Mbabane – The findings of the Asibambaneni SibeNgumndeni programme show that there are 80% of confirmatory cases reviewed involving women who had left their children with relatives while seeking employment, a trend the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO) officials say reflects survival strategies rather than deliberate neglect.
This data shows that deepening economic hardships are reshaping family structures in Eswatini where a growing number of children are left to be raised by elderly grandparents as parents migrate in search of work.
Senior Gender Analyst Thandwa Dlamini in the ministry revealed the findings during an interview on Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show, following assessments conducted during visits to affected households.
“What we are seeing is not simply neglect, but families under immense pressure. Women, who traditionally carry the responsibility of caregiving, are often compelled to seek work away from home to ensure survival,” she said.
Dlamini said many families were facing severe financial distress, forcing caregivers, particularly women, to make difficult decisions after childbirth, including leaving children in the care of grandparents while searching for income.
She noted that this has contributed to a sharp increase in skipped-generation households, where elderly people become primary caregivers while parents are absent.
According to Dlamini, the situation is placing a heavy burden on older people, many of whom are struggling with chronic illness and limited resources, while caring for young children.
“We are increasingly seeing elderly people raising children alone, without adequate support. At the same time, extended family systems that once absorbed these responsibilities are weakening,” she said.
She warned that the strain was beginning to affect children’s emotional wellbeing, with reports of children taking on adult responsibilities prematurely and displaying signs of anger and distress.
The findings also point to a link between economic vulnerability and gender-based violence, with some women fleeing abusive relationships and leaving children behind as a protective measure.
“In some cases, women escape abuse to protect themselves and their children. Leaving the child with relatives becomes a form of safety when options are limited,” Dlamini said.
She called for stronger psychological support services, alongside targeted economic empowerment programmes to help caregivers remain with their children while earning a livelihood.
To address the issue, the DPM’s Office has urged communities to revive traditional support systems and conflict-resolution mechanisms, saying strong family values remain critical to protecting children and reducing abuse.
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