By Ncaba Ntshakala
A major boost to the agricultural sector of the Kingdom as the government has handed over a Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (TLB) worth E1.6 million and a tractor worth E900,000 to two cooperatives in Lubulini.
The Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development total investment of E2,514,174.49 was financed through the Government’s Regional Development Fund (RDF).
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The equipment was handed over to Sambusi Farmers’ Cooperative and Msutfu Farmers Investments, respectively, by the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, on Wednesday under Lubulini Inkhundla in the Lubombo region.
The Minister asserted that the handover ceremony was a milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen economic growth and improve socio-economic conditions through the RDF, a fund initiated by His Majesty King Mswati III to support income-generating projects.
Minister Dlamini expressed his excitement about officiating such an event, emphasizing the positive impact of the RDF on local communities.
“The projects we are handing over today are a confirmation of many income-generating projects funded through the RDF,” he said.
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The breakdown of the contributions includes E1,618,666.95 for the TLB handed over to ten members of the Sambusi Farmers Cooperative and E895,507.54 for a tractor and farm implements given to twenty-six members of Msutfu Farmers Investments.
Minister Sikhumbuzo highlighted that these projects would benefit 288 emaSwati directly and indirectly, with four individuals already employed.
He said such demonstrates the government’s dedication to generate employment opportunities and enhancing wealth accumulation for emaSwati.
“It is pleasing to announce that a total number of two hundred and eighty-eight (288) emaSwati will benefit both directly and indirectly in the above projects and four people have been employed thus far which demonstrates Government’s dedication to fostering economic growth and improving the socio-economic conditions of emaSwati by generating employment opportunities and enhancing wealth accumulation through RDF,” the Minister stated.
“Such projects directly address the objective of the Regional Development Fund, which is poverty alleviation in each of the four regions of the kingdom of Eswatini,” Dlamini stated.
He noted that the ministry has observed a higher demand for infrastructural projects compared to income-generating projects (IGPs). He encouraged emaSwati to focus more on IGPs to improve their standard of living.
The Minister also addressed common pitfalls that lead to the failure of IGPs, such as the lack of adherence to professional business ethics, internal conflicts among members, and failure to reinvest profits into business growth or make necessary statutory contributions.
“Therefore, I urge you all to be on the lookout for these elements and do your utmost best to avoid them,” he advised.
To tackle these issues, he said the ministry is conducting an impact assessment of all RDF-implemented projects.
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The findings and recommendations from this assessment will guide the review of the RDF regulations to enhance the effectiveness of the fund.
“To address the failure of IGPs, the Ministry is undertaking an impact assessment of all RDF implemented projects. The outcome and recommendations will inform the review of the RDF regulations,” said Dlamini.
The minister further expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the projects, particularly those who provided entertainment during the event.
“Words can never be enough to thank all those who worked collaboratively and tirelessly towards the success of these projects,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini officially handed over the TLB and tractor to Sambusi and Msutfu Farmers Investments.
