Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, announced that he would educate Lunkuntfu residents about the importance of the Regional Development Fund (RDF).
He stated that this initiative aimed to assist the people from that chiefdom in accessing the fund to start income-generating projects, which would provide easier access to basic services such as education and health.
Dlamini conveyed this information on 2 May 2025 during his visit to the chiefdom alongside the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Thulisile Dladla. He indicated that he would conduct the educational session on 17 May 2025. The two visited Lunkuntfu Chiefdom, under Nkilongo Inkhundla in the Lubombo Region, as part of a concerted effort to enhance development and improve service delivery.
Lunkuntfu remains an isolated community facing significant infrastructural challenges, including the absence of a health facility, proper roads, public transport, and shops. The only existing public structure, a primary school, has been partially constructed. Currently, children of school age must travel over 10 kilometres to Big Bend to access education, with many eventually dropping out. Pregnant mothers face risks, as they often give birth along the way while seeking nearby healthcare facilities. Elderly residents, among others, also endure long commutes to access basic services.
During her visit three weeks prior, the DPM encouraged community members to establish associations to benefit from the RDF, which could facilitate access to public transport and a mini shopping complex. She further urged the Microprojects team to expedite the completion of the primary school and teachers’ quarters, given that a classroom block and toilets had already been constructed.
The minister reassured residents that accessing RDF funds was feasible, emphasising the need for associations of ten or more individuals, including youth and persons with disabilities. He pledged to return on 17 May with ministry officials to educate the community on funding opportunities and assist in developing viable business ideas to foster local economic growth.
The officials also inspected the deteriorating community hall and a vital bridge leading to Big Bend. Senator Mvimbi Matse, who is a chief of that area, informed the DPM and the minister that during heavy rains, the bridge became impassable, posing a serious risk to residents. Tragically, several individuals had drowned while attempting to cross.
The Managing Director of Microprojects, Sibusiso Mbingo, and his team were already on-site to assess the bridge and determine necessary interventions. During the visit, other officials who were present included Lubombo Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Msibi, and DPMO Under Secretary (US) Makhosi Simelane.
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