Three vulnerable families in Bulandzeni, Ndzingeni Inkhundla received new homes on Saturday during an official handover ceremony led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, with the houses financed by the Roman Catholic Church through Caritas.
Among the beneficiaries was Lomthandazo Dlamini, a 38-year-old mother of six who had been living with her husband in two dilapidated stick-and-mud houses that leaked badly whenever it rained. Both she and her husband are unemployed and survive on piece jobs.
Her relief at receiving the new home was visible. “At least today we will sleep in peace with my children and fear no rains that wet us while we sleep. Some of the wet blankets are on the line because it was raining at night and the children got wet,” she said. 
The second beneficiary, Gogo Nobuhle Ndwandwe, 64, had been living in desperate circumstances since July 2024 when her house was destroyed by fire. She lost everything in the blaze, including food and clothing, and had since been sharing a single room hut with her grandchildren.
The third beneficiary, Gogo Thoko Shabangu, also received a new home, restoring dignity and safety for her household.
Speaking at the handover, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla praised the Bishop and the Catholic Church for their commitment to helping vulnerable families without discrimination.
“Thank you for not discriminating but helping all vulnerable families. Through this wonderful initiative you are easing a burden for government, and as the process continues more people will benefit,” the DPM said.
She also noted that the handover fell on the same day as King Mswati III’s 58th birthday, describing the homes as a symbolic celebration of his vision for dignity and inclusion across the kingdom.
The Catholic Church was represented at the ceremony by Father Zweli Ngwenya. Over the past decade, the Church has constructed more than 150 houses across Eswatini. Last week alone, eight houses were officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister in a separate handover ceremony.
