Eswatini launches National Foster Care Placement Committee
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The government of Eswatini has marked a significant milestone in child protection with the official commissioning of the National Foster Care Placement Committee.
This development underscores the country’s dedication to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment. In her address, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.
The DPM acknowledged the increasing number of children orphaned or abandoned due to poverty, abuse, and family breakdown. She emphasised the urgent need for structured support systems, stating, “These children deserve more than shelter, they deserve dignity, stability, and opportunity to thrive.”
Dladla also paid tribute to Residential Care Facilities, recognising their longstanding role as critical lifelines for children without parental care. However, she urged all liSwati who are currently providing informal foster care to register at their nearest Social Welfare Office.
This registration effort aims to create a comprehensive database of foster care providers, enabling a better understanding and more effective program design to meet the real needs of children and families.
The National Foster Care Placement Committee has been established to oversee and strengthen the foster care system in Eswatini. Its responsibilities include reviewing and approving foster care applications, recommending placement terms such as the child’s age, duration of placement, and number of children per family, managing terminations and transitions, and advocating for resources and policy support to enhance foster care services nationwide.
Since the program’s inception, 135 children have been placed in foster care, and three children have been successfully reintegrated with their birth families.
Currently, 167 foster care families are registered across Eswatini, and 320 foster care parents have been trained and certified, demonstrating growing community involvement and capacity in childcare.
The committee’s membership reflects a broad, multisectoral approach, including representatives from government ministries, civil society, and child welfare organisations.
Key members include Makhosi Simelane, DPMO Under Secretary and Chairperson; Bhekani Dlamini from CANGO; Ayanda Simelane from the Ministry of Education and Training; Bagunini Nxumalo from DPMO; Zwakele Dlamini from REPS; Mncedisi Dlamini, Director of Public Prosecution; Cebsile Khumalo from the Prime Minister’s Office focusing on Human Trafficking; Nokuthula Phungwayo from the Ministry of Tinkhundla and Development; Wandile Simelane from Bulembu Ministries; Bonisile Bhembe from SOS; and a yet-to-be-appointed representative from the Attorney General’s Office.
In addition to the main committee, an Appeals Committee has been formed to address disputes and appeals related to foster care decisions.
This committee is chaired by Mcusi Shongwe, Director of Social Welfare at DPMO, and includes Andile Nhleko, National Director of SOS, and Nomcebo Nkomo Nhlengetfwa, Director for the National Children’s Services Department.
