BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Philani Maswati Charity Organization is moving to expand its care for elderly people with plans to build a second support centre in the Hhohho Region, as demand for dignified care continues to grow.
Speaking during an interview on Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show on April 13, 2026, Philani Maswati Charity Organization Chairperson, Lutfo Dlamini, said the organisation was working to ensure that more elderly emaSwati have access to safe shelter, food and daily support closer to their communities.
He said the organisation, which operates under the patronage of Her Majesty Indlovukazi currently runs the Philani Maswati Centre in Mantjonga, Mliba, where between 30 and 40 elderly people are receiving full-time care.
Founded in 1998 and registered as a nonprofit in 2020, Philani Maswati Charity has grown into one of the country’s leading humanitarian organisations, having touched more than 5 000 lives through over 120 projects, with the support of about 500 volunteers.
The Mantjonga centre provides accommodation, meals, electricity and other essential services aimed at restoring dignity and comfort to elderly people who are often vulnerable and without adequate support.
The Chairperson said the organisation has now identified Nkhaba Umphakatsi in the Hhohho Region as the site for its next centre, which is expected to ease pressure on the existing facility and make services more accessible to elderly people in the northern part of the country.
“Our vision is to ensure that every region has its own support centre for the elderly so that no one is left behind,” he said.
He said the charity was engaging traditional leaders and stakeholders at Nkhaba to secure support for the project and move the plans forward.
Operating the Organisation requires between E40 000 and E50 000 every month to cover food, electricity, medical needs and assistive equipment such as wheelchairs.
He thanked sponsors and partners who have continued to support the centre, particularly through the Biggest Braai fundraising event, which remains the organisation’s flagship drive to sustain its humanitarian work.
Among key partners he acknowledged were Luke Commission for donating wheelchairs, KFC for supporting farming initiatives and Embiveni for backing projects aimed at generating income for the centre.
He said the organisation was also working on a feedlot project to create a sustainable source of income and had introduced a smart membership card system to strengthen community support.
The Chairperson appealed to emaSwati to continue supporting Philani Maswati’s programmes, saying every contribution helps protect the dignity, health and wellbeing of elderly citizens who have spent their lives serving their communities.
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