Mbabane – Swazi Empowerment Limited (SEL) has donated E700 000 to three organizations as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. The funds, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and contributing to national development, were presented in a ceremony attended by representatives from the beneficiary organizations, government officials, and SEL board members.
SEL’s Corporate Social Responsibility Chairperson, Shaka Ndlangamandla, explained that the company allocates a portion of its annual dividends from investments in businesses like MTN and FNB for social causes. For the 2025/2026 financial year, Autism Eswatini received E100 000, while the Breast and Cervical Cancer Network was granted E200 000.
Ndlangamandla shared a poignant story from a board visit to see how funds were being used. The board met a terminally ill cancer patient whose condition was dire. A year later, they learned that the patient had passed away. “That experience touched us deeply as a company,” said Ndlangamandla. “It made us wish we could do more.”
The third beneficiary, the Ministry of Education and Training, received E400 000 to help build ablution facilities at schools in need. Following consultations with the ministry, SEL decided to focus on schools lacking basic sanitation, with the funds allocated to two schools.
Despite the positive impact of the donations, Ndlangamandla acknowledged challenges faced by SEL in identifying the most vulnerable groups, pointing to the absence of a national database. He called for better collaboration between businesses and government to ensure resources are effectively allocated.
SEL Board Chairperson Sthofeni Ginindza stated that the company believes in the importance of aligning business success with social responsibility. He also expressed commitment to monitoring the use of the donated funds to ensure they are directed towards their intended purpose, not administrative costs.
Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Training, thanked SEL for the donation, emphasizing that the construction of toilets would improve school environments and support quality education. He acknowledged the ongoing partnership between the ministry and SEL in improving infrastructure.
Senzo Hlatshwayo, Chairperson of Autism Eswatini, also expressed gratitude for the donation. He shared that the organization is in the process of building a specialized center in Luhlokohla, a project that has faced delays due to funding challenges. The first phase of the center is valued at E5 million, with a total estimated cost of E75 million.
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