BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– The World Food Programme (WFP) has strengthened its partnership with the Pigg’s Peak community by visiting Malanda Social Centre and donating essential cleaning products to support the centre’s volunteers.
Malanda, one of the underprivileged areas in Pigg’s Peak, has long benefitted from the Social Centre’s initiatives, which empower local residents through volunteer-led income-generating projects. During the visit, WFP Head of Office for Eswatini, Nanga Kaye, and programme officer Nonsikelelo Mkhonta, presented polish, star-soft products, and paraffin to the centre, reinforcing the vital work carried out by the volunteers.
In a statement issued by the Pigg’s Peak Town Council, the donation was hailed as a major boost for the Social Centre’s operations. “Malanda Social Centre was honoured to receive a visit from WFP representatives, whose generous contribution will greatly strengthen the volunteers’ efforts and support their livelihoods,” the Council noted. The statement continued: “We sincerely appreciate WFP’s continued partnership and commitment to empowering local economic development initiatives.”
The donation is part of WFP’s ongoing efforts to assist communities in enhancing local entrepreneurship and self-reliance. By supporting the Social Centre volunteers, the organisation helps ensure that community-driven initiatives can thrive, fostering both economic development and social cohesion in the area.
Pigg’s Peak Town Council expressed deep gratitude to WFP for standing alongside their Social Centres in pursuit of sustainable development goals. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to improving living standards and creating opportunities for residents in under-resourced communities.
The support comes at a time when the council has been actively responding to other pressing community needs. On 14 January 2025, the Town Council, led by the Mayor, CEO, and management team, visited a Shiba family in Malanda whose home had collapsed due to a nearby donga, further affected by persistent heavy rains.
The Council had previously identified risks in the area and allocated land for the family’s relocation after thorough assessments. Meanwhile, immediate relief was provided in partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and other stakeholders. The assistance included temporary shelter, food parcels, clothing, and other essential household items, ensuring the family’s safety and wellbeing.
Recognising the urgency, the Council has fast-tracked the relocation of the family to a safer plot and reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing humanitarian support until permanent housing is secured. In addition, a comprehensive assessment of nearby households is underway to identify and assist others who may be at risk.
The combined efforts of WFP, local authorities, and volunteers at Malanda Social Centre highlight a strong community spirit and a collaborative approach to development. By supporting residents in both immediate and long-term initiatives, Pigg’s Peak Town Council and its partners are ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the care and resources they need to thrive.
Through donations such as WFP’s, and ongoing interventions by local authorities, Malanda Social Centre continues to serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can transform lives and strengthen communities.
#CommunityDevelopment #WFP #MalandaSocialCentre #VolunteerSupport #PiggsPeak
(Courtesy Pic)
