BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
BUHLENI – Lutsango attending the Buganu Ceremony 2026 have been empowered with practical guidance on how to access the Regional Development Fund (RDF), a key financing mechanism aimed at driving grassroots development and poverty alleviation at Tinkhundla level.
Addressing Lutsango on February 28,2026 Mduduzi Mamba from the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development said the RDF is the primary vehicle for financing community-based economic initiatives across the country.
He explained that the fund supports projects such as the acquisition of tractors and agricultural equipment, construction initiatives, cooperatives and other viable enterprises.
Mamba said each Tinkhundla is allocated up to E3 million or more to implement community-driven projects, noting that the fund was launched by King Mswati III to support development across the country’s 59 Tinkhundla centres. He encouraged Emaswati to organise themselves into groups of at least 10 people to apply for the funding and engage in any lawful business venture.
He further clarified that beneficiaries are required to contribute 10 per cent towards their projects and emphasised that the RDF is not a loan but a grant, intended to stimulate sustainable economic activity and improve livelihoods at community level.
Meanwhile, Bheki Shabangu from Khulisa Umntfwana used the platform to raise awareness on HIV prevention and gender-based violence (GBV).
He highlighted key messages including abstinence, faithfulness and correct condom use, the importance of HIV testing, adherence to treatment, and collective action in preventing and reporting GBV within communities.
Shabangu said the organisation works with trained Lutsango drawn from its programmes, who have been capacitated through support from NERCHA, Youth Funds and other stakeholders.
As the Buganu Ceremony continues, today marks the main day (Engomeni), during which Lutsango are expected to dance before Their Majesties, in keeping with tradition and cultural protocol.
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