BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – The National Population Policy review exercise reached the Lubombo Region today.
Lubombo chiefs and youth added their wisdom to the National Population Policy (NPP), as consulted by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, together with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Speaking to the Lubombo youth and chiefs today, Lubombo Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Msibi welcomed the exercise by the Ministry, citing that it is important to have inputs from all cadres of society as the NPP is being reviewed.
The RA noted that this was not the first time that the consultation on the NPP was being conducted in the region.
“Today the Ministry is back to show you that the policy has been completed with your inputs. If there is anything which was left out when you assess it today, this is the time to add that input,” said the RA.
He further enlightened the chiefs and other attendants on the role of the Ministry in the development of the policy.
“The ministry does work with a lot, as it works with growth of the population, its census, and how the population should be treated, especially economically,” said Msibi.
Msibi also added that this was an important aspect of the nation’s political system.
“The people should not be left out of contributing their opinions, when something has to be built in the country,” said Msibi.
The National Population Policy was being reviewed in the Lubombo region following similar discussions by Hhhohho chiefs as well as Hhohho youth earlier this week.
The National Population Policy addresses issues of welfare and development in Eswatini. These issues include, reproductive health, immigration policies, economic equality, equitable access to economic opportunities, human rights, vocational education all over the country, education curriculum to make schools successful, youth unemployment, land use, gender equality, and decentralisation of development initiatives.
