Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini Sugar has reaffirmed its commitment to national development by investing E170 000 in environmental protection, community health and youth sport, demonstrating continued social responsibility despite ongoing financial pressures within the sugar industry.
The donation was announced during a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) presentation held at the Eswatini Sugar Offices in Mbabane on Tuesday. Speaking at the event, Eswatini Sugar Chief Executive Officer Banele Nyamane said the association remained resolute in improving the lives of disadvantaged communities across the country, even as the sector continues to face declining sugar prices, difficult market conditions and climate-related challenges.
Nyamane revealed that Eswatini Sugar has contributed a total of E1.7 million in CSI funding during the current financial year, underscoring the industry’s long-standing commitment to social development.
“We are here because we believe in improving the lives of disadvantaged groups in Eswatini,” Nyamane said. “We also recognise the vital role played by our partners in ensuring that support reaches communities where it is needed most.”
The E170 000 donation was distributed among three organisations whose work aligns with Eswatini Sugar’s CSI focus areas of health, education, sport and environmental sustainability.
As part of its environmental stewardship, Eswatini Sugar donated E50 000 to the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) in support of the Earth Hour Commemoration scheduled for 28 March. Nyamane said the contribution aimed to strengthen awareness around energy conservation and environmental protection.
“By supporting the Big Switch Off, we are not just turning off lights, but turning on a powerful message that together we can shape a more sustainable future,” he said.
Receiving the donation, EEC Environmental Specialist Dr Constance Vanyzudam expressed appreciation for the partnership, noting that Earth Hour is a global initiative that began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 and has been commemorated in Eswatini since 2011. She added that the contribution would support key activities, including a national launch and symposium on 11 February focusing on Eswatini’s newly developed Nationally Determined Contribution 3 (NDC3).
“Climate change is a global challenge, and partnerships such as these are critical in driving collective action,” she said.
The Rotary Club of Mbabane received E70 000 towards the acquisition of a mobile dental unit for its Medical and Dental Health Outreach Programme. Rotary Club President Bafana Mhlabane said the programme, now in its 18th year, had reached approximately 5 000 people during its most recent outreach mission.
“If the services we provide were to be costed, they would amount to nearly E3 million. This impact is only possible through the support of partners like Eswatini Sugar,” he said.
A further E50 000 was donated to the Eswatini Schools Sports Association to support the National Schools Athletics Competition scheduled for March. Inspector of Schools Bongani Siyaya welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as an investment in the country’s future.
“An investment in children is an investment in the future. This support will help nurture a healthy, active generation,” he said.
Nyamane concluded by acknowledging that resources are often limited but expressed confidence that the donations would deliver meaningful and lasting impact.
“We remain hopeful that these contributions will help drive positive change across our communities,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
