BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – A generous act of compassion.
Word of Faith Ministries has extended a helping hand by donating food and other essential items to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO). The donation, which took place on January 15, 2025, was received by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.
The items donated included bags of rice, beans, fish, soap, toothpaste, clothes, and blankets. Speaking on behalf of Word of Faith Ministries, Apostle Buyile Shongwe, accompanied by members of the church, highlighted the motivation behind the gesture.
“As a church, we responded to the ‘Nkwe’ command from His Majesty King Mswati III, aiming to help destitute Emaswati,” Shongwe said. She emphasized that while their primary responsibility is preaching the Word of God, it is equally important to ensure that those who receive the Word are also physically nourished.
Shongwe drew parallels to Jesus’ teachings, noting that He often ensured His followers were fed. She commended the DPM for her dedication to supporting vulnerable members of society, especially the elderly and people with disabilities.
Pastor Nkosinathi Mhlanga, also from Word of Faith Ministries, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to assist those in need. “What we have donated may not reach as many people as we would like, but we are happy that some lives will be touched,” Mhlanga said. He also praised Dladla for her tireless efforts in providing much-needed assistance to vulnerable Emaswati.
In response, DPM Dladla described the donation as an act of God, noting its timeliness. She shared that the food would be delivered to the residents of Mahlangatja Inkhundla, who were facing difficulties accessing essential services due to the impassable Ngwemphisi River.
Dladla revealed that Mahlangatja Member of Parliament (MP) Mgucisi Dlamini had recently requested help for the affected residents. She mentioned that the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) helicopter would be utilized to deliver the donated food to the community.
Dladla expressed gratitude to the constituency councillors (Bucopho) who alerted the MP, enabling the assistance. She praised the Tinkhundla system for its effectiveness in ensuring local councillors remain connected to the people in chiefdoms.
The DPM acknowledged the donation as the first she has received from a church since assuming office. While she recognized that churches often provide assistance in their own ways, she encouraged all religious organizations in Eswatini to continue supporting the government and the king by helping vulnerable populations.
“This collaborative spirit showcases the power of unity in addressing societal challenges,” Dladla said. She called on more religious groups to step forward and provide support where possible, emphasizing the impact such contributions have on improving lives.
