MBABANE – The newly established Mbabane Lions Club has officially begun its service journey, with 23 charter members pledging to dedicate their time, skills and resources to improving the lives of people in the capital city.
The club was formally launched during a charter night held at Mountain View on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for Lions Clubs International in Eswatini.
The Mbabane Lions Club becomes only the second Lions club in the country, following the Manzini Lions Club, which was chartered in 1981. Julia Saulus was installed as the club’s inaugural president.
The ceremony was presided over by Mark van Heerden, District 410E Governor, which covers South Africa and neighbouring regions. Heerden also installed three Manzini Lions Club members, Thulani Shiba, Nosipho Msane and Bongani Khumalo, together with their sponsors, bringing the number of volunteers inducted during the ceremony to 25.
Addressing the new members, Heerden described Lions membership as a privilege and reminded them of the organisation’s longstanding commitment to serving communities.
“Through your membership, you will help this club reach out to people in need in our community and throughout the world,” he said.
Lions Clubs International was founded in Chicago, Illinois, in 1917 by businessman Melvin Jones, who believed that business and professional clubs should extend their purpose beyond professional interests to improving communities.
Today, the organisation has more than 1.4 million members and about 48 000 clubs across 200 countries.
The spirit of service was a major theme during the ceremony, with speakers including Manzini Lions Club president Samukelo “Sammy” Msibi, Alistair Tucket and Avril Hobbs emphasising the organisation’s motto, “We Serve.”
Msibi said the motto reflected the commitment of Lions members around the world to making a difference in the lives of those in need.
He also referenced Helen Keller’s historic 1925 appeal to Lions members to become “Knights of the Blind” and champion the needs of people living with disabilities.
Saulus takes the baton
In her first address as president, Saulus described her appointment as a privilege and called on members to work together to make a meaningful difference in Mbabane.
“This charter night is not just the beginning of a new club; it is the realisation of a shared dream,” she said.
Saulus acknowledged that while Mbabane is a vibrant city, it still faces challenges that require collective intervention.
“Mbabane is a beautiful, vibrant city, but like any community, it has gaps that need bridging. As Lions, we are here to find those gaps and fill them,” she said.
The club is expected to develop a work plan centred on key areas including youth development, environmental protection and food security.
Saulus said the members were determined not to become merely a social club that meets regularly, but a service organisation that takes action.
The club has already identified its first community project, which will involve providing garden supplies to vulnerable children at a care centre in Fonteyn.
Through the initiative, the Lions intend to provide seeds and seedlings and support the children in establishing a garden where they can grow their own food.
Saulus said the project would go beyond simply providing food, as it would equip the children with sustainable food-production skills while promoting environmental responsibility.
“This project perfectly unites the Lions’ global focus on both relieving hunger and protecting our planet,” she said.
She further invited members of the community and potential partners to support the club’s work.
“We are ready to collaborate, ready to work, and ready to serve. We invite you to walk this journey with us, support our initiatives, and help us grow,” Saulus said.
The Mbabane Lions Club now joins District 410E, one of two districts under MD10. The district has 62 clubs and approximately 940 members, with a cabinet responsible for overseeing its operations and supporting clubs within the district.
The charter members of the Mbabane Lions Club are Sydney Ndzabandzaba, Nokwethu Mayisela, Victor Sifudza, Sandile Thwala, Percy Rocher, Nosipho Dlamini, Julia Saulus, Tekuqala Motlagomang, Nkhosinathi Lukhele, Andile Dlamini, Hendries Dlamini, Nokwanda Shongwe, Ronnie Hulett, Charles Bhembe, Sifanelo Dlamini, Alfred Dube, Mduduzi Matsebula, Mduduzi Maphalala, Mphiwa Mamba, Alwandze Shongwe, Ricky Saulus, Nkosingphile Myeni and Nonjabuliso Gama.
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