Mbabane – Acting Deputy Prime Minister, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, has expressed the government’s strong commitment to supporting the welfare of children, calling them the nation’s future. He made the remarks at Sibane Sami Hotel during the launch of the Sakha Sivivane Fundraising Campaign by SOS Children’s Villages.
The campaign seeks to raise E2 million each year to cover the shortfall caused by declining contributions from international donors. Dlamini said the initiative brings together partners from different sectors to strengthen support for vulnerable children and families.
“Today, we unite multi-sectoral partners in Eswatini to lay a sustainable foundation of support for vulnerable children and families. It is a great honour to launch this national fundraising campaign, which ensures that despite global shifts in international funding our children remain our highest priority,” he said. He added that joining the initiative was “not only making a donation, but contributing to a movement led by us emaSwati.”
He observed that the fundraising campaign comes regardless of global shifts in international funding. He said children remain the highest priority.
“Investing both financially and in kind to build a safer, more supportive environment for every child. This groundbreaking movement rooted deeply in our culture is called Sakha Sivane,” he said.
Dlamini said Sakha Sivivane, which translates to “we are building a legacy for our children,” draws from a long-standing cultural tradition that promotes unity, shared responsibility, and collective support. He encouraged citizens, companies, and organisations to contribute financially or in-kind to help create a safer and more nurturing environment for children.
He also commended SOS Children’s Villages for encouraging a national spirit of solidarity and civic responsibility.
The SOS National Director andile Phindile Nhleko-Makama, said that the organisation currently supports 591 children through its Alternative Care Programme and reaches an additional 4,122 children through Family Strengthening initiatives. The launch also included testimonies from current and former beneficiaries who shared how SOS’s support has transformed their lives.
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