BY OWETHU DLAMINI
MATSAPHA – The Republic of China (Taiwan) continues to positively impact the lives of emaSwati.
The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Themba Masuku and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) received 300 tonnes of rice from the Republic of China (Taiwan) today at the NDMA Warehouse in Matsapha.
This follows the 50 tonnes of rice that the Government of Taiwan previously donated to the Kingdom of Eswatini in April this year.
During the donation, the DPM expressed much gratitude to Ambassador Jeremy H. S. Liang for the consistency of the Government of Taiwan in working together the Government of Eswatini.
“It is with profound sense of humility and great appreciation that I receive, on behalf of their Majesties, the government and the entire nation of the Kingdom of Eswatini, the generous donation of 300 tonnes of rice which costs US$352 500 which translates to approximately E6 million from the great friend of the Kingdom of Eswatini to support the Eswatini government’s efforts to fight the food insecurity scourge,” said Masuku.
The DPM noted how the previous donation was able to assist over 33 334 people from the most vulnerable households over a period of three months and how this donation would once again help emaSwati.
“Today, the 300 tonnes of rice that you are donating to the people of Eswatini will benefit 30 000 emaSwati who are facing serious food shortages some of it attributed to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Your Excellency, we take note as a country that the donated rice forms a very important part of the series of support offered by the Taiwan Government,” said Masuku.
The DPM finally thanked the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their meticulous leadership and commendable partnership with the Kingdom of Eswatini. He also thanked the Government of Taiwan for the kind gesture.
“The donation will complement the already existing food assisting programmes. This is a true reflection of the concerned commitment of the Taiwan Government to partner with His Majesty’s government with respect to securing a decent well-being for Eswatini,” said Masuku.
Ambassador Jeremy Liang also expressed his delight in the relationship between Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan) stating that he trusted that the donation would make a significant difference in the lives of those who are in need of a helping hand.
“Taiwan and Eswatini have, together, gone through thick and thin with the COVID-19 pandemic being one of the most difficult times for both countries, however we held each other’s hands and collectively used our strength to fight against the virus,” said the Ambassador.
Liang mentioned that the rice donation reflected another powerful step forward as a more inclusive and prosperous future is shaped by both governments.
“Taiwan and Eswatini will continue to cooperate and work together towards promoting inclusive prosperity. As the tried and true philosophy that defines the two way ties of our relations suggests, ‘Promises made, promises kept’,” said the Ambassador.
Eric Seyama, Director of Research and Early Warning at NDMA, also expressed much gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) on behalf of the NDMA Board and CEO, Russell Dlamini, for the donation that had been made.
