11 schools benefit from Mlawula/Magadzavane Walk
SITEKI – At least 11 schools have benefitted from the donated school shoes worth E30 000 from the proceeds generated in the 2018 Mlawula/ Magadzavane Walk Challenge.
Yesterday, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati, together with Lubombo Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Msibi and the challenge’s Chairperson Norman Sigwane, handed over 10 pairs of school shoes to each school during the official launch of the 2022 Mlawula/ Magadzavane Walk Challenge set to take place on September 4.
Some of the benefiting schools were Lubombo Central Primary, Shewula High, Lomahasha High, Majembeni Primary, Mambane Primary, Maja Primary and Global Revival Primary, to mention a few.
Launch
The launch started with a march from the Lubombo Mall towards the town’s central business District (CBD) and ended at the Siteki Park.
In the same event, Eco Lubombo Organisation donated E10 000 to the Lubombo Crime Prevention Unit, which was received by Wendy Hleta, who was representing the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of police William Dlamini. On the other hand, COSPE pledged over E10 000 towards the event.
Gracing the function were Lugongolweni Member of Parliament (MP) Enos Magongo, Siteki Town Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sithembile Simelane, Lubombo Regional Education Officer (REO) Richard Dlamini’s representative Bheki Ginindza and residents of Siteki Town, who participated in the march.
Appreciation
In his address, the minister expressed his appreciation for the invitation and the warm welcome extended by the people of Lubombo to this function affectionately tagged as ‘Lubovu Lubombo, Lumankelenkele’. Vilakati said the event would awaken the country’s vibrant domestic tourism initiatives.
“I am reliably informed that Eco Lubombo Organisation last hosted the Mlawula/Magadzavane Challenge Walk in 2018. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all of us in many different ways and we now have an opportunity for recovery. It is in the interest of government to ensure that all disadvantaged and marginalised within the Lubombo community, stating that the donation of goods, services and other resources was appreciated as it was in-line with the objectives of the organisation.
“I must also commend the Eco Lubombo Organisation for their continued support as I have been informed that with the 2018 proceeds, a donation of shoes has been advanced to 11 schools across the Lubombo region and E10 000 towards the empowerment of women and girls programme run in conjunction with COSPE, with E10 000 pledged to REPS’ Crime Prevention Unit for crime prevention awareness raising programmes. This indeed reflects the true meaning and spirit of Ubuntu, which emaSwati are renowned for,” the minister commended.
Challenge
He further extended his appreciation towards the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) for hosting the challenge walk this year.
Vilakati noted that government was in the process of expanding the conservation territory in the Lubombo Region to attract more investments, as well as tourism development.
The minister further encouraged the people of Eswatini from all walks of life to show support by registering and participating in such activities.
“As a ministry, we implore the private sector to sponsor and donate towards the emancipation of the people of the Lubombo Region,” he concluded.
Programmes
Zama Maziya, who spoke on behalf of COSPE management, said his organisation was busy with educational programmes aimed at empowering the youth through agricultural projects and other income generating initiatives at community level.
“We are so grateful to contribute to this noble course as an organisation and urge the youth to register and be part of this event,” he said.
Hleta, who was representing the NATCOM, said the donation came a time when they needed funds to use towards covering costs of their crime prevention educational community outreach programmes.
The Mlawula/Magadzavane Walk Challenge Chairperson, Sigwane, appealed to the business community to come forth and contribute towards ensuring that this event was a success.