BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SHISELWENI – Five vulnerable families who had been living in unsafe and inadequate shelters now have secure homes after the completion of a housing intervention spanning four constituencies in the Shiselweni Region.
The new houses, handed over on October 2, 2026, have replaced leaking structures, tents, cramped accommodation, a flood-affected dwelling and a home destroyed by fire, giving the families safer places to live and a stronger foundation for rebuilding their lives.
The intervention, coordinated through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, covered Mtsambama, Maseyisini, Zombodze Emuva and Shiselweni 1. Four of the five houses were financially supported by Philip Morris International (PMI), while the National Disaster Management Agency (NDRMA) implemented the projects.
At Mtsambama, 63-year-old Sibongile Sihlongonyane received a new piece of land where a climate-smart house was constructed for her family of seven.
The family had previously lived in an inaccessible and cramped space, making their living conditions difficult.
“Since birth I have suffered, but God finally heard my prayers. Today I own a new house,” Sihlongonyane said.
At Maseyisini, two widowers, 67-year-old Vusi Sacolo and Mkhulu Msunduza Dlamini, also moved into new homes after years of living in difficult conditions.
Sacolo had been living in a leaking stick-and-mud house with his late disabled wife. He named his new home “Parliament”, saying it had received positive feedback from members of the community.
Dlamini had spent years living in a tent before receiving his new home. He named it “Imbali”, symbolising beauty and renewal.
At Zombodze Emuva, 63-year-old Gogo Elizabeth Vilakati received a new house after her previous dwelling became flooded during periods of rain.
The Inkhundla Council and community had started construction of the house but could not complete it because of financial constraints. Government later intervened, with support from PMI, to complete the project.
At Ezikhotheni in Shiselweni 1 Inkhundla, 49-year-old Ntombifuthi Nxumalo received a new home after her one-room house was destroyed by fire.
Following the fire, Nxumalo had been sharing an old structure with her siblings and children.
The housing support was complemented by household essentials. Montigny Company donated a bed and bench to each of the five families, while sponge mattresses and rice were also provided.
Speaking during the handover, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla expressed appreciation to Their Majesties for their continued concern for vulnerable emaSwati and efforts to ensure that those in need are accommodated.
Dladla also commended Tinkhundla councils and communities for identifying vulnerable families and contributing to efforts to improve their living conditions.
“Where in the world would you find a leader with such kindness, making sure everyone gets assisted? His Majesty has further created bilateral relations that have benefited the nation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
The initiative demonstrates the impact that collaboration between Government, development partners, private companies, disaster management authorities, Tinkhundla councils and communities can have in addressing housing challenges among vulnerable households.
For the five families, the new houses represent a move away from unsafe and temporary shelter towards homes that offer greater security, comfort and dignity.
(Courtesy Pic)
