Over 262,000 vulnerable Emaswati across the country are set to benefit from a large rice donation received by the Kingdom of Eswatini this week.
On Friday, the Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla received over 2,000 metric tons of rice—valued at US$2.48 million (around E45 million)—from the Republic of China (Taiwan) through World Vision Taiwan. The handover ceremony took place at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) warehouse in Matsapha.
The donation, which launches the next phase of the national food assistance programme, was formally presented by Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang. It will be distributed to households in all 59 constituencies.
Speaking during the event, the DPM acknowledged Taiwan’s longstanding partnership with the Kingdom. She said the Eswatini government contributed E6.8 million toward transporting the rice from Taiwan—almost half of the total shipping cost of E15.1 million.
World Vision Eswatini also played a key role in the effort, contributing over E5.6 million toward local transport, distribution, and logistics.
Ambassador Liang said the rice donation symbolised Taiwan’s friendship and support for Eswatini in difficult times, describing food aid as a source of strength for the vulnerable.
Also present at the ceremony were NDMA CEO Victor Mahlalela and World Vision National Director Tinah Mukunda.
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