PATIENTS receiving palliative care at Hospice at Home are set to benefit from improved living conditions following a E160 000 investment by MTN Eswatini through its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign.
The telecommunications company officially handed over a refurbished palliative care inpatient unit with a restored water system and six new patient beds.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, MTN Eswatini Acting Chief Executive Officer Jerry Soko said the project reflected the company’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and creating meaningful change in communities.
“Over the past three weeks of Y’ello Care, we have witnessed the true power of purpose-driven impact, as MTNers, partners and communities come together to create meaningful change,” said Soko.
Soko noted that the refurbishment had significantly enhanced the facility’s infrastructure, creating a more comfortable, dignified and supportive environment for patients receiving palliative care.
He said the project was particularly special because MTN employees personally participated in restoring the hospice’s water system.
“MTNers rolled up their sleeves, got their hands dirty and worked together to restore the water system, demonstrating the true spirit of Y’ello Care,” he said.
He thanked the Ministry of Health, Hospice at Home staff and MTN’s partners, including Oracle Group Eswatini and Magagula & Hlophe Attorneys, for contributing to the success of the project.
“Today’s handover is not the end, it is the beginning of more lives being cared for, more families being supported and more hope being restored,” said Soko.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula commended MTN Eswatini for honouring its commitment to support the country’s healthcare sector, describing the investment as a shining example of how public-private partnerships can strengthen health service delivery.
“The memories of the launch of the 2026 MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign are still fresh in my mind. It is wonderful to see such promises coming to fruition,” said Matsebula.
The minister said the project aligns with government priorities to strengthen hospice and community-based care services.
He highlighted the critical role played by Hospice at Home in supporting terminally ill patients, particularly cancer patients.
“The work of Eswatini Hospice at Home is very critical because they are able to reach those who are terminally ill at home. This model of care is commendable and it ensures that our health sector leaves no one behind,” he said.
Matsebula noted that healthcare extends beyond medication and treatment, emphasising that patients also require safe, comfortable and dignified environments in which to receive care.
He further called on more companies, donors and development partners to support hospice services, saying improving health outcomes is a shared responsibility.
As part of the initiative, Oracle Health donated E20 000 towards the rehabilitation of the facility.
Oracle Group Eswatini Marketing Manager Sikhumbuzo Nkambule said the contribution was guided by the company’s purpose of protecting lives, dignity and wellbeing.
A recent visit to the hospice centre, he said, highlighted both the importance of its work and the urgent need for additional support.
“By supporting Hospice at Home, we are investing in dignity, compassion, quality care and hope for patients and families facing some of life’s most difficult circumstances,” said Nkambule.
Meanwhile, Hospice at Home representative Zodwa Gamedze said the donation had revived hopes of restoring inpatient palliative care services for vulnerable patients across the country.
“We are aware that many requests were presented to MTN, but they chose to support a project that will touch lives and bring dignity to those in their final stages of life,” she said.
Gamedze revealed that Hospice at Home has been providing palliative care services for 36 years with support from the Ministry of Health.
The organisation currently serves 652 registered clients, while its beneficiary base exceeds 3 600 people nationwide.
She said the donation represents an important first step towards reopening inpatient, respite and step-down care services, which remain a critical gap in palliative care delivery.
However, she highlighted staffing shortages as a major challenge, revealing that only four nurses currently serve hundreds of patients across the country.
Gamedze also called for increased investment in palliative care and digital health solutions, saying technology could help expand access to quality healthcare services for patients and families in need.
The investment is expected to improve patient comfort, strengthen hospice care services and bring renewed hope to families relying on compassionate end-of-life care.
