BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
MBABANE – As Eswatini strengthens efforts to protect its most vulnerable citizens, Government’s housing interventions are giving elderly emaSwati and struggling families something more valuable than shelter renewed dignity, security and hope.
The recent handover of four houses in Shiselweni by Deputy Prime Minister Her Excellency Thulisile Dladla is part of wider national efforts to improve living conditions for vulnerable emaSwati.
The intervention reflects His Majesty King Mswati III’s continued concern for the welfare of the nation, particularly elderly people, children, people living with disabilities and families affected by disasters.
The houses handed over at Shiselweni II, Madulini and Makwelelwa were delivered through Government’s efforts, with the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) and development partners, including the Republic of China (Taiwan), contributing to the work.
The partnership with Taiwan also reflects the longstanding friendship between the two countries, with Dladla highlighting how His Majesty’s diplomatic relationships continue opening avenues for development that reach communities.
But behind every house is a human being whose life has been changed.
At Shiselweni II, 81-year-old Emelina Shabangu received a new home. She lives with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and continues caring for her family despite losing her eyesight.
Bucopho Sifiso Simelane presented Emelina’s circumstances to the Deputy Prime Minister before the house was officially opened.
At Madulini, a child-headed family of eight also received a new home. Siphosethu Motsa was overcome with emotion as she thanked Dladla for giving her and her siblings a place they could call home.
The programme continued at Makwelelwa, where Petros Fanyana Ndzima received a house and expressed his appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III.
Another beneficiary, Jabulile Masondo, captured the difference a safe home can make when she said rain used to be her concern, but today she feels like a human being like everyone else.
Her words put a human face to the importance of decent housing. For vulnerable families, a strong roof means protection from the elements, but it can also restore confidence, dignity and a sense of belonging.
Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini commended Dladla for her active leadership in areas serving elderly people, children, people living with disabilities, disaster victims and other vulnerable groups.
MP Hon. Bhekithemba Bhembe also highlighted His Majesty’s love for emaSwati, saying the people remain in the King’s heart, while Indvuna Yemcuba David Masondo expressed appreciation for Dladla’s leadership and service to the nation.
The focus on elderly people carries particular significance in Eswatini, where many continue caring for grandchildren and supporting extended families. Their wellbeing therefore affects not only them, but the generations they continue to nurture.
The elderly are also respected as custodians of wisdom, experience and family values. Caring for them is therefore more than social support; it is an investment in families, communities and future generations.
As Dladla concluded the day’s programme, she reflected on the various interventions and thanked Government structures, partners, traditional leaders and communities involved in making the houses possible.
The four houses in Shiselweni may be individual interventions, but they form part of a bigger national responsibility ensuring that vulnerable emaSwati are not left behind.
Because when a nation remembers its elders, protects its children and restores dignity to those facing hardship, it does more than build houses.
It builds a stronger generation to come.
#ElderlyCare #HousingForAll #VulnerableEmaSwati #EswatiniPositiveNews
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