BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBULUZI – Nedbank Eswatini has validated its commitment to community development by contributing E500 000 towards the 2026 Sibebe Survivor Walk, making it one of the biggest contributors to this year’s charity initiative.
Speaking after participating in the walk held at Mbuluzi, Nedbank Eswatini Managing Director (MD) Fikile Nkosi said the bank was proud to partner with Mbuluzi Rotary Club in an initiative that transforms every step taken by participants into meaningful change in the lives of emaSwati.
Nkosi said while thousands of participants joined the walk for different reasons – whether for fitness, family fun or adventure – the ultimate purpose of the event was to create hope, dignity and better opportunities for vulnerable members of society.
“For Nedbank, Rotary and all the other corporate sponsors, it is for a greater purpose that we are here today. We are here because we want to create hope, dignity and better opportunities for people who may lack specific things,” she said.
She commended Rotary for its transparency and accountability in ensuring that funds raised are directed towards impactful community projects.
Nkosi revealed that Rotary had raised nearly E1 million through its initiatives over the past year, with the funds being channelled towards healthcare, education, water reservoir and water purification projects, as well as programmes that restore dignity to mothers, particularly maternity patients.
She further praised Rotary’s commitment to education through the provision of bursaries for deserving learners.
“What is important is that Rotary is very purposeful. They want every Liswati to have an opportunity to go to school and are ensuring that through their bursaries. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Rotary for being intentional in empowering and improving the lives of emaSwati,” she said.
The Nedbank MD said the Sibebe Survivor Walk had grown beyond being a national event and was now attracting regional and international interest. She noted that organisers had capped participation at 5 000 people this year, but many more turned up despite not having registered.
To improve accessibility and accommodate growing interest, Nkosi announced plans to digitise the registration process for future editions of the event.
“We are putting it out there that as we look forward to 2027, we will be digitising the registration process. You will be able to register online even when you are outside Eswatini,” she said.
Nkosi thanked participants and their families for supporting the initiative and reminded them that their participation had made a tangible difference in the lives of others.
“As you go back today, we would like to say thank you. But remember, every step you took is actually putting a smile on a Liswati that is out there,” she said.
The Sibebe Survivor Walk continues to serve as one of Eswatini’s flagship charity fundraising events, bringing together individuals, corporates and development partners in support of various community upliftment programmes across the country.
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