Committed to improving people’s lives, Eswatini Observer has donated blankets to less privileged members of society. The blankets were recently handed over by Inkhosikati LaNkambule to the newspaper group and other recipients.
Acting Managing Director of Eswatini Observer, Mbongeni Mbingo, said the initiative was a reflection of the newspaper’s role as a national publication working with diverse communities.
“We are grateful to Inkhosikati LaNkambule for helping the country and this newspaper to make such a difference,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries was 51‑year‑old Apollo Mavimbela from Nkwalini, who expressed his gratitude for the timely donation. He said it came at a critical moment when he was in dire need of warmth and comfort as the winter season set in.
“With the cold months upon us, having an extra blanket means a lot to me,” said Mavimbela. He added that limited resources had made it challenging for him to provide adequate warmth and encouraged others in the community to support one another during these difficult times.
Another beneficiary was 95‑year‑old Gogo Hlalaphi Mavimbela from Moyeni, Siteki, who was identified by Lugongolweni Indvuna Yenkhundla Jabulani Mamba. The elderly woman lives with two unemployed grandchildren and three great‑grandchildren.
Mavimbela was found basking in the sun as cold winds blew through the area. Upon receiving the blanket, she expressed her gratitude to Eswatini Observer, saying it would bring much‑needed warmth during the winter.
Mavimbela, who is the primary caregiver of the household, depends mainly on her elderly grant. One of her grandchildren has a chronic illness and is unable to do odd jobs to support the family. The elderly woman has been living in the same stick‑and‑mud homestead for decades, following the death of her husband over ten years ago. The structure is dilapidated and becomes particularly challenging to inhabit during the winter and rainy seasons.
Indvuna Yenkhundla Jabulani Mamba revealed that Gogo Mavimbela was one of many community members shortlisted for assistance. “We are limited by resources to build a proper house for Gogo Mavimbela and her family,” he said, calling on organisations and individuals to help build a new house for the elderly woman.
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