BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
ELUVINJELWENI – Thousands of residents in Eluvinjelweni and surrounding communities are set to benefit from improved oral healthcare following the official opening of a new Dental Department at Malandzela Clinic, a project valued at more than E1 million.
The new facility, established through a partnership between the Butterfield Foundation, Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, and Eswatini Nazarene Health Institutions (ENHI), is expected to transform access to dental services for rural communities that have historically travelled long distances to receive treatment.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, ENHI Executive Director Mazwi Mavuso described the launch as another important milestone in government’s commitment to bringing quality, equitable and accessible healthcare services closer to the people.
He said the new dental department would not only restore smiles but also restore dignity, relieve pain and improve the quality of life for thousands of emaSwati.
More than buildings, an investment in people
Mavuso said the investment extended beyond infrastructure and equipment because its real value would be measured by healthier communities, reduced suffering and improved quality of life.
He revealed that equipping the Dental Department at Malandzela Clinic cost more than E686000, while modern dental laboratory equipment donated to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital was valued at over E316000.
The combined investment exceeds E1 million, significantly strengthening oral healthcare services within the ENHI network.
He expressed gratitude to the Butterfield Foundation and Bethany First Church of the Nazarene for their generosity, saying the donation demonstrated what could be achieved when government and development partners worked together with a shared commitment to serving humanity.
Ending long journeys for treatment
For many families living in rural communities, access to dental care has often meant travelling long distances, enduring unnecessary pain or delaying treatment because of transport costs.
Mavuso said the new department changes that reality. Quality dental healthcare will now be available much closer to the people, reducing travel costs, promoting early diagnosis and preventive care.
Oral health is about more than teeth
He said healthy teeth enable children to learn confidently, adults to work productively and families to enjoy healthier lives, while poor oral health can contribute to serious medical complications if left untreated.
He encouraged regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and reduced consumption of sugary foods and drinks.
Butterfield foundation ‘proud to support eswatini’
Butterfield Foundation representative Dierdre McCool described Eswatini as a beautiful country that had stolen her heart. She encouraged residents to make full use of the clinic and dental department. The Foundation also donated 200 toothbrushes to community members.
Chief praises king’s development partnerships
Eluvinjelweni Chief Mabaleka Mncina thanked the Butterfield Foundation, Bethany First Church of the Nazarene and ENHI for investing in the community. He said the project reflected the strong international partnerships fostered by His Majesty King Mswati III, noting that many development partners had come to Eswatini through relationships strengthened by the King.
He praised nurses and doctors for their professionalism, saying the Royal Kraal had never received a complaint about the treatment of patients. He also appealed for improved salaries and better uniforms for healthcare workers.
Partnership advances universal health coverage
Mavuso reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare through partnerships with faith-based institutions and development organisations, particularly in rural communities. He urged healthcare professionals to safeguard the donated equipment, maintain high standards and continue providing compassionate care for future generations.
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