarkably, Dlamini also installed electricity and is now working on building a swimming pool—all without any formal education or assistance.
“He is a genius,” said the DPM. “I have never seen anything like this in my entire life. Mlulami is a deep thinker, highly innovative, and possesses rare talents as a scientist, electrician, and farmer.”
The self-taught innovator has not only built his home but also cultivated a flourishing orchard with sweet potatoes, cassava, and various fruits. Despite these accomplishments, Dlamini humbly shared the challenges he faces, including leaking walls and a lack of income to maintain his home.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed her commitment to supporting his development. Her office will facilitate an IQ assessment and connect Dlamini with training opportunities that match his remarkable skills.
His story, which recently captured the hearts of many on social media and local platforms, also inspired a local businessman to donate aluminum windows for his home—further proof that Eswatini recognizes and uplifts its home-grown heroes.
With government support now on the way, Mlulami Dlamini’s journey from mud and sticks to national recognition is a powerful reminder that talent knows no boundaries—and that innovation often begins with a dream.
(Pics: DPMO)
