Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Siphocosini Member of Parliament Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile Chief Executive Officer Sydney Sichula joined hands to serve meals to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP), bringing smiles to dozens of young beneficiaries.
Beyond the speeches and formal programme, the atmosphere became lively when the three dignitaries moved to the verandah to distribute food packs to the children. Excitement quickly spread among the youngsters as they eagerly gathered to receive their meals.
Caregivers and organisers guided them into orderly lines, ensuring that each child received a food pack. The event concluded with a group photograph involving the children, community members, NCP caregivers, council officials and invited guests, creating lasting memories for everyone in attendance.
For the Mahlatsini NCP, the occasion also highlighted a remarkable journey of growth and resilience. What began under a tree in 2023 evolved into a vital support centre for orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) in Mahlatsini under Siphocosini Inkhundla. Managed by community caregiver Sindi Msibi, the NCP now provides a safe and structured environment where children receive nutritious meals, educational support and guidance.
“We used to cook meals under a tree. We would make a fire outside and prepare food for the children. During that time, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and members of the community regularly donated foodstuffs to support our efforts,” recalled Msibi. Operating outdoors came with numerous challenges. Adverse weather conditions frequently disrupted meal preparations and activities, prompting Msibi and a group of dedicated women to seek assistance in establishing a permanent structure.
Although the centre could not initially provide meals every day, it continued to serve children of different age groups and remained committed to supporting vulnerable families in the community. A major breakthrough came in 2025 when the Taiwanese Embassy assisted with the construction of a permanent facility, transforming the NCP into a more stable and secure environment for children.
While the new structure marked a significant milestone, Msibi said the centre still faces challenges, particularly in maintaining a consistent food supply. To supplement resources, the NCP has adopted innovative fundraising initiatives. Part of the facility is used to manufacture soap and floor polish, which are sold within surrounding communities to generate income for the centre’s operations.
Looking ahead, Msibi said the centre plans to establish a vegetable garden using seeds and seedlings donated by the Taiwanese Embassy.
However, she noted that additional support is needed, particularly for a protective fence to prevent livestock from damaging crops and a dedicated water tank to ensure a reliable water supply.
Reflecting on the recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and other leaders, Msibi expressed gratitude for the recognition and encouragement shown to the centre.
“The visit motivates us to continue serving the children and reminds us that our community has not been forgotten. It gives us hope and encouragement to keep moving forward,” she said.
DPM launches Mahlatsini NCP, 58 kids to benefit
For 58 orphans and vulnerable children in Siphocosini, the dream of having a safe and nurturing space to learn, play and receive care has moved closer to reality.
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla yesterday visited the community to officially open the Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP), a facility designed to provide essential support to vulnerable children. During the tour, she inspected the interior and praised the collective efforts that had transformed a long-held vision into a tangible project already making a meaningful difference.
Dladla highlighted the critical role of development partners in advancing the project, specifically acknowledging Taiwan and Eswatini Mobile. Dladla described these contributions as evidence of the power of partnerships in promoting child welfare and community development.
“The Mahlatsini NCP provides a vital support system, offering a space where children can receive meals, care, guidance and educational support. Centres like these play a crucial role in shielding children from the hardships of poverty, neglect, and other social challenges,” she said. Speaking to community members and stakeholders, Dladla emphasised the importance of investing in children, describing them as the nation’s future leaders and drivers of development.
She encouraged communities to take ownership of programmes designed to uplift children and ensure their wellbeing.
Dladla also praised the dedication of caregivers such as Sindi Msibi and other community volunteers, who work tirelessly, often with limited resources, to ensure that children at the care point receive the support they need.
“You are seen, we value you and we are proud of you for the role you play in the lives of these children,” she said. The DPM noted that this type of work required a genuine caring spirit and a heart focused on the needs of others rather than one’s own. She commended Msibi for recognising the need for a proper care point.
Dladla further suggested that care-points should be established in all regions to support underprivileged children, many of whom are raised by their grandparents. She also extended her appreciation to the inkhundla authorities, including the Siphocosini Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi Matsebula, Inkhundla Indvuna Wilton Mamba and bucopho, for their active participation in the constituency.
She specifically thanked Eswatini Mobile Chief Executive Officer Sydney Sichula for identifying the NCP as a project worthy of support, asking that her gratitude be conveyed to the company’s chairman Michelo Shakantu. Meanwhile, MP Matsebula thanked community members and sponsors who contributed to the sustenance of the NCP from its infancy stage to where it is now.
“We particularly extend special gratitude to Taiwan and Eswatini Mobile for their support. The children need care on a daily basis and the support we’ve been receiving is invaluable,” he said. He added that the Inkhundla would continue to knock on doors for food sponsorship so that the food supply stays consistent.
Beyond food, Matsebula pledged to provide paint for the structure so that when shelves are installed by Eswatini Mobile the place already looks good. Eswatini Mobile CEO expressed pride in standing alongside the DPM’s office in uplifting communities and families across the kingdom. The CEO revealed that in two weeks the company would again donate shoes to a number of children.
