Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Government of Eswatini is stepping up efforts to promote disability inclusion through regional cooperation.
On September 17,2025, a Namibian delegation on disability affairs visited the United Nations Resident Coordinator at United Nations House, Mbabane, as part of the ongoing South-South learning exchange between the two countries, aimed at sharing best practices and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.
The exchange, which began in 2024 and is supported by the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD), focuses on empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs), mainstreaming inclusive policies, and promoting best practices across the region.
The Namibian delegation included Matheus Shishiveni Hashoongo, Chairperson of the National Federation of People with Disabilities, Daniel Siremo Trum, Senior Community Liaison Officer in the Office of the President; Ms. Jessica Gawachab, Head of Legal & Company Secretary at the National Disability Council; and Uahova Katjiremba, Research Officer for the National Disability Council of Namibia.
During the meeting, Namibia shared its experiences in promoting the rights of PWDs, highlighting the critical role of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and the National Disability Council.
For Eswatini, the exchange reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fully implement the Persons with Disability Act of 2018, establish key institutions such as the Disability Secretariat and Disability Fund, strengthen accountability and equality through UNPRPD support, and build long-term collaboration with Namibia, including a future Memorandum of Understanding.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Ms. Fikile Shongwe, Disability Manager, emphasized that her office, the Disability Council, and OPDs are working to mainstream disability at all levels while aligning national legislation with international conventions.
UN Resident Coordinator, George Wachira, highlighted South-South cooperation as a vital mechanism for knowledge-sharing, partnership-building, and accelerating disability inclusion in the region.
UNFPA Head of Office, Margaret Thwala-Tembe, added that the exchange could result in an outcome document guiding reforms and advocacy efforts, particularly for the National Disability Council framework and the establishment of the Disability Secretariat.
FODSWA and the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities welcomed Namibia’s shared practices, signaling a renewed commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.
This collaboration underscores Eswatini’s vision of an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are empowered, supported, and actively engaged in national development.
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