FNB, foundation pour E752 000 into community support
By Delisa Magagula
FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation have released a combined E752,000 to various organisations across different sectors in the country.
The funds allocated go towards education, child welfare, environmental protection, and professional development. The sponsorship handover was held at the bank’s headquarters in Ezulwini on Wednesday afternoon.
Speaking during the ceremony, FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said the bank was committed to strengthening the communities in which it operates.
“It is my honour to hand over sponsorships that underline our renewed commitment to extending Help That Works,” he said.
Dlamini reminded guests that 2025 marked the bank’s 30th anniversary in Eswatini. He said the milestone had triggered a review of how the bank invests back into society.
“We have thought long and hard about how we can elevate the value we plough back into our communities. The sponsorships we are handing over today demonstrate our intention to support sustainable development across Eswatini,” he said.
Worth mentioning, of the total amount, E575 000 came from the FNB Eswatini Foundation and E177 000 from FNB Eswatini.
Dlamini said the bank recognised the challenges that remained across the country, but pledged to walk the journey with partners.
“We must not lose heart, I urge you to manage these sponsorships with utmost integrity as we work together to build a prosperous, safe and thriving Eswatini,” he said.
The Foundation’s largest allocation was directed to SOS Children’s Villages, while other beneficiaries included Gogo Nde Care Centre, Kwakitsi Foundation, UNESWA, the Eswatini Environment Authority and the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) Eswatini Chapter.
Representatives of the beneficiary organisations and institutions used the ceremony to thank FNB for the financial support, saying it would have a meaningful impact on vulnerable groups and students.
SOS Children’s Villages received the largest share, E500 000 for the continuation of the Child-Headed Households (CHH) Project, which supports 180 orphaned and vulnerable children across the country.
The money will assist 45 child-headed families with monthly food hampers, hygiene packs and backyard agricultural inputs.
SOS National Director Phindile Nhleko said the funding would significantly strengthen the programme.
“The help from FNB will go a long way in supporting children who have no one else to rely on. This contribution ensures that child-headed families have food, dignity and the opportunity to sustain themselves,” said Nhleko.
She said the combined support the Foundation had made to the CHH programme now stood at just over millions adding they appreciate that FNB continues to stand with vulnerable children.
Another beneficiary was Gogo Nde Care Centre which received E65 000 towards school fees, uniforms and stationery for 20 children under its care.
Centre representatives said the support would ease the burden on caregivers and ensure that children did not miss school.
“We thank FNB for recognising the needs of these children and for stepping in to assist,” a Centre representative Malaza said.
Kwakitsi Foundation received E10 000 for a Christmas luncheon for 300 children. Foundation representative Nomalungelo Dladla said the organisation was grateful for the contribution.
“We are grateful and indebted to FNB. This support allows us to give children a Christmas experience filled with joy, dignity and hope,” she said.
Dladla said the event was often the only celebration some of the children experienced all year.
“For many of them, this is the one moment where they feel seen and valued,” she said.
Meanwhile, FNB Eswatini handed over four laptops valued at E97 000 to UNESWA’s top-performing students in Accounting and Finance, BSc Computer Science and Mathematics, and BA Social Sciences (Economics and Statistics).
University of Eswatini Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Thwala said the institution appreciated the longstanding partnership with FNB.
“We are happy and grateful. FNB has continued to show its commitment to education, and its support motivates our students to excel,” said Thwala.
Thwala added that the bank’s assistance aligned with the university’s goal of producing graduates ready to contribute to national development.
The Eswatini Environment Authority received E50 000 for the 2025 Temvelo Awards. Part of this amount will fund the FNB Sustainable Manufacturing Industry Award, which comes with a prize of E5 000.
The Authority’s representative Nenekazi Thwala thanked the bank for supporting environmental initiatives, saying the awards encouraged organisations to adopt sustainable practices.
The Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) Eswatini Chapter received E30 000 towards its launch event.
IRMSA representatives said the funding would help strengthen risk-management standards in the country.
“We appreciate this support as we establish a chapter that will build professional capacity in Eswatini,” a representative said.
