By Sikhulile Dlamini
MBABANE – Senator Fezeka Dlamini has embarked on a noble initiative of food, toiletries and clothing drive aimed at supporting underprivileged tertiary students in Eswatini.
The campaign is under the Temabheka Foundation that seeks to address critical of lack of basic needs among students by gathering essential supplies and getting community support.
In an interview on Eswatini TV’s Kusile Breakfast Show, Dlamini explained her focus on University of Eswatini (UNESWA) students noting that they are often overlooked under the assumption that they can manage once they reach tertiary education. While emphasizing gratitude for Government support through allowances and scholarships, she emphasised that these measures were insufficient to meet all the students’ needs.
“The cost of living is very high and there are students who come from humble backgrounds and have no one to ask for money when it runs out, I took it upon myself to ask the nation to hold hands and support the youth and future of this land,” Dlamini said.
Dlamini also highlighted the additional risks faced by the youth such as gender based violence, (GBV), HIV/AIDS and STIs. She pointed out that girls had a tendency to be more vulnerable because they ended up dating older men to secure their next meal.
“The campaign is all inclusive, of both the boy and the girl child but it is evident that girls are more visibly affected. By providing them with essentials, we can help make the right decisions concerning their lives,” she added.
The campaign’s goal, according to the senator, is to reach every tertiary student in the country. Currently, it has begun with the three campuses of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), which are, Kwaluseni, Luyengo and Mbabane campuses. Dlamini pleaded with partners and private companies to support and collaborate with the foundation. She also called upon UNSEWA’s Student Affairs department to assist the initiative in order to ensure the sustainability of the campaign.
