Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) has given dignity and sustainable support to Stanley Lukhele, a local craftsman living with disability, by handing over a newly built home and also helped him complete building his unfinished chicken shed.
The handover, which took place at Maliyaduma, marked a significant milestone in the ENPF’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts and underscored its commitment to empowering all Emaswati, especially those facing social and physical challenges. It also showed the Fund’s dedication to inclusivity in all ENPF does.
Lukhele, well known among travellers and locals alike for his vibrant wire and woodwork crafts, was overcome with emotion during the event. In his brief but powerful speech, he shared his deep appreciation for the ENPF’s life-changing gesture.
“I am very grateful to Lidlelantfongeni. They are an inclusive organisation and have given me a gift worth a lifetime. I pray that many other companies also reach out to people with disability so more can get support like me,” he said.
The brand-new house is modest yet modern, with fittings designed to be accessible for someone living with a disability. Adjacent to it is a chicken shed which Lukhele had started building on hos own but for a long period had struggled to complete. ENPF assisted with helping complete it. The shed is intended to provide Lukhele with a sustainable source of income through poultry farming. The initiative is not only about housing but also about fostering long-term self-reliance and economic participation.
ENPF Chief Executive Officer Futhi Tembe described the project as a testament to what people can achieve when they work together with purpose and compassion.
“This house is a symbol of our collective heart, and we are immensely proud of what we have accomplished together,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to the ENPF Board for not only approving Lukhele as a deserving beneficiary but for making available the necessary funds to carry out such vital projects under the Corporate Social Responsibility mandate.
The ENPF CSR Committee, including its Chairperson Sindi Mango, also attended the event, noting that in February they participated in the setting up of the building works.
ENPF Chairperson Mduduzi Gina explained that the project was part of a broader drive to translate investment excellence into tangible community impact. Gina said the ENPF’s mandate, as stipulated by the SNPF Order, firmly guides the Fund’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts towards assisting the elderly and the disabled. He said it was through this clear directive that Lukhele was identified as a deserving recipient of this donation, aligning perfectly with ENPF’s mission to support the most vulnerable among the nation.
“Housing, as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights reminds us, is a fundamental human right. Today, we are not just handing over keys; we are providing a foundation for dignity, security, and a brighter future,” he said.
Gina added that this project embodies the spirit of compassion that defines Eswatini. He said that this was a spirit continuously inspired by His Majesty King Mswati III and the Indlovukazi.
“Their Majesties’ unwavering commitment to the well-being of all Emaswati provides the overarching vision for initiatives such as this. We are truly blessed to operate in a Kingdom where humanitarian efforts are championed from the highest office,” he said.
Local community members, dignitaries, and representatives from the ENPF gathered for the celebration, which was equal parts formal handover and community reunion. Among those who spoke was Umphakatsi’s representative, Umtfwanenkhosi Musa, who lauded the Fund for its inclusive footprint across Eswatini.
“We are happy that ENPF reaches everywhere, including our community so far away. This is not just an act of charity; it’s a commitment to national unity and dignity for all,” he said, highlighting how the ENPF has repeatedly shown that it understands the diverse needs of the communities it serves.
The chicken shed was handed over as a component designed to offer Lukhele an ongoing livelihood opportunity, so that beyond his successful handicraft business, he can build a steady agricultural income stream.
This initiative reflects a larger vision the ENPF has been pursuing — one where economic empowerment, social investment, and human dignity intersect. The Fund allocates a portion of its returns to direct community upliftment efforts, in addition to member benefits.
The impact of the handover extended beyond Lukhele and his family. Members of the community, particularly young people, gathered around to see the home and its adaptive design features, giving many their first sense of what inclusive support could look like.
For Lukhele, the new house means more than just shelter. It represents safety, dignity, and belonging. The chicken shed means economic security and a future he can plan confidently.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
