By Siphesihle Dlamini
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla handed over musical instruments worth E156,342 to a visually impaired young man, Nkosenomusa Gamedze, in Bulunga on Wednesday.
For Gamedze, a talented keyboardist who lost his vision during his high school years, the moment was nothing short of life-altering — a turning point that proved that disability is not inability and that dreams, when nurtured, can indeed take flight.
The gifted equipment included a JBL EON Active 15” speaker, Audiocenter 18’ active subwoofer, Audiocenter 15’ active monitor/speaker, Alto 12-channel analogue mixer, Hybrid crossover, Samson dynamic microphone, Samson microphone stand,
Hybrid dual cordless microphones, Yamaha keyboard, Samson speaker stand, EWI instrument cables, Yamaha sustain pedal, Stagg keyboard stand, and an EWI audio link.
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Handing over the equipment, the DPM described the donation as more than just instruments but a seed of sustainability, hope, and self-reliance.
“God has given you the gift of playing the keyboard so that you can live through it. We wish you well. May you take good care of it,” Dlamini said.
She went on to emphasise His Majesty’s Government’s commitment to improving the lives of all citizens, regardless of background, location, or ability, aligning her remarks with His Majesty King Mswati III’s ‘Nkwe’ call.
“His Majesty’s Government is working tirelessly to ensure that all emaSwati are uplifted. It is our collective duty to make sure no one is left behind,” she said.
Gamedze’s journey inspires. Born with normal vision, his life took a drastic turn in Form 2 when he began experiencing vision loss.
But where darkness crept in, he found light in music — particularly in the keys of a keyboard.
Despite the challenges, he pursued his love for music with unwavering determination, honing his craft without the benefit of sight but with the guidance of instinct, passion, and raw talent.
Now, armed with professional-grade instruments, Gamedze’s musical journey enters a new chapter — one where he cannot only perform at events and venues but also sustain himself and his family.
“With these instruments, I will be able to put food on the table,” he said emotionally. “I thank His Majesty for caring about us as people living with disabilities.
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I thank the DPM for being a mother to me when I came with my story. I felt heard, seen, and valued.”
The handover event was also attended by Gilgal Member of Parliament Sifiso Gadlela, who applauded the DPM’s Office for not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to rural development and disability inclusion.
“This donation makes us realise that even we, in the most rural corners of the country, are not forgotten. His Majesty’s vision through the ‘Nkwe’ motion is truly being lived out,” Gadlela said.
He encouraged other government departments and stakeholders to follow suit by supporting grassroots talent and ensuring that opportunities reach the most marginalized.
