Africa-Press – Eswatini. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has officially commissioned the National Foster Care Placement Committee, a body mandated to oversee the placement and monitoring of children in foster care across Eswatini.
The event took place on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO), marking what Dladla described as “a significant milestone in the national journey to protect and uplift vulnerable children.”
Dladla underscored that the establishment of the committee demonstrates government’s commitment to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, nurturing, and loving environment. She noted that while residential care facilities have long supported orphaned and vulnerable children, the future of child protection lies in expanding family-based care systems such as foster and kinship care.
“Foster care will not be limited to wealthy families but open to anyone willing to provide a caring home,” she emphasised. “The children we serve cannot wait. This committee must lead with compassion, integrity, and urgency.”
The DPM called on individuals already providing informal foster care to come forward and register with the Department of Social Welfare, saying formal registration would help government develop specific programs to support foster families and children.
The National Foster Care Committee is chaired by US Makhosi Simelane and includes Bhekani Dlamini (CANGO), Ayanda Simelane (Ministry of Education and Training), Bagunini Nxumalo (DPMO), Zwakele Dlamini (REPS), Mncedisi Dlamini (DPP), Cebsile Khumalo (Human Trafficking), Nokuthula Phungwayo (Ministry of Tinkhundla and Development), Wandile Simelane (Bulembu Ministries), Bonisile Bhembe (SOS), and a vacant position for the Attorney General’s Office. The Appeals Committee is chaired by Mcusi Shongwe (DPMO Social Welfare Director), with Andile Nhleko (SOS National Director) and Nomcebo Nkomo Nhlengetfwa (Director for National Children Services Department) as members.
Bulembu Ministries representative Wandile Simelane applauded the DPMO for strengthening foster care oversight, noting that the Social Welfare Department conducts in-depth socio-economic assessments to ensure children are placed in safe, loving homes. “This initiative brings structure and accountability to child protection. It’s about giving children dignity, stability, and hope,” he said.
Through this initiative, Eswatini takes a decisive step toward a foster care system where every child is raised in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment.
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