By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Kingdom of Eswatini has received a major financial boost to combat food insecurity, as the African Union Commission presented a cheque worth US$200,000 (approximately E3.7 million) to the government.
This much-needed funding will aid the country in providing food relief to vulnerable communities affected by climatic challenges.
The cheque was officially handed over by the Head of Mission for the African Union, Ambassador George Orina, to Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who also serves as the Minister for Tinkhundla Administration and Development.
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During the ceremony, Ambassador Orina highlighted the urgency of addressing food shortages, revealing that nearly 20% of Eswatini’s population will require food assistance from October 2024 to March 2025 due to the combined effects of El Niño and La Niña earlier this year.
Leading the AU’s humanitarian mission, Ambassador Mahlaba Mamba arrived in Eswatini earlier in the week.
The delegation, which engaged with various governmental and humanitarian stakeholders, also visited communities severely impacted by food insecurity and storms.
During these visits, the team interacted with local farmers and community leaders, assessing the impact of relief efforts and rehabilitation projects on the ground.
The African Union delegation expressed gratitude to the Eswatini government for its continued dedication to supporting vulnerable citizens during these challenging times.
The funding from the AU’s Solidarity Gesture Fund will be channelled through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to ensure timely and effective food distribution to those in need.
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Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini conveyed his deep appreciation for the AU’s continued support, noting the significance of this contribution as the country prepares for future climatic challenges.
“Today, we are honoured to receive a generous grant of US$200,000. This support will directly benefit our communities by providing much-needed food relief during these difficult times,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the funding arrives at a critical moment, as Eswatini continues to grapple with the effects of past El Niño-induced hazards.