The Deputy Prime Minister's Office Eswatini

Strengthening Families, Empowering Communities: A United Front Against GBV
Today, the Department of Gender and Family Issues, in partnership with Khulisa Umntfwana, conducted an impactful community engagement session at Luyengweni Umphakatsi, under the Lobamba Lomdzala Inkhundla.
This collaborative initiative centered on critical dialogues regarding Positive Parenting and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sensitization, underscoring our collective commitment to curbing the spread of violence within our communities. Recognizing that sustainable solutions must be community-led, this session provided a vital platform for residents to share their perspectives, identify localized challenges, and propose actionable solutions to eradicate the scourge of violence.
Furthermore, integrated the Asibambaneni Sibe Ngumdeni initiative into today’s proceedings. This component focuses on essential family strengthening strategies, acknowledging that stable, supported families are the bedrock of violence prevention. By fostering a significant mindset shift, we are working step-by-step toward our shared national vision: a safe, secure, and violence-free Eswatini.

[Pictures and videos] Combating Gender-Based Violence: TOWN TO TOWN Campaing held today in Manzini.

Eswatini Showcases Disability Inclusion Roadmap at UN

The Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla announced that Eswatini has developed a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for disability inclusion through the Eswatini National Disability Plan of Action 2024–2028, supported by strong legal frameworks and practical initiatives.
She was speaking at the COSP19 Side Event: Promoting the Implementation of Disability Rights Across the Commonwealth – Moving Forward with the Commonwealth Disability Inclusion Action Plan, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The side event was co-hosted alongside Canada and New Zealand.
The DPM highlighted key thematic areas undertaken by her Office, including:
• National coordination and mainstreaming
• Advocacy and awareness raising
• Inclusive education
• Health and wellbeing
• Skills development and employment
• Social protection
• Gender equality and underrepresented groups
• Emergency response and humanitarian action
• Sports, culture and recreation
• Infrastructure and environment
A short documentary showcasing Eswatini’s progress in disability inclusion was also screened during the event, underscoring the country’s commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into national development.

The Acting Deputy Prime Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane said the government of the Kingdom of Eswatini recognizes the valuable contributions made by Persons with Albinism to national development and remains committed to promoting an inclusive society where all citizens can fully participate in social, economic, cultural, and political life without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
This was during the Commemoration of International Albinism Awareness Day (IAAD) 2026 under the theme: “Proudly in My Skin: Celebrating All Skin Tones” held at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office today.
The ADPM said while a significant progress has been made in advancing the rights of Persons with Disabilities, including Persons with Albinism, challenges and numerous barriers still persist. These include stigma, stereotypes, discrimination, bullying, barriers to employment and education, and health-related challenges associated with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
“The Government of Eswatini acknowledges these realities and remains committed to addressing them through inclusive policies, social protection programmes, and strengthened partnerships with all stakeholders. We are grateful to all EmaSwati for embracing Persons with Albinism and providing reasonable accommodation to fellow EmaSwati with Albinism by ensuring that they are not exposed for prolonged periods to sensitive light and sun as this affects them. Sun exposure can cause sun damage to the skin which may result in rough and thickened skin leading to skin cancer and other skin diseases,” the ADPM said.
During the International Albinism Awareness Day commemoration held at Mayiwane in 2025, the DPM Thulisile Dladla committed to allocating five houses to Persons with Albinism under the Government housing programme for vulnerable groups, two have been completed and handed over while three are still under construction.
Swaziland Association of Persons with Albinism (SAPA) Philemon Gama raised concerns of stigma and discrimination faced by persons with albinism in the country. He also urged the government to avail sunscreens 50spf in all health institutions to be closer to the beneficiaries.

Combating Gender Based Violence:TOWN TO TOWN CAMPAIGN

Today, this important event is held in partnership with the Municipal Council of Manzini at Somhlolo Park.

