MTN Eswatini has been crowned the Overall Winner of the 2026 MTN Group 21 Days of Y’ello Care Campaign, earning the group’s highest accolade for its contribution towards improving access to healthcare in communities.
The announcement was made during the MTN Group Ambassadors’ Appreciation Dinner held in Sandton, South Africa, on Sunday, where ambassadors, high commissioners, development institutions, international organisations and government leaders gathered to celebrate the impact of the campaign.
The event was attended by South Africa’s Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Solly Malatsi.
The press release noted that the recognition marks the fifth time MTN Eswatini has won the title, reaffirming the company’s long-standing commitment to community development and social impact.
Further stating that this year’s campaign was held under the theme ‘Equitable Health for Every Community’, with MTN Eswatini implementing several initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, strengthening health systems and promoting innovation in health technology.
One of the flagship projects was the expansion of The Luke Commission’s medical drone network from 30 to 31 health facilities through the addition of Musi Clinic in Mankayane.
Also noting that the initiative is expected to serve approximately 6 000 people and is supported by 280 sponsored drone flights over 12 months. Through the use of drone technology, delivery of essential medicines to remote communities has been reduced from journeys of up to four hours by road to as little as 30 minutes.
MTN also supported access to the NotsA Digital Health Platform through connectivity sponsorships to two healthcare facilities serving more than 25 000 people, in partnership with Georgetown Global Health Eswatini.
The campaign further brought healthcare services closer to communities through a large-scale outreach programme at Hosea Inkhundla, where close to 2 000 residents received health services and information.
In an effort to nurture future healthcare innovators, Y’ello Care partnered with Enactus Eswatini to host the Next STEM Generation Digital Health Fair.
The initiative engaged 75 young people and exposed them to opportunities at the intersection of healthcare, technology and innovation.
The campaign also supported Hospice at Home through the refurbishment of its in-care facility’s water system, donation of eight palliative care beds and provision of critical medication.
Meanwhile, voluntary blood donation efforts were strengthened through the donation of essential equipment to the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service.
The 2026 campaign was valued at more than E2 million and was implemented through partnerships with several organisations, including 8Bet, Oracle Group Eswatini, Magagula and Hlophe Attorneys, SC Zondi Attorneys, Ezulwini Private Hospital, Eswatini TV, Times of Eswatini, Observer Eswatini, EBIS, Destiny Music, Talent Factory and KRTC of Hip Hop, among others.
MTN Eswatini Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer Sibusiso Nhleko described the recognition as a collective achievement.
Nhleko said the award belonged to every MTN employee, partner and community member who contributed to the campaign, adding that the true reward was the lasting impact created in communities.
He expressed gratitude to implementing partners, including the ministry of health, Young Heroes, The Luke Commission, Georgetown Global Health Eswatini/NotsA Health App, Enactus Eswatini, Hospice at Home and the National Blood Transfusion Service.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita also emphasised the importance of partnerships in driving Africa’s development. He said progress was built through partnerships, while thanking the organisations that had contributed to the campaign.
The 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign is MTN’s flagship employee volunteerism programme, mobilising employees across its markets to address social challenges and create sustainable impact in communities.
