By Phiwa Sikhondze
FNB Eswatini Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities and driving sustainable development by extending a sponsorship package worth E868,256 to three local organizations: Junior Achievement (JA) Eswatini, Days for Girls, and Gogo Nde Care Centre.
During the formal handover ceremony, Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini, the Acting CEO of FNB Eswatini and Chairperson of the FNB Eswatini Foundation, highlighted the Foundation’s dedication to addressing Eswatini’s social and economic challenges through its programmatic pillars: Gender Diversity and Inclusion, Knowledge Economy, Entrepreneurship, Humanitarian Support, and Environmental and Climate Change.
“Today, we celebrate impactful partnerships that align with our mission to empower emaSwati,” Dlamini said. “This sponsorship supports efforts to address gender inequality, enhance youth employability, and provide humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities. These initiatives represent tangible steps toward building a more inclusive and prosperous Eswatini.”
Under the Gender Diversity and Inclusion pillar, the Foundation allocated E394,200 to Days for Girls, an organization dedicated to combating period poverty and promoting menstrual equity.
This funding will enable the distribution of menstrual hygiene kits, the provision of comprehensive menstrual health education to both girls and boys and community advocacy campaigns to dismantle menstrual stigma.
“Period poverty impacts educational outcomes and perpetuates gender inequality,” Lindiwe Dladla, Director of Days for Girls, said. “With FNB’s support, we aim to ensure that no girl in Eswatini misses school because of her biology. This investment is a step toward dignity and equality for all.”
Dladla also called for the elimination of taxes on menstrual products in Eswatini, arguing that categorizing them as luxury items is unjust and counterproductive.
“Access to menstrual products should be a right, not a privilege,” she emphasized.
FNB Eswatini Foundation allocated E270,725 to Junior Achievement (JA) Eswatini to fund a job-shadowing program aimed at addressing youth unemployment. This initiative will provide 200 Form 4 students with 10-day work attachments across 120 companies, bridging the gap between academic preparation and market demands as highlighted in the National Skills Audit Report.
Phetsile Masilela, Executive Director of JA Eswatini, expressed gratitude for the support saying, “This initiative empowers youth by exposing them to real-world work environments and aligning their career aspirations with market realities. With FNB’s partnership, we aim to tackle the mismatch between skills supply and demand while inspiring young people to pursue meaningful career paths.”
The Gogo Nde Care Centre, an organization based in a rural area under Mtsambama Inkhundla, received E204,000 to continue its work supporting 20 children residing at the care centre and 118 additional children from surrounding communities. The funds will help provide essential services and sustain the Centre’s efforts in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Representing the Gogo Nde Care Centre, Solomon Mabuza expressed deep gratitude to the Foundation. He explained the extent of impact the donation will have on the over 1000 vulnerable children who are beneficiaries of the organization. He further detailed how the funds will be utilized, mentioning that they will help in the renovation of the care centre and poultry houses that help in income generation for the organization.
Mabuza went on to thank the FNB Eswatini Foundation for also considering organizations from rural communities as compared to only focusing on those based in urban areas.
FNB Eswatini Foundation’s sponsorship represents more than a financial investment; it is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing critical societal issues. “These partnerships embody our shared commitment to making a lasting impact,” Dlamini concluded. “We look forward to seeing the positive changes these organizations will bring to our communities.”