TENHLALAKAHLE ESWATINI LIVE PROGRAMME

Host: Melusi Zwane - DPM's Office
Resource Person:
Tenkhosi Simelane – Bantwana Organization
Nkosingiphile Simelane – Bantwana Organization

TODAY OVERVIEW
In the programme today we are continuing with discussions on the commemorate of the children’s month and the Day of the African Child. We are joined by two representatives from Bantwana to discuss the Organization’s role in protecting children, supporting vulnerable families, promoting children’s rights and contributing to the well being of children in Eswatini.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
• Can you tell us about Bantwana and her role in promoting, protecting the rights and welfare of children?
• What are some of the key programmes and interventions that Bantwana implements to support vulnerable children and families?
• Why is it important to commemorate the Children’s Month and the Day of the African Child, what message would you like the public to take away from this year’s commemoration?
• The theme focuses on ensuring universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene. How does access to these basic needs affect children’s health, education, protection, and development?
• What activities has Bantwana planned during Children’s Month and how can parents, communities, schools, and other stakeholders participate in promoting children’s rights and well-being?

PARENTS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CHILDREN – DPMO

By Mfanufikile Khathwane

MANZINI – The Bible teaches that children are a gift from God and that parents have a duty to guide and care for them. Echoing this principle, Director of the Children’s Unit in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Nomcebo Nkomo, has reminded parents that the primary responsibility of caring for children rests with them.

“Government programmes and support from development partners are meant to assist families where challenges arise, not replace parental duties,” she said, urging parents to remain actively involved in the upbringing, protection and welfare of their children.

She made the remarks on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the official handover of energy-efficient systems to Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs) and schools.

Addressing stakeholders, caregivers, community leaders and development partners, Nkomo said parents must take an active role in ensuring the wellbeing, protection and development of their children.

“Take care of your child. It is your responsibility as a parent to take care of your child. The programmes put in place by government and other organisations are there to provide support where you cannot,” she said.

Nkomo described the handover as more than the distribution of equipment, saying it represented a shared commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable emaSwati and creating a sustainable future for children.

She said Neighbourhood Care Points continue to play a vital role in communities by providing food, care, protection and support to orphaned and vulnerable children, while schools remain important centres for nurturing future leaders and innovators.

The Children’s Unit Director said access to clean and efficient energy was no longer a luxury but a necessity for institutions that serve vulnerable communities.

“Access to clean, efficient energy means food can be prepared more safely, learning environments can operate more effectively and caregivers can spend less time and resources searching for fuel,” she said.

Nkomo expressed appreciation to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations agencies and other cooperating partners for supporting the initiative.

She said the investment demonstrated an understanding that sustainable food security and community development require sustainable energy solutions.

Nkomo acknowledged that government alone could not meet every need facing vulnerable households, orphaned children and elderly-headed homesteads.

“It is through strong partnerships built on shared values and a common vision that we can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she said.

She reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting children and supporting disadvantaged communities, adding that the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office would continue championing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups.

Nkomo also urged communities, caregivers, teachers, school principals and local leaders to take ownership of the energy-efficient systems by maintaining and safeguarding them.

She further called on private sector companies and other potential partners to support the initiative, saying her vision was for every school and household in Eswatini to eventually benefit from energy-efficient technologies.

The energy-efficient systems are expected to improve food preparation, reduce fuel costs and contribute to safer and more sustainable learning and care environments across the country.



(📸 Courtesy Pic)

The Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla said the Kingdom Eswatini has adopted a holistic and deliberate approach to disability inclusion and strengthening social protection, expanding community-based support systems, promoting accessible services, and advancing economic empowerment.
The DPM was delivering her speech in the 19th Session of the Conference of State Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. The Conference is ending tomorrow.
“Eswatini continues to promote the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities through employment opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy. We further recognize the importance of cultural participation as a fundamental human right. That they must have equal opportunities to participate in cultural activities, traditional events, sports, creative industries, music, dance, and the arts,” the DPM said.

The DPM stated that with the support of United Nations Agencies, Eswatini has developed a costed National Disability Plan of Acton (2024-2028) that embeds disability inclusion within national development priorities and budgeting frameworks.

Under article 28 on an adequate standard of living and social protection, the DPM said the country continued to expand social protection measures that reduce poverty, support families, and enhance the resilience and dignity of persons with disabilities. The country has also made notable strides under article 9, 19 and 24.

The DPM acknowledged that achieving full inclusion requires sustained investment, stronger partnerships, and collective responsibility.

“The progress we have made reflects strong political will and our collective commitment to leaving no one behind. Let us move beyond commitments to implementation. Let us move beyond inclusion as an aspiration, to inclusion as a lived reality. The Kingdom of Eswatini stands ready to work with all partners to accelerate progress, deepen impact, and scale solutions that advance the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities,” she elaborated.

SIIMEMETELO LESIBALULEKILE!!!