BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– For residents who face the cost and inconvenience of travelling for medical care, quality healthcare is now closer to home following the opening of The Luke Commission (TLC) Manzini Satellite Clinic at The Central Hive.
The new facility officially opened on Monday, September 28, 2026, bringing TLC’s medical services into the heart of Manzini, with full clinical operations beginning this afternoon.
The development expands TLC’s services in Manzini and is expected to ease some of the barriers residents face when seeking medical attention, while strengthening access to compassionate, patient-centred care.
Speaking during the official opening, TLC co-founder Echo Nomsa VanderWal said the establishment of the Manzini clinic was rooted in a simple principle: healthcare should be accessible to the communities that need it.
“Healthcare should be closer to home,” VanderWal said.
She emphasised the importance of removing barriers that can make it difficult for residents to seek medical attention, while ensuring that patients receive quality care in an environment that respects their dignity.
The Ministry of Health also welcomed the facility, with Principal Secretary Khanyakwezwe Mabuza speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health and emphasising the importance of patient-centred care.
The Minister of Health said the quality of healthcare should be reflected in the care provided to patients, the accessibility of services and the effectiveness of referral pathways.
“Every patient deserves to be listened to, and every patient should leave with a clear understanding of care they have received and the next step in their healthcare journey,” the Minister said.
The Minister further called for continued efforts to strengthen referral systems and patient care across the country.
“Let us continue to improve the referral and patient care of our people,” the Minister said.
The opening also highlighted the needs of vulnerable groups who can face additional challenges when accessing medical services.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, DPMO Under Secretary Makhosi Simelane said the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has a responsibility to ensure that people facing vulnerability are not left on the margins.
The Deputy Prime Minister said poverty can become a barrier to healthcare because some residents cannot afford transport to health facilities, let alone the costs associated with accessing medical care.
“We were tasked with the unenviable task of addressing vulnerability, leaving no one behind, and indeed making sure that people that have got things that push them to the margins are brought to the main table,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
She identified elderly people, persons living with disabilities and children without caregivers among those who require additional support.
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude for TLC’s continued partnership with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, saying the organisation has helped vulnerable emaSwati access medical care.
“It is, therefore, with a very sincere, profound sense of gratitude for us to see an institution such as this, such as the Luke Commission, with whom we have enjoyed a very fruitful, mutual partnership over the years,” she said.
She said TLC’s work has also assisted government in fulfilling its mandate towards vulnerable groups.
“All the people that have managed to get help, medical care from the Luke Commission who are elderly, those who are disabled, and those that cannot provide for themselves—it has helped us and assisted us as an office to be able to achieve and make strides in our mandate,” she said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also welcomed the clinic’s attention to disability inclusion and physical accessibility, reinforcing the need for services to reach people who are often pushed to the margins.
The opening brought together government officials, diplomatic representatives, corporate partners and other stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration in expanding services to communities.
With patient intake, clinical consultations and specialised care now commencing at The Central Hive, Manzini residents have a new point of access to TLC services within the city.
The opening marks another step in TLC’s efforts to extend its reach while placing patients, dignity and accessibility at the centre of its work.
#EswatiniPositiveNews #TheLukeCommission #ManziniClinic #TheCentralHive #HealthcareCloserToHome #CommunityCare #Manzini #Eswatini
