BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – The Philani Maswati Charity has launched an ambitious agricultural initiative aimed at securing long-term sustainability for the Mantjonga Philani Centre through the establishment of its own cattle feedlot.
This forward-looking project is designed to reduce the centre’s long-standing dependence on donations and gifts by creating both a reliable food source and an income-generating stream to support daily operations. Once completed, the feedlot will accommodate about 50 cattle at a time, positioning the centre to produce its own meat supply while generating surplus for sale.
Philani Maswati Chairman Lutfo Dlamini described the initiative as a practical and necessary step toward ensuring the centre becomes self-sustaining.
“We are establishing our own cattle feedlot at the Mantjonga Philani Centre, which will carry about 50 cattle at a time. This initiative is aimed at creating self-sustainability for the centre, which has for years survived on donations and gifts,” he said.
Dlamini explained that proceeds from this year’s Biggest Braai fundraiser will be directed toward completing the feedlot structure and commissioning the facility. The total estimated cost of the project stands at E114,000, covering construction materials and basic infrastructure required for the operation.
To ensure that the project meets proper livestock management standards, the organisation has already received technical guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture. This support is expected to help the charity run the feedlot efficiently and sustainably from the onset.
“This project will also create a partnership with Embiveni, which currently consumes cattle for slaughter. The meat from the project will serve as a protein source for the centre, and any surplus will go toward sustaining the centre,” Dlamini said.
Beyond the nutritional benefits for beneficiaries at the centre, the feedlot is also expected to strengthen collaboration with local partners and demonstrate how charitable institutions can adopt practical models of sustainability through agriculture.
The charity is now appealing to companies, stakeholders, and volunteers to assist with building materials and other resources required to complete the facility in time for its planned launch.
“It is our plan to have the project operational by September this year. Who knows, next year’s Biggest Braai could have meat bought directly from the Philani feedlot,” Dlamini added.
The initiative aligns with the broader vision for Philani to become self-reliant while continuing to serve its beneficiaries with dignity, care, and improved nutrition through innovative, sustainable solutions.
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