Proper housing for vulnerable citizens remains King’s top priority — DPM

By Siphesihle Dlamini

Proper housing for vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly, continues to be a paramount priority for His Majesty King Mswati III, underscoring the government’s commitment to social welfare and community development.

This dedication was prominently highlighted during the official handover of two newly constructed homes in the Mhlambanyatsi and Mangcongco constituencies, an event officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.

During the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla reiterated the King’s directive from the recent opening of Parliament, emphasising that every liSwati deserves a proper and safe home.

This reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to address housing insecurity, especially among the most vulnerable populations.

The first beneficiary of this initiative was Bawinile Phakathi, a 56-year-old widow residing in Zandondo under the Mhlambanyatsi Inkhundla.

Bawinile’s previous dwelling had become increasingly unsafe since 2022, with walls crumbling and large structural cracks posing a serious risk to her and her family’s safety.

“When it is raining, I do not sleep, fearing the house will collapse on me and my children,” she shared emotionally. The handover of her new home marks a significant improvement in her living conditions, offering her and her family a secure and dignified place to live.

Bawinile’s household includes two of her children and grandchildren, and she supports them through hawking.

The community and government have rallied around her family, with Walk by Faith Church donating five blankets, while the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office committed to further assistance by fencing the property and building a makeshift kitchen.

These additional supports aim to enhance the family’s quality of life beyond just shelter.

The second home was handed over to Robert Mbholwane Mabuza, a 77-year-old resident of Mabhukwini in the Mangcongco Inkhundla. His previous home, a stick-and-mud hut, collapsed last year after years of deterioration and damage from heavy rains.

Before the collapse, Mabuza endured harsh conditions, often sleeping under plastic sheeting to shield himself from leaks. His children had left the home out of concern for their safety, leaving him isolated. “Before it collapsed, the house leaked terribly.

I used to sleep covered in plastic. My children left out of fear, and I was living alone,” he recounted.

The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that Mabuza’s situation is not unique

. Many families throughout Eswatini continue to face urgent housing needs, exacerbated by the severe weather conditions earlier this year that caused widespread destruction.

The government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), is actively conducting assessments to identify vulnerable households and prioritise the provision of safe, dignified housing.

In addition to the new homes, both families received beds and wardrobes donated by Montigny Company, along with food parcels from the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, ensuring immediate relief and comfort.

This housing initiative is part of a broader national strategy to uplift vulnerable citizens, reduce poverty, and enhance community resilience.