Luhlokohla – Autism Eswatini has launched its national endorsement ceremony to mark the start of work toward the establishment of the Autism Eswatini Care Centre in Luhlokohla under the Manzini region. The ceremony was held on Friday 14 November 2025 at Luhlokohla Primary School and brought together community leaders, government representatives and families of children living with autism.
The event was organised to formally begin preparations for a facility that will support children and adults living with Autism Spectrum and other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. The project follows the donation of land to Autism Eswatini by the Luhlokohla chiefdom for the construction of a centre that will serve both the local community and the country at large.
Autism Eswatini explained that residents of Luhlokohla raised concerns about long distances to the nearest health facilities. Community leaders said the development of a clinic within the care centre will address emergency delays that have contributed to avoidable fatalities.
The planned Autism Eswatini Care Centre will include an administration block, school hall, dining hall, classroom blocks, therapy and rehabilitation centre, clinic and sports field. The organisation said the purpose of the project is to strengthen national capacity to respond to rising cases of autism and related conditions. The clinic and several support services will also be open to the wider Luhlokohla community.
Construction will be carried out in phases over six years and is expected to create jobs during both the building and operational stages. Local skilled and semi skilled workers will be prioritised to ensure skills transfer and community participation.
Autism Eswatini has requested financial support from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Micro Projects Coordination Unit, the local community and other development partners. Micro Projects told attendees that the request was submitted in 2023, approved in 2024 and work on site is scheduled to begin.
The ceremony drew wide national backing, with representatives from the Land Management Board, Bantfwabenkhosi baseLuhlokohla, Bandlancane, Imisumpe, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Autism Eswatini board members, parents, Micro Projects Coordination Unit and community residents. Make Inkhosikati LaMaphanga attended on behalf of the Patron of Autism Eswatini, Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati Make LaMatsebula. As part of traditional appreciation, the Luhlokohla Community and Mafutseni Inkhundla presented Inkhosikati with a cow, a calf and two chickens.
Work is expected to start in January 2025 after environmental and project preparation requirements were finalised.
Speaking during the ceremony, Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati Make LaMatsebula said Eswatini must accept that autism is a growing concern. She told attendees that the rising number of households affected shows the need for stronger national systems of support. She noted that some homesteads visited by the Deputy Prime Minister had more than one family member living with autism.
Her Royal Highness thanked Luhlokohla chiefdom and Mafutseni Inkhundla for welcoming the project. She said current statistics showing one in six children affected in some regions indicate the need for a full nationwide assessment to understand the true picture of autism in the Kingdom.
She said the centre fulfils her earlier call for programmes and policies that deliver real support for families. She expressed gratitude to companies, institutions and members of the public who have donated toward Autism Eswatini’s work. She said the unity shown by the Luhlokohla community demonstrates national willingness to build a more inclusive country.
Her Royal Highness said the care centre was designed as a one stop facility so families can access health care, therapy, education and other essential services in one place. She raised concerns that many parents fear for the future of their children when they are no longer around and said the centre will form part of a long term national response.
She urged Emaswati to continue assisting the project through building materials, fencing and other contributions. She said the project belongs to the entire nation and will become a symbol of progress and inclusion.
Her Royal Highness concluded by thanking supporters for helping Autism Eswatini reach this stage and encouraged continued collaboration as the first phase of construction begins.
Discussion about this post