BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– The Mahamba Gorge Hiking Sport 2023 is officially activated!
This morning, Acting Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala officially launched the ninth edition of the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Sport, revealing that it would be slated for April 30, 2023.
Ngcamphalala further said Mahamba Gorge Hiking was a non-profit organisation committed to promoting the socio- economic development of the people of Shiselweni and ultimately of Eswatini through exploring the region’s potential in eco-tourism.
“This initiative, for over 10 years, has been achieved through joint efforts of diverse stakeholder-ship drawn from Government, Non-Government organizations (NGOs), private sector, community members and others with a view of creating public awareness about the socio- economic potential of the Shiselweni region,” said Ngcamphalala.
The Acting Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs went on to state that the theme for the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Sport for 2023 was #Hiking Towards Empowering the Youth.
He said in Eswatini, the youth represent the most significant share of the population with 37 per cent between ages 15 to 34, a total of 70 per cent are under the age of 35, saying insufficient job opportunities and the graduation rate outpacing employment creation due to the economic downturn post the pandemic, were about a few of the many challenges faced by the youth.
“This year’s theme was chosen in support of the government efforts in collaboration with its sponsors, to put into effect His Majesty’s vision of ensuring that our young people contribute positively to the development of this country as well as improve their own lives. As highlighted in His Majesty’s Speech from the Throne, all stakeholders and partners need to work harder to increase investments in young people’s education, health and economic empowerment for the realisation of their full potential.
“The theme also harmonises with the objectives of the hike, which is to alleviate poverty by supporting and empowering deserving communities and vulnerable groups such as the youth from the sponsorships it receives.”
The eight edition hiking program was able to undertake the following community empowerment programmes including the livelihood support, at Maseyisini Inkhundla (Masibini and Mbilaneni) under the Mahamba Gorge Lodge Board of trustees, and food aid support to the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Households (Mahlashaneni, Nsalitje, Magele, Mangwaneni and Masibini).
Through Support from Eswatini Royal Insurance Cooperation, the committee was able to continue to support Hlatikhulu Girls’ Home with uniforms, and food aid support. The Shiselweni Forest Company was able to assist with constructing a washing basin, kitchen roofing and also do some wall painting. Business start-up kits were handed out to youth business enterprises in (Shiselweni 1, Maseyisini, KuMethula, Shiselweni 2 and Zombodze constituencies).
Lastly, farming inputs were donated to youth cooperatives under Kubuta Inkhundla.
The Minister explained that all these initiatives had received immense support through economic empowerment from the sponsorship the hike receives, however, stating that more sponsors were needed to support this course.
“I would like to thank the Chairperson, Mr. Dickson Khumalo, the esteemed Committee Members of the Mahamba Gorge Hiking sport and all stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event. The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs is willing to cooperate and support in whatever means necessary to ensure the advancement of all tourism initiatives. “In conclusion, I would like to thank all sponsors, previous and current for their support, these are namely Standard Bank, Inhlonhla Investment, FINCORP, MELON, FTM, Montigny, Purple Chilli, Indlela Yekuphila, MDDM Investment, All Nation Zion Church, Eswatini Bank and Insta Cash for their contribution towards this initiative.”
