Mbabane – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has recognised the Catholic Church for its contributions to education, healthcare, and social services across Eswatini. His remarks came during the opening of the Inter Regional Meeting of Catholic Bishops of Southern Africa at Esibayeni Lodge, where he was represented by Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo.
The Premier described the Church as a key partner of government in many aspects of development. He noted that the Catholic Church operates 47 primary schools, 13 high schools, a nursing college, and a vocational centre for people living with disabilities. King Mswati III has tasked the Government and the Church with transforming the nursing college into a Catholic University.
The Church also manages one hospital, seven clinics, and a hospice. Together with government, it contributed to the construction of the recently opened Out Patient Department at Good Shepherd Hospital, with the Church providing E1.6 million of the E18 million structure, while government contributed E15 million.
The Prime Minister further mentioned a new boarding hostel being built at St. Joseph’s Mission as part of a government initiative to support people with disabilities. He said St. Joseph’s was chosen as the site because it is widely recognised in Eswatini as a centre for disability care.
Dlamini also acknowledged the Church’s work with vulnerable groups, including the poor, migrants, and refugees, through organisations such as Caritas and Cabrini Ministries.
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