BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Financial organisations in the country are calling for all people in the country to make it a habit to protect their money so that they can secure their future.
Today, the organisations, led by the Ministry of Finance, gathered at Royal Villas to launch the Global Money Week 2024, under the theme: “Protect Your Money, Secure Your Future”. The event was also characterised by the announcement of primary school pupils, who had been part of a competition in which they were taught some financial concepts. The aim of teaching them such concepts is to enable them to know money and be able to protect such a resource.
Organisations such as the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE), the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA), the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CFI), the National Co-operatives Federation of Eswatini (NCFE), were part of the meeting.
The Global Money Week launch event was also attended by the Minister for Finance Neal Rijekenberg, who officially launched the initiative. The Minister, along with CBE Governor Dr. Phil Mnisi and Director in the Ministry of Education Lindiwe Dlamini, announced the winners of the drawing competition, which was a key highlight of the event.
The Bank’s drawing competition was part of its efforts to foster a strong relationship with the student community and encourage young people to learn about financial concepts. The competition, which ran this month, saw an increase in entries from children aged six to 12. The theme of the competition resonated with these young people, inspiring them to share their ideas through creative drawings. The competition was a success, and it’s hoped that it will inspire future generations to learn more about financial literacy.
A total of twelve winners were selected from across the country’s four regions, Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, and Shiselweni. The regional winners received E4 000, E3 000, and E1 500 respectively, deposited into their chosen bank accounts. The national winner, Luyanda Thwala, received an additional E2 000, bringing her total prize to E6 000. The competition aimed to raise awareness about financial literacy among young people and encourage them to save money for the future. It was a great success, and the Bank is proud of all.
The Central Bank of Eswatini and its partners will be rolling out more programs to teach young people about financial literacy. This launch was a success, and the Bank is confident that the upcoming events will be just as impactful. By empowering a financially literate generation, the Bank hopes to create a future that is more secure and prosperous for all. Global Money Week is celebrated in over 170 countries around the world.
The winners are:
Hhohho Region:
· Luyanda Thwala (Jabulile Primary School)
· Nozuko Magagula (Usuthu Forest School)
· Lwanele Mkhombe (Jabulile Primary School)
Manzini Region:
· Okuhle Mavundla (Malkerns Valley Primary School)
· Sakhiwo Malaza (Holy Rosary Primary School)
· Sewele Dlamini (Living Waters Primary School)
Shiselweni Region:
· Phumelele Tsabedze (Christ the King)
· Mlondi Makhanya (Christ the King)
· Thandiswa Nord (Christ the King)
Lubombo Region:
· Siwongelwe Maseko (Thembelisha Preparatory School)
· Nkhatimulo Simelane (Thembelisha Preparatory School)
· Siyabulela Mahlalela (Thembelisha Preparatory School)
