In a gesture of kindness and concern for the welfare of its citizens, the government of Eswatini has provided new homes to five vulnerable families across four constituencies. The initiative, coordinated by the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, brought relief and joy to the beneficiaries who had endured difficult living conditions for years. The families from Mtsambama, Maseyisini, Zombodze Emuva, and Shiselweni 1 had been living in leaking mud houses, tents, or homes destroyed by floods and fire.
At Mtsambama, 63-year-old Sibongile Sihlongonyane was allocated a new piece of land on which a climate-smart house was constructed. She previously lived with her family of seven in a cramped and inaccessible space. Sihlongonyane was overwhelmed with emotion as she received the house, saying it was an answer to years of prayer. Her story is a testament to the positive impact of the initiative on the lives of vulnerable members of society.
In Maseyisini, two widowers, 67-year-old Vusi Sacolo and Mkhulu Msunduza Dlamini, received new homes after enduring years of hardship. Sacolo had been living in a leaking stick-and-mud house with his late wife, who was disabled. His new home was a source of immense pride, and he affectionately referred to it as 'Parliament', noting the positive reactions it had received from members of the community.
At Zombodze Emuva, 63-year-old Gogo Elizabeth Vilakati received a new home after her previous dwelling was repeatedly flooded during rainy weather. The Inkhundla Council and the community had initially started constructing a house for her but were unable to complete the project due to financial constraints. The government subsequently intervened, with support from Philip Morris International (PMI), ensuring that Vilakati could finally move into a new home.
In Ezikhotheni under Shiselweni 1 Inkhundla, 49-year-old Ntombifuthi Nxumalo also received a new house after a fire destroyed her one-room home. Following the incident, Nxumalo had been sharing an old structure with her siblings and children, leaving the family in difficult living conditions. The new home offers her and her family a safer and more comfortable living environment.
Beyond providing shelter, the initiative brought relief to the five households, offering them an opportunity to rebuild their lives. The beneficiaries also received beds and benches donated by Montigny Company, as well as sponge mattresses and rice to help them settle into their new homes. This gesture of kindness demonstrates the government's commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.
Speaking during the handover, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla expressed appreciation to Their Majesties for their continued concern for the welfare of emaSwati, particularly vulnerable members of society who require assistance and dignified accommodation. She also commended the Tinkhundla councils and communities for working together to identify and assist families in need.
Key points
- Government of Eswatini provides new homes to five vulnerable families across four constituencies
- Initiative coordinated by Deputy Prime Minister's Office brings relief and joy to beneficiaries
- Beneficiaries receive additional support, including furniture and food, to help them settle into their new homes
