By Phiwa Sikhondze
The MTN Foundation has announced a significant investment of E850,000 to empower the youth of Eswatini through various initiatives to enhance their skills and opportunities.
The funding will be allocated across key programmes, including E200,000 towards the Small Enterprise Development Company (SEDCO) for the MTN SEDCO Cija Ngebhizinisi, E300,000 for the Young Heroes programme supporting TVET scholarships, E150,000 for programs run by Enactus, and E200,000 dedicated to initiatives with Junior Achievement.
During a cheque handover event held at the MTN Headquarters, Sibusiso Nhleko, Head of Corporate Services at MTN, emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to partnership and collaboration.
“We are here to celebrate the power of partnership,” he stated, underscoring the positive impact these collaborations have on communities and young people’s lives. He added, “Through our initiatives, we aim to create opportunities and empower the youth, who are the majority in our society.”
Nhleko highlighted the importance of such programmes and initiatives by the Foundation in enhancing digital skills which are very important in today’s job market, sharing a success story of an individual who has thrived in the technology sector despite not completing formal education.
“In this digital age, we need to empower young people to leverage technology to create opportunities for themselves,” he noted.
Phetsile Masilela, CEO of Junior Achievement Eswatini, also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude for MTN’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“The partnership between MTN and our organizations is vital for creating a supportive ecosystem for young people,” she said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in fostering a holistic approach to youth development.
Masilela further revealed that last year MTN contributed 12% to JA’s annual budget, empowering young people, which has significantly impacted many aspiring entrepreneurs.
“This support has made a significant difference in the lives of many aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them realize their dreams,” she remarked.
The event concluded with a commitment from the MTN Foundation and its partners to continue working together to transform the lives of young people in Eswatini.
“Together, we can create more opportunities and empower the next generation to make a meaningful impact in our society,” Nhleko affirmed.
This substantial investment not only reflects the MTN Foundation’s dedication to social responsibility but also highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering youth empowerment and economic growth in Eswatini.