Mbabane: With the towering E2.6 billion Mpakeni Dam rising in the background, the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) is translating its commitment into action—restoring livelihoods and reaffirming the trust placed in the organisation by the people of Mpakeni and Mashekesheni.
In a significant milestone for the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project (MNWAP), EWADE has delivered white maize to 35 resettled households that were affected by dam construction. These families, who sacrificed their farming land for national development, are now seeing the tangible results of EWADE’s pledge to ensure that no one is left behind.
Each household received white maize proportional to the land they lost, with allocations structured in three staggered batches due to procurement protocols. For example, households that lost one hectare are receiving a total of 1.1 metric tonnes—equivalent to 22 bags of 50kg each—procured from the National Maize Corporation (NMC). The first batch, delivered in May, included 7 bags per hectare lost, with subsequent deliveries set for June and July.
This initiative was born out of an honest reflection on challenges encountered during the recent farming season. Despite full agricultural input support from EWADE—including fertilisers, certified maize seed, herbicide, pesticide, and mechanised ploughing—many affected households in Mashekesheni and Mpakeni were unable to plant due to delays in land preparation. As a result, they missed the optimal sowing window.
Understanding the urgency and potential food insecurity, EWADE took decisive action. “This maize relief is a direct response to the setbacks experienced during planting,” explained Nokwazi Hlophe, EWADE’s Corporate Communications Manager. “It’s our way of ensuring that these families, who gave up their land for national development, do not go hungry.”
The response from the community has been heartfelt. Gogo Lomasontfo Simelane from Mashekesheni summed up the sentiment:
“EWADE has proven to be a mother to us. They didn’t just talk – they acted. This maize is life to my grandchildren.”
Zodwa Ginindza from Mpakeni added, “Some promises are forgotten after relocation, but not with EWADE. They saw our struggle and responded with love.”
Importantly, the maize delivery complements broader restoration efforts under MNWAP. EWADE supported over 84 resettled households with agricultural input packages, investing more than E6.4 million in land preparation and an additional E0.5 million in farm inputs. In total, 60.75 hectares of maize were planted—an investment in food security and rural enterprise.
While Mashekesheni and Mpakeni faced unique delays, other resettled communities such as Thezane, Makhava, Lulakeni, and KaMngayi successfully planted and are now harvesting their maize. These outcomes reflect the long-term vision of restoring not just livelihoods—but dignity, self-reliance, and hope.
“This initiative underscores EWADE’s dedication to ensuring that displaced families are empowered to become self-reliant in their new environment,” said Hlophe. “We are not just building dams and infrastructure—we are rebuilding lives.”
EWADE’s multi-pronged approach to livelihood restoration is anchored in compassion, responsiveness, and accountability. Through this work, the organisation continues to prove that development is not meaningful unless it is inclusive.
As Hlophe aptly put it: “Our priority is to make sure that the benefits of national projects are shared equitably. These families may have been relocated, but through our support, they are being given a chance to build better lives.”
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