By Ncaba Ntshakala
Commendable gesture!
The Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA) has extended a generous donation exceeding E200 000 towards the enhancement of learning environments at two primary schools nestled within the landscapes of the Lowveld.
Lomphala Primary School, located in Siphofaneni, and Dlakadla Community School, situated in Matata area, were the grateful recipients of new school furniture and much-needed repairs.
The impeccable impact of ESA’s philanthropic gesture was applauded as learners and teachers at Lomphala and Dlakadla schools received desks, tables, and chairs, essential furnishings that not only enhance the learning experience but said to create conducive environments for academic excellence.
ALSO READ: Taiwan donates TVET equipment worth…
Of particular significance in the donation, is the provision of furniture for a Consumer Science class at Lomphala Primary School.
The classroom previously rendered non-operational due to the absence of adequate furnishings.
A resident, Mthokozisi Dlamini said that they are very grateful for the donation, and he said that now their children will be able to have proper infrastructure.
According to Dlamini, the revamped Consumer Science classroom will now be a vital educational space as it is fully equipped to empower students with practical skills and knowledge.
Banele Nyamane, Chief Executive Officer of ESA, expressed the association’s continued commitment to supporting the Eswatini Government’s efforts in providing essential resources to schools in rural areas.
“ESA is proud to contribute towards improving educational infrastructure and ensuring that students in the Lowveld have access to quality learning environments,” remarked Nyamane, where he highlighted the association’s dedication to driving positive change and empowering communities through strategic investments in education.
The ESA is an umbrella organization bringing together all growers and millers of sugarcane. Its highest policy-making body is the Council, where growers and millers have equal representation.
The day-to-day functions are run by the ESA office led by a Chief Executive Officer, with its head office located in Mbabane, Technical Services Department located at Simunye and Big Bend whilst there is also an ESA warehouse at Mlawula.
ESA is responsible for providing the services necessary for the regulation and general development of the Eswatini sugar industry as well as marketing of all the sugar and molasses produced in the country.
ESA provides support services to the entire industry’s value chain which includes agricultural research and extension, cane testing, warehousing and distribution, marketing and policy advocacy.
ESA derives its structure from the Sugar Act of 1967.
The Act establishes ESA as a private non-profit making association (body corporate capable of suing and being sued) and is thus neither a parastatal nor a public company.
ALSO READ: ESCCOM donates gadgets worth E420…
ESA’s mandate is to promote efficient production as well as the optimal marketing of the country’s sugar.
In terms of the sugar industry arrangement, both the sugar and molasses produced by the industry are owned by ESA.
All proceeds from sales are shared by growers and millers on the basis of an agreed formula.
