BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Her Majesty the Indlovukazi has transformed the lives of an elderly couple living in abject poverty by gifting them a brand-new home.
For years, 82-year-old Mkhulu Ngidlane Mdibaniseni Mkhwanazi and his wife Bagcile Lofuka Mkhwanazi endured harsh living conditions in a dilapidated one-room structure made of stick, mud, and thatched grass. Residing in KaMshayazafe under the KaKhuphuka Chiefdom, the couple’s daily struggle was compounded by their reliance on a meager elderly grant and occasional support from their community.
The dire state of their living conditions came to the attention of Her Majesty through her protocol officer, a neighbor to the Mkhwanazi family. Following a detailed assessment report by Assistant Social Welfare Officer Melusi Kenneth Zwane, Her Majesty ordered immediate intervention to provide a safe and dignified shelter for the elderly couple.
On December 12, 2024, their prayers were answered. Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla officially handed over the new house to the Mkhwanazis during a celebratory event in KaKhuphuka, Mkhiweni Constituency. The house, which was constructed within just three weeks, marked a new beginning for the grateful couple.
The fully furnished house includes essentials such as sofas, a bed, and even a television set with a stand. It stands in stark contrast to their previous structure, which lacked electricity, forcing the couple to rely on firewood for cooking and old-fashioned methods for lighting.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mkhulu Ngidlane expressed his deep appreciation to Their Majesties, the Deputy Prime Minister, and all those involved in making the project a success.
“This house is not just a building; it is a place of healing,” he said joyfully, likening it to a clinic where he and his wife could finally be healed from the pain of poverty. With humor and emotion, he referred to his wife as “a patient” now cured by the kindness shown to them.
Her Majesty’s efforts were further amplified by Inkhosikati Make LaMbikiza, who pledged to connect electricity to the new house, ensuring the couple could live in greater comfort and dignity.
The Deputy Prime Minister took time to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the project. She made special mention of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), whose members, under the orders of His Majesty the King as Commander-in-Chief, worked tirelessly to help construct the home.
“The soldiers were not ordered by me,” Dladla said. “It was His Majesty’s directive to ensure that the elderly live with dignity and comfort. Their Majesties have shown yet again that improving the lives of vulnerable people is a priority.”
The handover ceremony took place during the Incwala ceremony, highlighting the urgency and significance of the project.
Among the distinguished guests were KaKhuphuka Chief Hadane Magagula, Manzini Regional Administrator Prince Gija, and other government officials, all of whom applauded the collaborative effort.
For Mkhulu Ngidlane and his wife, the new house symbolizes more than just shelter; it is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and leadership.
“May God bless Their Majesties and all those who made this possible,” Mkhulu Ngidlane said, his voice filled with emotion. “This is a dream come true.”
As the sun set on KaKhuphuka that day, it was not just a house that had been built, but a foundation of hope and dignity for two lives transformed forever.
