Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has hailed Tibiyo TakaNgwane for supporting inclusivity by assisting Lutsango with disabilities with a tent and food incentives to enable them to perform their royal duties comfortably during national ceremonies.
Dladla made the remarks during the second leg of the annual Buganu Festival held at Hlane Royal Residence yesterday.
The festival, which attracts thousands of locals from across the country, is one of the major cultural events where members of Lutsango gather to honour Their Majesties and participate in traditional activities.
The deputy prime minister said Tibiyo’s support ensured that Lutsango with disabilities were able to participate fully in the festival.
She noted that the assistance provided by the organisation reflected the country’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind in national programmes.
According to Dladla, several government ministries and organisations have also been working together to support Lutsango, particularly those living with disabilities, so that they are able to fulfil their royal responsibilities with dignity.
She explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs and other government departments had played a role in ensuring that the needs of Lutsango were met during national events.
She further revealed that the king had also assisted by providing vehicles to help transport them to and from royal ceremonies.
Dladla said the vision to support vulnerable groups in the country was inspired by Mswati III’s message of inclusivity delivered during international engagements, including meetings held under the United Nations platform.
She recalled that during one of the UN conferences, the king emphasised the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while ensuring that all people were treated equally regardless of colour, gender or disability.
She said Their Majesties had consistently demonstrated compassion and support for vulnerable members of society.
ional bodies such as the African Union and the UN, he emphasised that no one should be left behind, both in the region and across the African continent.
“That is why during Umhlanga, they were present and Princess Sakhizwe welcomed them warmly, while the princesses of Bhamsakhe, including Princess Lomabheka, also received them with kindness,” she said.
Dladla added that Emakhosikati and the Indlovukazi had also shown great care and concern for the welfare of people with disabilities.
“The king and Indlovukazi always ensured that their doors were open to them. At times I would receive messages from Their Majesties reminding us that these people must never be abused,” she said.
Dladla further revealed that members of Lutsango with disabilities had also attended the Buganu Festival last year, although she was not present at the time as she was outside the country attending to national duties.
