By Bahle Gama
The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Health has launched the ninth edition of the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Sport 2023.
Representing the tourism ministry, Minister of Tinkhundla David Ngcamphalala stated that the event, which is slated for April 30, with the theme ‘Hiking Towards Empowering the Youth’ is chosen in support of the government’s efforts in collaboration with its sponsors, “to put into effect His Majesty’s vision of ensuring that young people contribute positively to the development of the country as well as improve their own lives.”
The event was launched at the King Sobhuza Park at Lobamba where the Minister stated that as highlighted in His Majesty’s speech from the Throne, all stakeholders and partners need to work harder to increase investments in young people’s education, health and economic empowerment for the realisation of their full potential.
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“The theme also harmonises with the objectives of the hike, which is to alleviate poverty by supporting and empowering deserving communities and vulnerable groups such as the youth from the sponsorships it receives,” he said.
Mahamba Gorge Hiking is a non-profit organisation committed to promoting the socio-economic development of the people of Shiselweni and ultimately Eswatini through exploring the region’s potential for eco-tourism.
“This initiative has been achieved for over 10 years through joint efforts of diverse stakeholderships, drawn from government, non-government organisations, private sector, community members, and others with a view to creating public awareness about the socio-economic potential of the Shiselweni region,” said the Minister.
Sponsors that were in attendance during the launch include FINCORP who presented a E30 000 cheque as the anchor sponsor, Standard Bank, Eswatini Bank, Eswatini National Youth Council, Shiselweni Forest Company, All Nations Church in Zion, Montigny, and Purple Chilli amongst others.
All sponsors committed to bringing to the table more than what was presented last year towards the hiking event. Meanwhile, ENYC CEO Makhosami Dlamini said they intend to ensure that about 2 000 of the people that will be hiking in this year’s event will be the youth of Shiselweni.
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He further stated that the situation with young people is known countrywide, in terms of unemployment and the lack of empowerment.
“As we know that this initiative doesn’t look at the elderly but the youth as well and we have seen many benefitting in many ways that enable the establishment of start-ups, through Mahamba Gorge Hiking,” he said.
