Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESCorp) has supported Eswatini Autism with a donation of E10 000.
This was on March 26, 2026 at the Deputy Prime Minister Office (DPMO) auditorium during the World Autism Awareness Day Commemoration. The funds are aimed at supporting the organisation’s activities in running Eswatini Autism’s day-to-day operations.
At the event, the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) Executive Director, Thembinkhosi Dlamini, said as guided by the United Nations theme, they called for greater inclusion, acceptance, and the full participation of persons with autism in society.
“This day serves as a vital reminder that autism is a natural part of human diversity; it is our collective responsibility to ensure that no citizen is left behind due to differences in ability. On behalf of Non Communicable Consortia under CANGO, we commend the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and specifically the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, for the notable strides made in recognizing autism as a critical development and social issue. The growing visibility of autism within our national discourse, alongside efforts to integrate disability considerations into policies and programs, reflects a strong national commitment to inclusive development and social protection,” he said.
The director added that as civil society, CANGO advocates for a rights-based and people-centred approach.
While they celebrate progress, he said, they must remain sober regarding the structural barriers that persist:
• Access Barriers: Significant challenges remain in securing early diagnosis. inclusive education, and specialized healthcare.
• Caregiver Burden: These challenges often place immense emotional and economic weight on families and caregivers.
• Systemic Gaps: We must shift from fragmented interventions toward a coordinated, sustainable national system.
“We therefore warmly welcome and support the efforts of the Eswatini Autism Organisation. Their work in promoting early screening, supporting families, and advocating for inclusive policies is critical to shifting our national response toward structural change,” he said.
The executive director added that CANGO believes that reducing these barriers requires deep collaboration between government, civil society, and communities. To move forward, they must:
1. Invest in Capacity: Equip educators, healthcare workers, and social service providers with the skills to respond effectively to autism.
2. Enhance Data: Improve data systems to ensure that national planning and resource allocation are evidence-based.
3. Empower Families: Expand social protection measures and strengthen community-based services to address stigma and preserve the dignity of persons with autism.
Dlamini noted that as they marked the day, CANGO reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the government and all stakeholders to advance equity and human rights. He said they were not there merely for ceremony, but to act in solidarity to uphold the full rights of every citizen.
Together, he urged they build an Eswatini that does not just recognize autism, but actively removes barriers to ensure every individual can reach their full potential.
