By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) has emphasized its commitment to empowering vulnerable individuals by awarding a sponsorship worth E200,000 to University of Eswatini (UNESWA) student Khumbuzile Mbhamali, who is living with a disability.
The sponsorship, which covers tuition and living expenses, was officially presented at the Kwaluseni Campus by ENPF Board Chairperson Mduduzi Gina and CEO Futhi Tembe, with the University’s Pro Vice Chancellor, Professor Henry Gadag, also in attendance.
Speaking at the event, ENPF CEO Futhi Tembe highlighted the institution’s strong dedication to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing that education remains a key pillar in their community initiatives.
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“It is a great pleasure to be here today to celebrate another significant milestone for ENPF. Over the years, we have demonstrated our commitment to supporting vulnerable members of our society.
From donating medical equipment to hospices to providing transportation support in Nhlangano, we continue to extend a helping hand where it is most needed,” she said.
Tembe highlighted the transformative power of education, stating that ENPF believes every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to opportunities and empowers individuals to build a brighter future.
With the current financial constraints in government, corporate entities must step up and invest in the future generation,” she added where she called on other organizations to follow suit in supporting students who face financial difficulties.
Board Chairperson Mduduzi Gina reinforced ENPF’s dedication to giving back to society, particularly supporting the elderly and persons with disabilities, as outlined in the institution’s mandate.
“It is an honour to stand before you today as we celebrate a significant milestone in the life of a remarkable young woman, Khumbuzile Mbhamali.
This is not the first time ENPF has extended support to students in need. Previously, we sponsored an LLB student living with a disability, who later joined our team upon completion of his studies,” he said.
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Gina noted that the sponsorship is funded through penalties collected from non-compliant employers, which are then allocated to various social initiatives.
“While we do not celebrate employer non-compliance, we ensure that funds collected are used to uplift those in need,” he explained. Addressing Mbhamali directly, he encouraged her to seize this opportunity and excel in her academic journey.
“We believe in your potential and expect you to work even harder now that financial worries are out of the way,” he said.
UNESWA Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Henry Gadaga expressed gratitude to ENPF for its timely intervention, emphasizing the growing financial challenges faced by students, particularly those classified as vulnerable.
“Many students at the University of Eswatini struggle to make ends meet. Some come from single-parent households, others are orphans, and many rely on NGOs for funding. With limited government scholarships, corporate support is now more important than ever,” he said.
Gadaga noted that ENPF joins other organizations such as Eswatini Royal Sugar Corporation, Nedbank, and Eswatini Water Services Corporation in responding to student funding challenges.
He further acknowledged government efforts in promoting education as a driver of economic growth, citing policies aimed at ensuring inclusive learning opportunities for people with disabilities.
Mbhamali’s mother Khanyisile Mabuza, who was present at the ceremony expressed heartfelt gratitude to ENPF for the life-changing support.
She expressed that she had been taking care of Mbhamali alone and it was never easy for her. As someone who is working in the textile firms, Mabuza stated that she believed that God would not give her a hard task if she wasn’t fit to carry.
She also revealed that apart from her disability, Khumbuzile also has health issues and recently she was admitted at Mbabane Government Hospital after breaking her thigh.
