Mbabane – Four vulnerable families from Maseyisini, Zombodze Emuva and Hosea have received new homes through an initiative led by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and the National Disaster Management Agency.
The handover brought relief to beneficiaries who had been living in unsafe and inadequate conditions. The support included houses, pit latrines, water tanks, furniture and food, depending on the needs of each family.
Ncamsile Zwane, 46, a mother of 11 from Mtimatima, survives through piece jobs. She received a two room house, a pit latrine, a water tank and bedroom furniture. 
Her church had started building an additional two room structure, which was later completed by government. Dladla also pledged to assist the family with fencing and the construction of a cooking area.
Maseyisini Member of Parliament Nokuthula Dlamini thanked neighbours who contributed blankets to support Zwane’s family.
Another beneficiary, 81 year old Emma Sikhosane from Thunzini, had been living with her daughter and five grandchildren in a dilapidated mud structure.
She received a two room house, a water tank, furniture and food. Zombodze Emuva Member of Parliament Ntando Mkhonta pledged to provide curtains for the new home.
In Mahonca, Hosea, 68 year old Siphiwe Dlamini had been relying solely on an elderly grant while caring for her grandchildren. She received a two room house, a pit latrine, a water tank, furniture and food.
Dlamini said she was relieved to finally have a safe place to live.
Sibonsile Matse, who lives with six children and seven grandchildren, had previously stayed in a cave and a severely damaged mud structure.
She received a two room house, a pit latrine, a water tank and furniture. Matse described her joy at receiving the home as overwhelming.
The beneficiaries thanked Dladla, His Majesty King Mswati III, their churches and neighbours for supporting them through difficult circumstances.
Dladla thanked the Tinkhundla system and Members of Parliament for looking after vulnerable people in their communities.
She also acknowledged assistance from Philip Morris International and the Republic of China (Taiwan), which contributed towards the provision of safer homes.
“We must continue to stand together as a family and support one another. To emaSwati still waiting for assistance, I encourage patience. Everyone will receive help. It may not happen all at once, but your time will come,” the DPM said.
