BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI- New Hebron Primary School in Mankayane is set to benefit from Africa Alliance’s school outreach programme in 2027, with planned support for meals, sports and other school activities aimed at improving pupils’ school experience.
The initiative was announced by Africa Alliance Partner Sthofeni Ginindza during the handover of a sponsorship to the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) at Matsapha Link on October 14, 2026.
Ginindza said the group wanted to expand its investment in education, particularly in rural communities where schools often receive less corporate support. He explained that adopting schools would allow businesses to contribute directly to their development while creating opportunities for pupils.
“When we, as businesses, go into schools and partner with them, we are taking a burden from government and other stakeholders,” Ginindza said.
He noted that rural schools could miss out on corporate support, as businesses often concentrated their initiatives in urban areas. He said Africa Alliance wanted to help close this gap by extending its outreach to more communities.
“We want to encourage even other businesses to do it,” Ginindza said, calling on companies to partner with schools and contribute to the development of young people.
New Hebron Primary School will be adopted under the programme, with support expected to begin in 2027. The planned initiatives will cover different aspects of school life, including meals, sports and other programmes implemented by the institution.
Ginindza said the partnership would be developed through discussions with the school, with the aim of identifying initiatives that could respond to its needs and benefit pupils.
He also indicated that the group’s sponsorship to SNAT, initially announced at E300 000, was expected to increase to E500 000 as the initiative expanded.
The group’s wider commitment is expected to involve other businesses, with Ginindza highlighting KFC Eswatini’s contributions to similar initiatives in previous months.
The involvement of more companies could help expand the programme and extend support to additional schools, particularly those in rural communities.
Ginindza pointed to international examples where businesses support educational institutions through investment and partnerships, saying a similar approach could help schools in Eswatini.
The planned adoption of New Hebron Primary School reflects this approach, with the partnership expected to provide additional support for activities that contribute to pupils’ development and school life.
Ginindza also reaffirmed Africa Alliance’s commitment to its partnership with SNAT, emphasising that the relationship should continue beyond the current leadership. He expressed appreciation to the outgoing SNAT executive for helping nurture the partnership.
Through its planned 2027 outreach programme, Africa Alliance aims to encourage greater private sector participation in education and help ensure that rural schools also benefit from corporate support.
