BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The Republic of China (Taiwan) has donated rice worth E10 million to Eswatini Government.
The 400 metric tonne rice was donated yesterday (Friday, December 6, 2024) at the warehouse of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in Matsapha. The rice has come at a time when many Emaswati are in need of food.
People to be assisted by the donation are 36 275 in the country. These people are said to be across 7 255 most vulnerable households, found across 40 constituencies.
Taiwan Ambassador to Eswatini Jeremy Liang said they donated the rice because they realised that more people were in need of food. Liang said according to Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimated that between October 2024 and March 2025, about 300 000 would need food assistance.
In response to Taiwan’s kind gesture, Dladla thanked Ambassador Liang, saying the donation came at a right time. She said the Kingdom of Eswatini, like many developing economies, had encountered substantial hurdles, ranging from the adverse effects of natural disasters to the escalating need for sustainable development.
However, Dladla said it was through such international partnerships that the country could enhance its resilience, reduce vulnerability, and secure a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Emaswati.
She said on behalf of His Majesty’s Government, she was delighted to receive the generous donation of 400 metric tons of rice, valued at approximately E10 million, from the Government of Taiwan. This donation refleced Taiwan’s enduring commitment to supporting Eswatini in its efforts to reduce poverty and enhance food security.
She said the timing of this contribution was particularly critical, as the country had recently faced significant climatic challenges, including hailstorms and prolonged dry spells, which have severely impacted agricultural production. Dladla said according to the 2024 Annual Vulnerability Assessment, it was projected that between October 2024 and March 2025, approximately 269 600 people in eswatini will require food assistance, with 34 500 facing a critical food security crisis. She said these alarming figures highlighted the urgent need for coordinated and immediate intervention.
Dladla said they were therefore pleased to announce that this rice donation would be directed to 7255 of the most vulnerable households, benefiting 36 275 individuals across 40 constituencies. She said this would go a long way in alleviating food insecurity and ensuring that no one was left behind during these challenging times.
In addition to the rice, the DPM said His Majesty’s Government, through the NDMA, would procure complementary commodities, including beans and oil, to ensure that a full food basket is provided to those in need, meeting all necessary nutritional requirements.
