Africa-Press – Eswatini. A major milestone in Eswatini’s social development efforts was reached on 26 November 2025 as the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (BERCS), in partnership with the Finnish Red Cross (FRC), officially launched the Khetsimphilo – Choose Life Programme.
The four-year initiative, valued at E82.5 million and co-funded by the European Union, seeks to address mental health challenges, empower young people and women, and advance gender equality across the country.
The launch ceremony, held at Mountain View International Hotel, brought together senior government officials, international partners, and community leaders. Representatives from the European Union, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO), the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), and various development agencies were in attendance to mark the beginning of what has been described as a transformative national intervention.
The Khetsimphilo Programme will be implemented across 20 Tinkhundla, targeting 30 communities—primarily in rural areas—where limited access to services has contributed to rising socio-economic vulnerability. The initiative aims to respond to the intersecting challenges of mental health, youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and social exclusion.
Delivering the keynote speech on behalf of the Principal Secretary, Under Secretary Makhosi Simelane of the DPMO emphasised the programme’s strategic importance. “This programme is not just an event—it is a declaration of strategic intent,” he said. “Mental health and gender equality are critical developmental issues that affect economic growth, national stability, and the future of our youth. Through Khetsimphilo, we are choosing a future where no one is left behind.”
Simelane noted that the initiative would be aligned with national policies and integrated into government systems to ensure sustainability. He described the programme as a bold, collaborative effort that places communities at the centre of development.
A Comprehensive Approach to Social Impact
Khetsimphilo will pursue several core objectives designed to create long-term, community-driven development:
Empower disadvantaged youth and women to improve socio-economic inclusion.
• Strengthen mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) at community level.
• Promote gender equality and work to reduce school dropout rates.
• Combat gender-based violence and improve SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) awareness.
• Support the inclusion of marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities.
• Build resilience and community ownership through local structures.
A dedicated technical team has guided the programme design to ensure it responds to local needs while drawing on global best practices. The team includes Jouko Ala-Outinen (Programme Manager, Finnish Red Cross), Nyasha Mkombo (Finance Delegate, Finnish Red Cross), Tebukhosi Dlamini (Operations Coordinator, BERCS), and Nompumelelo Shongwe (Technical Advisor, BERCS).
EU Reaffirms Commitment to Eswatini’s Development
EU Head of Cooperation, Eva-Maria Engdahl, reiterated the bloc’s support for Eswatini’s human development agenda. “The European Union is proud to co-fund this important initiative. Strengthening mental health, supporting women and youth, and promoting gender equality are essential investments in Eswatini’s future,” she said.
The DPMO confirmed that the programme will be implemented through traditional authorities and Tinkhundla structures to ensure inclusive participation and long-term impact. Strong inter-ministerial collaboration will further reinforce policy alignment.
Closing the ceremony, Simelane delivered a call to action: “We choose life for Eswatini. Let us choose progress together.”
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