Africa-Press – Eswatini. “He has changed the business landscape and created numerous jobs” those were sentiments of many emaSwati who have taken to social media to defend Inyatsi Group Holdings Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu following a wave of online criticism directed at him and the group.
The backlash, which originated from some social media pages, appeared to question the Group’s leadership and the operations of its companies.
However, countless emaSwati pushed back, praising the businessman’s contributions to the country’s economy and job creation.
Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu, who leads one of Eswatini’s largest business conglomerates, has been lauded for his business acumen and commitment to national development.
EmaSwati argues that under his leadership, several companies on the brink of collapse were revived which has saved jobs and transformed various sectors.
This comes after a local Facebook page from Zambia alleged that Inyatsi Construction which is a subsidiary of Inyatsi Group Holdings constructed a road which was damaged shortly after being built.
This was when emaSwati swiftly defended the group and stated that they know the quality that Inyatsi constructs.
“Let’s talk facts. Before him, those companies were dying. Now they’re growing,” wrote Makhambi Xaba. “Look at the group of companies and their performance back the vs now.”
His sentiments were echoed by Nosmilo Mahlalela who stated, “Say what you want, they’re still building Africa,” and added, “If a white man was doing this, we’d call him a hero. Why attack our own?”
Commenters emphasized Shakantu’s impact on employment. Thousands of jobs have reportedly been created through Inyatsi’s subsidiaries and infrastructure projects.
Gcinekile Malunge commented, “It used to be white-owned companies. Now a black man is running the show and people complain?” She later added, “Infracast is working again.
Construction sites are booming. That’s not greed, that’s progress.”
When responding, Inyatsi Group Holdings Marketing and Public Relations Manager Ncobile Dlamini stated that they are grateful for the support given to them by emaSwati.
“We at Inyatsi Group Holdings are deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support shown by emaSwati across social media platforms in recent days,” she said.
“The show of unity and recognition of the Group’s contribution to national development is not only heartening, but also a powerful affirmation of our collective mission which is to build a prosperous Eswatini and play our role in achieving His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of a first world kingdom.”
Inyatsi Group Holdings Marketing and Public Relations Manager Ncobile Dlamini.
Dlamini further highlighted that under the visionary leadership of our Executive Chairman, Michelo Shakantu, Inyatsi Group Holdings has remained on its purpose as a hundred per cent Swati-owned conglomerate which she said is dedicated to the socio-economic development of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
“The support we are witnessing reflects the real impact we are making in the lives of emaSwati, particularly through job creation, skills development, and sustainable national contributions,” she added.
Inyatsi Group Holdings, according to Dlamini, currently employs over 6,000 individuals, with a monthly wage bill surpassing E45 million.
“This reflects our continued commitment to fulfilling His Majesty’s mandate by driving job creation and making a meaningful contribution to the national economy,” the Marketing and Public Relations Manager added.
On social media, one commenter Saneliso Dlaminie acknowledged past issues and highlighted accountability and perseveranceof the company:
“Inyatsi can have mistakes like all of us sure, but they always own it and keep going!” Likewise, Sbahle Maziya weighed in with, “Cracks happen, what matters is they came back to fix it.”
Chantel Simelane, a frequent voice in the discussion, stressed the importance of black leadership in the private sector: “We should be proud! A black African transforming our economy? That’s power.”
She also said, “At least they’re not hiding—still fixing, still working.”
Moreover, Inyatsi Group’s Ncobile Dlamini added, “Our commitment is evidenced by the opportunities we have created across multiple industries, including construction, mining, telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, fintech, insurance and media.
We are proud to state that our efforts are not only providing livelihoods for families but are also directly
contributing to the country’s economic strength.
In 2023 alone, Inyatsi Group Holdings declared a contribution of over E1 billion in tax payments which is revenue that supports national development and public services.’
She added that beyond business success, Inyatsi Group Holdings believes in responsible corporate citizenship.
“Over the past 24 months, we have invested millions of Emalangeni into giving back to communities across the country,” Dlamini said.
“This includes building homes for vulnerable families, supporting victims of natural disasters with relief packages,
refurbishing orphanages and elderly care homes, enhancing community-based projects, and uplifting schools, arts, and cultural initiatives.”
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