BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE- Government has strengthened its support for vulnerable urban communities with the launch of the Local Government Feeding Scheme at Msunduza Soup Kitchen, where elderly residents received meals and encouragement.
The initiative was launched today by Deputy Prime Minister Her Excellency Thulisile Dladla, who was joined by Minister of Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala, Mbabane East Member of Parliament Hon Welcome Dlamini, Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto, Mbabane City Council Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze and members of the Msunduza community.
The launch placed the spotlight on the importance of supporting vulnerable people living in urban areas, particularly elderly residents who may face challenges despite living close to the country’s capital.
Dladla also took part in serving food to elderly residents at the soup kitchen, turning the launch into a practical demonstration of care and community support.
In her remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the municipality’s cooperation in supporting vulnerable people living in towns.
“Municipality has allowed the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to build houses for vulnerable people in towns as there are vulnerable elders in towns,” she said.
Her remarks reinforced the need to ensure that assistance reaches vulnerable Emaswati regardless of whether they live in rural or urban communities.
Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto also highlighted the distinctive challenges experienced by people living in urban areas, noting that poverty in towns can differ from poverty in rural communities.
Mkhonto suggested that government could consider extending soup kitchen services to elderly people, asking whether government could also cook for them through soup kitchens.
The Mayor further raised the issue of municipal rates affecting elderly residents, calling for government intervention to help address the burden faced by older people in meeting their rates obligations.
Adding to the discussion, Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini challenged the perception that people living in Mbabane necessarily enjoy better living conditions.
“People think we are living a better life here in Mbabane; they don’t think we are also facing struggles,” Dlamini said, drawing attention to the reality of urban poverty in Msunduza.
The feeding scheme therefore comes at an important time, providing more than a meal to vulnerable residents. It represents an opportunity to strengthen social protection, dignity and community care for people who may otherwise struggle to meet their daily needs.
The presence of government and local leadership at Msunduza also demonstrated the value of collaboration between national government, municipalities and communities in responding to the needs of vulnerable Emaswati.
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