by Ncaba Ntshakala and Siphesihle Dlamini
The Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has praised Esicojeni Foundation for their substantial efforts to improve conditions at Maloyi Primary School within the Matsanjeni North Inkhundla.
The Foundation’s initiatives included the construction of a modern soup kitchen, repainting the school, and providing essential supplies such as food, uniforms, and clothes for vulnerable students.
Earlier in the year, Esicojeni Foundation identified multiple challenges at the school, including students without proper uniforms.
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Acting on these findings, the Foundation collaborated with Save the Children Eswatini to build a soup kitchen to address the nutritional needs of learners.
Since the beginning of the project, a total of E320,000 has been invested in the school’s development.
Expressing her gratitude during the inauguration of the soup kitchen, Dladla emphasized the importance of ensuring that the food provided is well-maintained and properly used.
“Esicojeni’s contribution is greatly appreciated. It is vital to keep the children well-nourished since hunger impacts them more severely than adults and directly affects their academic performance,” Dladla noted.
The Minister for Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, also applauded the Foundation’s efforts.
He recounted how the initial visit to the school revealed a lack of food and uniforms for several students, which Esicojeni addressed through their intervention.
“The children are now thriving and healthy. The repainting of the school and the construction of the soup kitchen have revitalized the entire environment,
enhancing both the children’s well-being and the school’s standing,” Buthelezi added. He further announced the government’s plans to establish a high-quality high school in Maphungwane.
Esicojeni Foundation Chairperson Sandile Simelane reflected on their first visit to Maloyi Primary in February 2024, highlighting the poor state of the school at that time.
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“Seeing the need for improvement, we began renovations and are pleased to officially open the soup kitchen today.
We are also donating food, as many students depend on the school for their main meal, which positively impacts attendance and academic performance,” Simelane stated.
The event also featured remarks from Standard Bank Eswatini’s Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze, Lubombo Regional Education Officer Richard Dlamini, and Maloyi Head Teacher Mfanasibili Majahodwa Gumedze.
In addition to the Foundation’s efforts, the DPM’s office contributed food packages and treats for the children.
Fakudze encouraged the learners to take education seriously so that they can grow to be more than they are now. He also shared how they found the situation before when they came.
“As they have spoken, we came here recently to donate shoes DPM and we found the situation not good,” he said.
“We then said we need to come back and do something to change the situation here. I am speaking on behalf of the sponsors DPM which includes Standard Bank, MTN Eswatini, Galp Energeia and Letshego.”
The Foundation was founded in 2007, and its Patron is His Majesty King Mswati III. Esicojeni Foundation brings together businesses and prominent individuals committed to eradicating hunger,
especially among children. Among its supporters are MTN Eswatini, Standard Bank Eswatini, Galp, and Letshego.