Africa-Press – Eswatini. A total of 75 600 vulnerable Emaswati are set to benefit from a 756-metric-tonne rice donation worth E15 million from the Republic of China (Taiwan), reinforcing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The donation was officially handed over on February 11, 2026, at the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) warehouse in Matsapha. Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini, His Excellency Jeremy Liang, presented the consignment to Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.
The rice will be distributed through targeted interventions coordinated by NDMA and other relevant stakeholders to assist vulnerable families across the country, particularly those affected by recent storms and other hardships.
Speaking during the handover, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Taiwan for what she described as a timely and generous contribution.
“As we witness yet another season marked by food insecurity and hardship for some of our citizens, this handover of 756 metric tonnes of rice worth E15 million is both generous and timely. Each parcel represents hope, sustenance and dignity for families who need it the most. We are deeply grateful to the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for this continued demonstration of friendship and solidarity,” she said.
Manzini Regional Administrator Chief Gija also welcomed the donation, noting its significance for vulnerable families in the region.
“This support will go to vulnerable families in our community facing food insecurity. Right now we are facing storms where people have lost houses and they have lost food, so this will come a long way. Each parcel represents hope, sustenance and dignity for those who need it the most. We are hugely grateful to Taiwan for this demonstration of friendship and solidarity, as well as the National Food Resilience Agency for their invaluable coordination,” he said.
Ambassador Liang reaffirmed Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to supporting Eswatini, describing the food assistance programme as a symbol of the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is an honour and privilege to stand before you this morning to deliver 756 metric tonnes of rice to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
He explained that although the donation had originally been scheduled for 2025, shipment delays resulted in its arrival at the beginning of 2026.
“This simply means that I will have the privilege of returning to this warehouse later this year to deliver Taiwan’s next rice donation and to meet with all of you again,” he added.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Victor Mahlalela highlighted the growing scope of the agency’s mandate, noting that the current warehouse facility has become too small to accommodate increasing humanitarian support.
“As you can see, the warehouse space has become smaller than the scope of our mandate. We are actively looking for land or a bigger warehouse facility to better serve the needs of emaSwati,” he said.
Mahlalela appealed for support in identifying suitable land, particularly within urban areas, to enhance storage capacity and improve response to national emergencies.
The latest consignment further strengthens the longstanding diplomatic ties between Eswatini and Taiwan, with both nations continuing to collaborate in areas of food security, health, education and development.
