By Ncaba Ntshakala
Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini emphasized the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all emaSwati, particularly those in rural and remote areas,
during a ceremony on Wednesday. This commitment was demonstrated through the handover of a tractor and implements worth E1.2 million to Ingcayizivele Multipurpose Cooperative under Hhukwini Inkhundla.
The equipment was financed through the Government’s Regional Development Fund (RDF).
When addressing the attendees, Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini stated, “There is a clear demonstration that His Majesty’s Government has prioritized the provision of quality of life through ensuring that emaSwati create means to develop and provide for their families and ensuring that no one is left behind.
EmaSwati in rural and remote areas of the Kingdom of Eswatini remain important and this Fund ensures that they are included in the development aspirations of the nation.”
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The RDF contributed E1,243,583.00 towards procuring the tractor and implements. Additionally, the Ingcayizivele Multipurpose Cooperative, comprising 25 men and women with business experience, contributed E160,344.93 in cash and kind, in accordance with the Fund’s regulations.
Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini noted the significant impact of the RDF since 2019, with E6,259,653.70 invested in 12 projects under Hhukwini Inkhundla.
“We remain grateful to His Majesty King Mswati III for commissioning this Fund which provides for resources that aim to alleviate poverty in all communities and Tinkhundla in each of the four regions of Eswatini,” he said.
The Minister expressed the importance of the Tinkhundla System of Governance in promoting socio-economic development through democratic principles.
He praised the Ingcayizivele Multipurpose Cooperative for their organization and successful application for RDF support, highlighting this as evidence of the system’s legitimacy and its embrace of good governance principles.
“The launch of such income-generating projects funded by Government through the RDF is also testimony of healthy relations, interaction, and engagement of elected officials with the electorate.
We need to ensure that there is periodic feedback to maximize the strength of our development initiatives, and evaluations on development progress.
Such interactions will place emaSwati at the center of shaping their socio-economic activities and, in turn, yield peace and stability,” the Minister stated.
He stressed the need for sustainability and economic growth measurement of these projects to inform future program interventions.
The Ministry has commissioned an impact assessment exercise to evaluate the performance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability of RDF projects since 2015.
This evaluation aims to identify challenges and provide solutions.
“I therefore encourage everyone who will participate in the assessment to give truthful information for accurate findings,” Minister Sikhumbuzo urged.
He also encouraged other organized groups across the country to prioritize income-generating projects when applying for RDF funding, to develop their families and communities and achieve sustainable livelihoods
. He advised today’s beneficiaries to safeguard the equipment, noting the significant investment made by the RDF.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, may I take this opportunity to encourage today’s beneficiaries to safeguard this equipment jealously because Government’s RDF has spent colossal sums of money in ensuring that this community has improved socio-economic status,” he said.
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Furthermore, the Minister expressed gratitude to the traditional leadership, regional offices, Inkhundla councils, development committees, community development officers, and the micro-projects unit for their continued support towards the realization of the project.
“With these remarks, I officially hand over this Tractor and its Implements to Ingcayizivele Multipurpose Cooperative,” Minister Dlamini declared, marking a significant step towards empowering rural communities and fostering sustainable development in Eswatini.
Cooperative will tackle unemployment says Ingcayizivele Chairman
In response to rising unemployment, the Ingcayizivele Multi-purpose Cooperative was born out of necessity.
High unemployment in our community drove us to start the cooperative,” stated Chairman Andreas Khanyile.
When addressing the audience at the handover ceremony of a tractor and implements, Khanyile shared the cooperative’s journey saying that they established it after noticing the surge in unemployment of their youth.
The cooperative, formed in 2016 and officially registered in 2017, was initiated by retirees who sought to create employment opportunities for their children. Khanyile praised His Majesty’s government for its continuous investment in the development of emaSwati.
“We are grateful for the government’s support, which has been instrumental in our progress,” he said.
Khanyile highlighted the persistent need for more development projects within the Hhukwini constituency. He voiced the community’s frustration with having to travel to Mbabane for shopping, stating,
“Sesidziniwe kuya eMbabane kotsenga,” which translates to “We are tired of going to Mbabane to shop.” Khanyile said these and shared their desire for local development to reduce the dependency on distant urban centers for basic needs.
The chairman also appealed to the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, for additional support.
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Initially, the cooperative had hoped to establish a filling station, but the project did not come to fruition. Khanyile asked the Minister to help them realize this goal, which would further enhance the community’s infrastructure and convenience.
Princess Tsandzile applauds employment-creating projects
Hhohho Regional Administrator (RA), HRH Princess Tsandzile, commended the positive impact of local development projects on employment in the community. “Such projects create employment for locals,”
stated Princess Tsandzile, where she highlighted the significance of initiatives that offer job opportunities to residents.
The Princess praised the Ministry’s efforts in ensuring the success of these projects, acknowledging their role in advancing Eswatini’s development.
She expressed gratitude towards His Majesty King Mswati III for establishing the fund that facilitates these initiatives.
Princess Tsandzile emphasized that the projects not only provide employment but also contribute to the overall growth and development of the nation.