Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a significant boost to social welfare, Government, together with friends of Eswatini, constructed 114 new houses and rehabilitated a further 274 during 2025.
These efforts form part of a broader housing programme that has seen a total of 631 new houses built and 1 410 rehabilitated over the past decade, according to Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, in his speech that he delivered on December 30, 2025, where he was reporting on how Eswatini Government worked during the course of 2025.
Dlamini said a modern housing design, introduced following a directive from His Majesty King Mswati III, prioritises the needs of elderly citizens, ensuring dignity and improved living standards for vulnerable members of society.
Strengthening Social Protection Programmes
In his speech, the Prime Minister said Eswatini Government continued to expand social support systems to cushion vulnerable households. Under the Food Assistance Programme, 263 090 Emaswati from 58 201 households received food support, with assistance from development partners. The education sector also benefited, as 19 436 orphans and vulnerable children were enrolled under the Education Grant Programme, with school fees totalling E47.8 million partially settled.
Support for the elderly and persons with disabilities was strengthened, with the number of elderly grant beneficiaries rising to 87 861, each receiving E600 per month. Disability grant beneficiaries increased to 17 193, receiving E450 monthly. In addition, 85 elderly funeral assistance claims were processed, amounting to E255 000, ensuring dignity for families during difficult times.
Investing in Connectivity and Digital Transformation
Dlamini said Eswatini Government also made notable progress in expanding digital access across the country. Internet connectivity was extended to 48 Tinkhundla centres, five border posts and five rural clinics, significantly improving access to information, education and public services. This initiative has helped bridge the digital divide, particularly for rural communities.
In partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), smart city infrastructure was introduced in Mbabane. This included the installation of a 5G Government Network and surveillance systems aimed at enhancing service delivery, public safety and disaster risk management.
Advancing Legislative Reforms
As far as legislation is concerned, Dlamini said legislative progress remained a key focus, with Parliament passing 19 important Bills during the year. These included the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Bill, Disaster Risk Management Bill, Legal Aid Bill, Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund Bill, and the Eswatini Medical Supplies Agency Bill. The Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Bill and the Finance (Amendment) Bill further strengthened governance frameworks.
Additionally, the draft Eswatini National Pension Fund Bill was reviewed and submitted to Parliament. Once enacted, it will transform the current provident fund into a comprehensive pension scheme, expanding retirement security for workers across the country.
Through these initiatives, Government continues to build a more inclusive, resilient and digitally empowered Eswatini, ensuring that development reaches all citizens.
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