Mbabane – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has officially launched the Eswatini National Children’s Consultative Forum, a body comprising 15 school-going pupils drawn from all four regions of the country.
The Forum was introduced to the public during the official launch of the Month of the Child at the UN House on Thursday, with Principal Secretary Siboniso Nkambule representing the Deputy Prime Minister at the occasion.
The DPM said children must be placed at the centre of national dialogue, particularly on matters that directly affect them. 
“Children, you should know that you are the heartbeat of this nation. Your experiences, perspectives, and aspirations must guide us as we shape policies and programmes that affect your lives,” Dladla said.
The establishment of the Forum reflects government’s view that children are active participants in shaping their future rather than passive recipients of services, and that their voices provide valuable perspectives on education, health, protection and digital safety.
The DPM appealed to collaborative partners to provide resources and mentorship to sustain the Forum, integrate children’s recommendations into programme design and delivery, and safeguard the dignity and safety of every child engaged in the process.
The 15 members of the Forum drawn from across Eswatini are as follows:
Manzini Region: Nothando Maseko from Boyane High, Sandziso Dlamini from KaZakhali High, Ayesha Tshabalala from Waterford Kamhlaba and Siyabonga Mordant from St Joseph’s High.
Hhohho Region: Wamulelwe Zwane from Usuthu Forest High, Minenhle Mabuza from Enjabulweni High and Wamukelwe Mkwanazi from St Marks High.
Lubombo Region: Melokuhle Nkambule from Ntandweni High, Alwande Maziya from Mhlume High and Andiswa Shongwe from Maphilingo High.
Shiselweni Region: Silindile Bhembe from Dwaleni High, Mphumelelo Sibandze from Jericho High, Hello Nsibandze from Evelyn High and Bagcinile Masilela from Fundukuwela High.
