THE Republic of China (Taiwan) has donated 756 metric tonnes of rice worth E15 million to the country, reaffirming the enduring ties between the two nations.
The donation was officially handed over by Taiwan Ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy HS Liang, to Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla yesterday.
The handover was made at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) warehouse in Matsapha.
Addressing attendees, the DPM described the occasion as both an honour and a privilege, hailing the contribution as timely and deeply meaningful. She said the gesture was yet another testament to the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries.
Dladla said this was a relationship built on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to improving the welfare of citizens in both countries.
“On behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the people of Eswatini, I extend our sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Taiwan for not only maintaining their support, but for increasing this year’s contribution from 400 metric tonnes to 756,” she said.
Dladla noted that the donation came at a critical juncture for Eswatini, as in recent months the country had endured a series of climate-induced shocks that had strained community resilience and threatened household food security.
She recalled that in early December, a powerful windstorm accompanied by hail battered the Ndzingeni, Mayiwane and Mhlangatane tinkhundla, leaving a trail of destruction to crops, homesteads and infrastructure.
“Just weeks later, on December 26, another severe hailstorm struck Nkhaba and Maphalaleni tinkhundla, again destroying crops, damaging homes and disrupting roads and crossings,” she said.
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According to Dladla, the situation worsened in January, when prolonged rains lasting more than 15 days caused further damage to road networks, homes and agricultural fields, significantly undermining food production and access for many families.
“Even as we recover from these events, our country is currently experiencing extreme heat conditions that continue to place significant stress on crops and are likely to result in reduced yields in the coming season,” the DPM said.
She added that these climatic challenges have coincided with other pressing national demands, including the management of foot-and-mouth disease, road rehabilitation projects and the reconstruction of damaged homes — compounding the humanitarian burden.
Against this backdrop, Dladla emphasised the importance of dependable international partnerships.
Assistance Long-Term – Ambassador
TAIWAN’S food assistance to Eswatini is not an on-and-off promise, but a continuous and persistent effort.
This was said by the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang, as he reaffirmed his country’s long-term commitment to supporting the kingdom during the official handover of 756 metric tonnes of rice.
Liang said it was his greatest honour to present the donation on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Government and people of Eswatini.
He said although the consignment had initially been scheduled for delivery in 2025, shipping delays saw it arrive at the beginning of 2026.
“This simply means that I will have the privilege of returning to this warehouse later this year to deliver Taiwan’s next rice donation and to meet with all of you again. I cannot emphasise enough that Taiwan’s food assistance to Eswatini is not an on-and-off promise, but a continuous and persistent effort,” he said.
Liang reflected on previous contributions, noting that in May last year he handed over 2 000 metric tonnes of rice donated by World Vision Taiwan.
He said in August 2024, a further 880 metric tonnes from the same organisation were delivered, while in December 2024, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) contributed 400 metric tonnes.
He said the figures demonstrated a clear upward trajectory in Taiwan’s support.
“The steady increase signifies not only Taiwan’s strong concern for food security in Eswatini, but also the deep and enduring friendship between our two nations,” he said.
Liang acknowledged the severe weather patterns that have recently battered the country, saying both nations had witnessed how extreme and unpredictable climate conditions disrupt livelihoods.
He noted that prolonged heavy rains in recent months caused significant damage to roads, homes and crops, while insufficient rainfall in other areas has posed fresh challenges for farmers.
“These difficulties have placed real pressure on families and communities. As a close partner and friend, Taiwan believes it is our responsibility to step forward and provide timely assistance whenever it is needed,” he said.
Beyond the statistics, Liang said, the donation symbolises Taiwan’s commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with Eswatini and strengthening bilateral ties.
He expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Eswatini for their continued friendship and steadfast support for Taiwan.
Liang also commended Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla for what he described as her iconic role in serving vulnerable communities.
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