Caring for elderly citizens must remain at the heart of Eswatini’s development as they are the foundation of the Kingdom and custodians of its culture, history and traditions.
This was the message from Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, delivered by the Minister for Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, during the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation’s Elderly Medical Outreach held at Mantjonga Centre under Mkhiweni Inkhundla on Saturday.
The outreach brought together hundreds of senior citizens who received essential healthcare services closer to their homes,
while also attracting senior Government officials, including Manzini Regional Administrator Chief Gija and Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Khanyakwezwe Mabuza.
In her message, Her Majesty said the true measure of any society is reflected in how it treats its elderly citizens, 
noting that they had dedicated their lives to building strong families and communities and therefore deserved to live with dignity, respect and access to quality healthcare.
She described senior citizens as the pillars upon which the Kingdom was built, saying their wisdom, resilience and sacrifices continue to shape and guide future generations.
Her Majesty urged the Ministry of Health to strengthen programmes tailored to the healthcare needs of older people while expanding community-based medical outreach initiatives.
She said taking healthcare services directly to communities would spare elderly citizens the burden of travelling long distances to access treatment and ensure they received the quality care they deserved.
Her Majesty also challenged young people to play a greater role in supporting senior citizens, reminding them that today’s opportunities were made possible through the sacrifices of previous generations.
She encouraged the youth to care for the elderly in their homes and communities, protect them from harm and create environments where they feel respected, valued and loved.
The Queen Mother commended Philani Maswati Charity Organisation for its continued efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of elderly citizens through regular medical outreach programmes.
She also acknowledged the contribution of the organisation’s corporate partners, including Embiveni Meats, Smart Herbals and Tranquillity Spa, for supporting the initiative by providing nourishment, wellness services and holistic care to senior citizens.
Her Majesty assured the elderly that they remain deeply valued by His Majesty King Mswati III, the Queen Mother and the government.
She wished them good health and long life, while calling on all emaSwati to continue building a compassionate society that honours, protects and cares for those who laid the foundation for the Kingdom.
