Select Limited has donated 440 pairs of school shoes worth E120 000 and 17 wheelchairs valued at E100 000 to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office,
in a move to strengthen private sector participation in social development. The handover took place at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla commended the company for its continued support to vulnerable groups, noting that this was not the first time Select Limited had made such a contribution. 
Dladla said the company also donated school shoes, socks and uniforms last year.
“The donation is intended to support learners from low-income households and persons with disabilities, with the aim of improving access to education and mobility.” Dladla added.
“Many families struggle to afford basic school requirements, including shoes, which can affect school attendance.
The wheelchairs are expected to improve mobility and access for beneficiaries with disabilities.” Dladla explained.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the initiative reflects the need for collaboration between government, the private sector and civil society in addressing social and economic challenges.
Dladla said government alone cannot meet all development needs.
Dladla further described the donation as aligned with broader development planning approaches that link education access and disability inclusion to national development outcomes.
Business leaders present were told that corporate social responsibility is increasingly being viewed as part of long-term development investment, particularly in education and social inclusion.
“Such interventions contribute to Vision 2030 goals of building an inclusive and prosperous society.
The initiative also aligns with the Persons with Disabilities Act and the National Disability Action Plan, which promote cooperation between stakeholders.”
Dladla said.
The Deputy Prime Minister called on other companies to support similar programmes that provide sustained assistance rather than short-term relief.
Dladla said private sector involvement in education and disability support contributes to future skills development and economic participation.
Select Limited’s donation was presented as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility programme.
Dladla further explained that she expects continued partnerships with the private sector in addressing social welfare needs, particularly in education and disability support services.
Dladla hinted a possibility to work with shops in having donation boxes that will allow Emaswati to donated used school shoes, socks and uniforms as they purchase new items because those donations can go a long way for the less privileged.
Select Limited CEO Bheki Dlamini said their shoe donating journey with the DPM’s office goes back to 2020.
“This donation serves to help all children feel like they belong, a child should never have to feel like an outcast because they do not have shoes to wear to school.” Dlamini said.
Dlamini further explained that this donation will benefit vulnerable children and those in rural areas.
“The donated wheelchairs will benefit persons living with disabilities because it will be easier for them to be mobile thus being able to contribute to the country’s economy.
They will also be able to go to hospitals, school, shops and participating in society.”
Speaking behalf of the persons living with disabilities was Mbongeni Shabangu Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in Eswatini (FODSWA) secretary.
In his remarks, Shabangu expressed his gratitude towards the private sector for finally recognising them as a community.
“Swaziland is a home for everyone and for me to feel at hope I need to feel seen and supported. We are all human and we need each other.” Shabangu added.
The handover concluded with the Deputy Prime Minister expressing appreciation for the contribution and encouraging more businesses to participate in similar initiatives.
