Mbabane – The Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla today handed over two grass brush cutter machines to Lobamba High School and Eric Rosenberg High School, with the equipment donated by the Republic of China Taiwan.
The handover took place as part of efforts by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office to support schools with high numbers of learners benefiting from the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Grant. Lobamba High School recorded 441 learners supported under the grant last year, while Eric Rosenberg High School had 347 learners covered through the same programme.
Speaking during the handover, Dladla said the support was aimed at easing pressure on schools that accommodate large numbers of vulnerable learners. “We are trying to assist schools with the highest number of OVCs to supplement their budgets. We congratulate these schools for being the first to receive such assistance, and we will continue to source help for more schools. We thank all schools that accept these children and give them a second chance in life,” she said. 
The head teachers of the two schools, Nana Maseko of Lobamba High School and Nelsiwe Mavuso of Eric Rosenberg High School, welcomed the donation and said the machines would be used to maintain the extensive school grounds that require frequent upkeep.
They also praised the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office for releasing the first OVC Grant payment before the opening of schools this year, while raising concerns that many learners still lack basic school uniforms and essential items. Dladla responded by assuring the schools that her office remains committed to addressing the outstanding needs of children supported under the grant.
