HIS Majesty King Mswati III has called on Emaswati to share whatever they have with those in need, warning that hunger can affect anyone and that helping vulnerable people is a collective responsibility.
The king made the call during the Esicojeni Foundation Walk for Hunger held at Somhlolo National Stadium. He was represented by Prince Hlangabeza, who delivered his message on the foundation’s mandate and the importance of working together to alleviate poverty.
The king thanked companies and individuals who contributed to the success of the initiative, saying their support gave the foundation a meaningful purpose in helping underprivileged people and children.
He noted that although a person might be satisfied during the day, going an entire day without food was difficult. The king urged the nation to support one another, emphasising that even the smallest contribution could make a significant difference to someone experiencing hardship..
He further reminded the nation that circumstances could change, with those who were comfortable today potentially needing assistance tomorrow. The king cautioned against neglecting vulnerable people, saying such behaviour could have consequences for future generations who might resent the failure of their elders to help those in need. He also reminded the nation that helping one another was a way of supporting the king himself.
The king commended the foundation for its work and encouraged its members not to become discouraged but to continue assisting communities. He also called on more companies to join the fight against hunger.
DPM explains meaning of Esicojeni
DEPUTY Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has explained the significance of the name Esicojeni, saying it represented the relief and happiness experienced when someone finds help at a time of need.
She said when the king introduced the name, she understood the vision behind it. “When one is on their way and is thirsty, they long for a stream.
When one meets it, they become extremely happy that God is with them.
Even when hope is lost, something comes along to give them strength and happiness,” she said.
Dladla expressed hope that the nation would understand the true meaning of the king’s vision as reflected in the foundation’s name.
She also thanked the sponsors for contributing towards the realisation of the king’s vision and supporting the foundation’s work.
Esicojeni chair remembers former PM Mandvulo
ESICOJENI Foundation Chairman Sandile Simelane paid tribute to the late former prime minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, remembering him as someone who supported the fight against hunger.
Simelane said Dlamini had been among those who worked alongside them in supporting the foundation’s initiatives.
He expressed sadness at the loss, adding that the foundation would continue to remember the contribution made by the late former prime minister. Simelane also thanked the king for his support and guidance, saying the wisdom imparted by His Majesty had helped them in their work. He praised the deputy prime minister for the care she showed vulnerable people, describing her as a mother to the elderly, orphans and those in need.
Simelane said more work was needed to ensure that no child went to bed hungry. “To the government, Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament, there is a lot of work that needs to be done. There should be no child that goes to bed on an empty stomach,” he said. He said stories of children going to bed without food were particularly distressing.
Simelane also acknowledged the role played by chiefs and community leaders, including tindvuna and bagijimi, in working with the foundation to improve the lives of people in their communities. He thanked the chiefs for supporting the initiatives and acknowledged sponsors, including Standard Bank, MTN, Letshego and Galp.
SPONSORS PLEDGE CONTINUED SUPPORT
STANDARD Bank Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze, who represented sponsors of the event, said the act itself provided an opportunity to reflect on the work being done by Esicojeni Foundation to address hunger.
He said sponsors contributed financially each year to support communities with food and help combat hunger.
Fakudze thanked the DPM Thulisile Dladlaa for her work in serving the nation and acknowledged World Vision for its assistance to children in remote areas. “We would also like to thank the king for his wisdom, as he is the patron of the Esicojeni Foundation, and we hope more help will reach children in the different communities,” he said.
