Mbabane – The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister broadcast programme Asibambaneni Sibe Ngumndeni has successfully reunited 20 families across Eswatini while delivering life-changing interventions ranging from housing and education support to livelihood projects and legal documentation.
The achievements were highlighted during the launch of Season 2 of the programme at the EBIS Auditorium on Thursday, where government officials, corporate partners and stakeholders pledged continued support for the initiative.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla described Asibambaneni Sibe Ngumndeni as a flagship programme of her office aimed at strengthening family structures, protecting children and the elderly, and restoring hope to families facing various challenges.
She announced that the Office had recently distributed full school uniforms to 24 children identified through the programme from schools and communities across the country, including Lulakeni, Lozitha, Ekutsimeleni, Hhohho AME Kush, Ntfonjeni, Dlalisile, Masibekela, Bhekephi, Nkwalini, KaShewula, Mantfuntini and Mzimenene.
“The programme is based on real-life stories documented throughout the Kingdom and demonstrates government’s commitment to changing the lives of citizens through meaningful interventions,” said Dladla.
She explained that the initiative, implemented in partnership with Eswatini TV and the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Service (EBIS), has gone beyond family reunification by providing tailored support to households according to their specific needs.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, 12 of the reunited families have already received full-package interventions, while assessments continue for others. In the meantime, all identified families have benefited from emergency assistance, including food parcels, clothing and birth registration services for children.
Dladla said the programme has also made significant progress in improving housing conditions for beneficiaries. Two permanent houses with modern sanitation facilities have been completed, while another home has been equipped with solar electricity. Two additional houses have reached roofing stage, with several others still undergoing assessment and groundwork.
To promote self-reliance, the Office has facilitated a number of income-generating projects. Beneficiary families have received goats and chickens for livestock farming, while six households have been provided with agricultural inputs tailored to their regional climatic conditions.
The Deputy Prime Minister further revealed that the programme has assisted children without legal documentation by facilitating the issuance of four identity documents, enabling them to access essential services.
In the area of education, two teenage girls have been enrolled at Emakhonweni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre to equip them with practical skills for future independence.
Dladla emphasized that these interventions should be viewed as investments in the country’s human capital.
“Every child and elderly person deserves the warmth, protection and stability of a family environment. Government remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind,” she said.
The programme’s impact prompted strong support from both government and the private sector.
On another note, Minister of Education and Training Honourable Owen Nxumalo pledged to engage his ministry on possible ways of supporting the DPMs Office, while Minister of Information, Communications and Technology Savannah Maziya committed assistance towards medical prescriptions for one of the cases featured during the programme.
Additionally, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport Nhlanhla Mdziniso called for greater collaboration between government and the private sector, saying the challenges highlighted by the programme require a collective national response.
Corporate partners also came on board, with MTN Eswatini, the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) and Autofin pledging support for the initiative.
Meanwhile, EBIS Managing Director Sabelo Dlamini commended the DPM for entrusting the national broadcaster with the programme, noting that it has significantly increased audience engagement and listenership.
As preparations for Season 2 gather momentum, Dladla assured the nation that the Asibambaneni Sibe Ngumndeni team remains on the ground conducting follow-up assessments to ensure that progress achieved by beneficiary families is sustained.
She said work is already underway to launch the next chapter of the programme, which will continue its mission of reuniting families, strengthening households and transforming lives across Eswatini.
Meanwhile, broadcaster Khaya Dlamini, who works directly with families during field recordings, said the stories encountered through the programme often leave a lasting emotional impact on the production team.
He noted that many of the reunions witnessed through the programme are deeply moving and serve as a reminder of the importance of family connections.
Seasin 2 is expexted to build in the success of inaugural season by expanding outreach and providing a platfoem for families seeking reunification and support services.
The new season will premiere on Wednesday on 01 July 2026, 08: 00 PM on Eswatini Tv and EBIS.
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