BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
BHUNYA— His Majesty King Mswati III’s commitment to improving the living standards of vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly, continues to take shape across the country through government’s housing support initiatives.
This vision was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla during the official handover of two newly constructed houses to deserving families in Mhlambanyatsi and Mangcongco constituencies.
Dladla said His Majesty has made it clear that ensuring every LiSwati lives in a proper home is central to the country’s socio-economic development efforts. She added that such interventions not only restore dignity but also strengthen communities.
“His Majesty emphasized during the official opening of Parliament this year that every LiSwati should be housed in proper homes,” the DPM reaffirmed.
One of the beneficiaries, Bawinile Phakathi, a 56-year-old widow from Zandondo under Mhlambanyatsi Inkhundla, could not hold back her joy after receiving her new house. Her previous home, built from mud bricks, began to crumble in 2022, leaving her and her family exposed to danger.
“When it rains, I cannot sleep because I fear the walls will collapse on me and my children,” she said. “Today, I have peace of mind and a beautiful home I can proudly call mine. I thank His Majesty, the DPM, and everyone who made this dream come true.”
Bawinile lives with two of her children and grandchildren, surviving through hawking. The DPM’s Office will fence her property and build a makeshift kitchen to enhance her safety and comfort, while Walk by Faith Church donated five blankets to the family.
Another house was presented to Robert Mbholwane Mabuza, a 77-year-old resident of Mabhukwini in Mangcongco, whose mud hut collapsed last year. For months, he relied on the kindness of neighbours for shelter and food.
“Before it fell, I used to sleep under plastic because the roof leaked badly. My children had moved away, and I was living alone,” he shared.The DPM emphasized that many families across Eswatini remain in need of proper housing, particularly after the heavy rains earlier this year. She said through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), government will continue assessing affected households to ensure vulnerable citizens are provided with safe and dignified homes.
Both families also received beds and wardrobes from Montigny Company and food parcels from the DPM’s Office.
