By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development has urged emaSwati to prioritize more income-generating projects (IGPs) than infrastructural projects.
The Minister said such when he presided over the official handover of two income-generating projects in Sithobelweni constituency.
The handover ceremony, held in a rural area, was part of the Ministry’s efforts to uplift rural communities through sustainable economic initiatives. During the handover, various stakeholders and officials included the constituency Member of Parliament Mancoba Sihlongonyane.
Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Minister Sikhumbuzo expressed great pleasure in witnessing the official handover of two goat feedlots to Promising Future and Siyakhula Jija Multipurpose Cooperatives. The projects are valued at E367,057.57.
“It gives me great pleasure to be part of the official handover of two income-generating projects in a rural area,” said the Minister.
“This is a handover of two (2) goat feedlots worth three hundred and sixty-seven thousand and fifty-seven Emalangeni and fifty-seven cents (E 367 057.57) to Promising Future and Siyakhula Jija Multipurpose Cooperatives under Sithobelweni Inkhundla.”
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The Minister elucidated on the contributions made by the Government, through the Regional Development Fund under the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, towards the realization of the projects.
A total of E240,643.18 was allocated to Promising Future Multipurpose Cooperative, enabling them to purchase 100 goats, vaccines, and feeds.
Additionally, E126,414.39 was allocated to Siyakhula Jija Multipurpose Cooperative, facilitating the purchase of 30 goats, vaccines, and feeds.
The Minister further acknowledged the support of their Majesties towards poverty alleviation initiatives, and he emphasised the pivotal role of income-generating projects in addressing the high poverty rate in Eswatini.
“It is humbling to the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to see their Majesties fully supporting poverty alleviation initiatives,” said Dlamini.
“Statistics show that the Kingdom of Eswatini has a high poverty rate, hence their Majesties’ initiative will help alleviate such.”
The Tinkhundla System of Government, characterized by the harmonious blend of traditional monarchy and democratic principles, was lauded by the Minister for providing a conducive environment for investment and development.
Dlamini reflected on the disparity between infrastructural projects and income-generating initiatives and further urged emaSwati to prioritize the latter, citing its profound impact on improving the socio-economic well-being of rural communities.
“Over the years, the Ministry has observed that there are more infrastructural project requests compared to income generating projects, therefore I encourage emaSwati to focus more on the latter which is a priority in improving the socio-economic lives of rural communities,” expressed the Minister.
He said that the Ministry is undertaking an impact assessment of all Regional Development Fund (RDF) projects, with the findings expected to inform future policy decisions and regulations.
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Again, the Minister extended gratitude to all stakeholders involved in the success of these projects, including Swazi Organized Groups, community development officers, chiefs, Inkhundla Council, RDFTC, RDFC, and the implementing agency.
“In conclusion, I would like to thank all those who worked collaboratively and tirelessly towards the success of these projects…”
The Minister then officially handed over the projects to the respective Eswatini-organized groups.
