By Phiwa Sikhondze
The Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC) has donated E50,000 to Autism Eswatini, a non-governmental organization that supports children and families affected by autism.
ENPC made the donation as part of its corporate social investment (CSI) programme, which supports selected socio-economic projects that promote community development and upliftment, especially those that enhance equality and advancement.
The company’s focus areas include sectors of Health, Education, Environmental, Energy Poverty and Community-based Social Development.
ENPC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nhlanhla Dlamini when making his remarks said the company was aware of the growing cases of autism locally, and the prevalence rate of 1 in 6 in the Lubombo Region, which is concerning.
He said the company is also conscious of the fact that most of the affected families also live below the poverty line, and are in dire need of support. He added that making a difference in people’s lives is also a priority for ENPC.
“For that reason, despite that we are yet to start with the implementation of the projects and programmes stated above, we cannot wait any longer to start making a difference in the lives of Emaswati hence we are gathered in this place today to make a donation to Autism Eswatini, a non-governmental organization in Eswatini which is making a huge impact in supporting children, individuals and families affected by Autism,” he said.
The CEO further commended the work of Autism Eswatini, which has provided a lot of support to the lives of individuals and families affected by autism, despite having limited resources.
He said that the company hoped that the donation would come in handy in supporting the organization’s activities, such as providing therapy, training, awareness, and advocacy. Dlamini thanked the Autism Eswatini Board, Management and staff for their dedication and commitment to the cause of autism.
Receiving the donation on behalf of Autism Eswatini was the Autism Eswatini Board Chairperson Senzo Hlatshwayo who expressed his gratitude to ENPC for the donation and actually making them the first beneficiary of the company’s CSI programme.
He said that this donation will go a long way toward catalyzing the plans that the organization has put in place.
Hlatshwayo also revealed that Autism Eswatini has planned a project that is worth E2 billion.
“This donation will go a long way in financing our future endeavours. We hope and believe that more entities will come on board and support us so that we can ensure that our E2 billion project materializes.”
ENPC’s CSI programme is intended to achieve the following:
- To make a meaningful and tangible difference to stakeholder communities and in so doing fulfil the ENPC purpose of effecting positive change in Eswatini.
- To provide ENPC employees with a platform to live the ENPC brand and further enrich their lives by doing good for others.
- To enhance ENPC brand awareness and positioning