KING CALLS ON COMPANIES TO HELP END CHILD HUNGER

BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE

MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has called on more companies to support the Esicojeni Foundation’s efforts to combat child hunger and ensure that vulnerable children across Eswatini have access to food and other basic necessities.

The King was represented by Prince Hlangabeza during the Esicojeni Walk for Hunger held at Somhlolo National Stadium on Sunday, 11 October 2026, following a five-kilometre walk in Lobamba.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Agfairs Jane Simelane, Hhohho Regional Administrator Princess Tsandzile, Esicojeni Foundation board members and representatives of sponsoring companies, including Standard Bank, GALP, Letshego and MTN Eswatini.

His Majesty commended the companies that have supported the initiative over the past 19 years, helping vulnerable children access food and other essential necessities. He urged more businesses to join the cause, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in building a caring and supportive nation.

“We are known as a caring nation, and we always share the little we have with our neighbours. By doing so, you are also paving the way for future generations,” said the King.

Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla highlighted the significance of the name Esicojeni, which means “a stream of water”, describing it as a reflection of the King’s vision of creating a source of hope and relief for people facing hardship.

“When the hungry reach Esicojeni, their suffering is eased and their strength and dreams are revitalised,” she said.

Dladla called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and communities to expand support for vulnerable children across the country. She emphasised that addressing child hunger requires sustained commitment and a shared determination to ensure that no child is left behind.

World Vision Eswatini National Director Amos Zaidi also underscored the devastating effects of hunger on children’s education, health and future prospects. He stressed that no child should be forced to choose between food and education, calling for greater national commitment to tackling the challenge.

The scale of the problem is reflected in World Vision Eswatini’s 2026–2030 national strategy, which identifies hunger, malnutrition and inadequate access to water and sanitation as major challenges affecting vulnerable children.

The event also highlighted the difference that targeted assistance can make in helping families overcome hardship. Njabulo Mamba of Lunkuntfu, under Nkilongo Inkhundla, shared his family’s experience of losing both parents and being forced to take on adult responsibilities at a young age.

“I was only 16 years old when our parents passed away, and as the eldest, I had to take care of my younger siblings,” he said.

Through World Vision Eswatini, the family received goats and chickens to help establish a livelihood, while the government constructed a house for them. The assistance provided a foundation for the family to rebuild their lives and work towards greater self-reliance.

The Esicojeni Walk for Hunger reinforced the need for sustained corporate investment, community participation and coordinated support to address child hunger. The King’s appeal placed particular emphasis on encouraging more businesses to contribute to initiatives that protect vulnerable children and help secure a better future for the next generation.

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