Africa-Press – Eswatini. A kind gesture turned into a celebration of gratitude on Friday, as the Shongwe family was honoured for hosting Engineers in Action volunteers during the Gilgal bridge build.
Project chairperson Sibusiso Shongwe and his wife opened their home to the team from Engineers in Action (EIA) and Microprojects, offering warm meals, shelter, and unwavering support to student engineers from the United States throughout the three-month construction period.
In a touching moment during the official launch of the Inkhosiyaphendvula Suspended Footbridge, Microprojects Director Sibusiso Mbingo presented the chairperson’s wife with E500 in cash, while EIA Programme Director Ana Jovanovic handed over a 5 000-litre water tank to the family as a token of appreciation.
Mbingo, visibly moved, said this bridge was more than just a milestone , it was personal.
“I started my career here as a young teacher. To come back and witness this level of development means everything,” he said. He praised Shongwe’s commitment and humility, adding, “He does this from the heart, not for attention or position.”
Shongwe thanked both organisations and said he was proud to serve his community.
“Hosting the students was an honour. We wanted to make them feel at home while they helped us change ours,” he said with a smile.
As if the surprises weren’t enough, another community member, Mr. Dlamini, who voluntarily offered his vehicle to assist the project team, was awarded E1 000 for his generous support.
The Inkhosiyaphendvula Footbridge, now standing tall over Gilgal, is the 30th bridge built under the Microprojects, EIA partnership. Expected to last over 75 years, the structure marks another chapter of meaningful progress in Eswatini’s rural development.
From shared meals to solid steel, the Gilgal story proves that true community spirit builds more than bridges, it builds legacies.
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