BY MUKELO MAGAGULA
MBABANE- Phindile Andile Nhleko-Makama is the new National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Eswatini.
Her appointment was announced today and it’s with immediate effect.
SOS Children’s Villages Eswatini Board Chairperson Dr. Themba Ntiwane (L) and newly appointed Director Andile Phindile Nhleko-Makama (R).
According to SOS Children’s Villages Board Chairperson, Dr Themba Ntiwane, the appointment has brought great pleasure to the public and all stakeholders of SOS Children’s Villages, as the organization begins implementing its National Strategy for the year 2023-2027.
Ntiwane shared that prior to her official appointment, Nhleko-Makama had been acting in the same position.
Ntiwane expressed their satisfaction in finding such a qualified candidate from within the organization itself.
He said the board recognized Nhleko-Makama’s passion for working with children, and appreciated the invaluable support she received from all stakeholders, including her co-workers, the government, and other organizations in the country.
He said the Board hopes that this support will continue to grow following her appointment.
He also added that Nhleko-Makama brings with her an impressive 14 years of experience in managing and coordinating national-level programs and projects. Before joining SOS Children’s Villages, she held the position of National Programme Development Manager, where she worked closely with the regional and international office.
In response to her appointment, Nhleko-Makama expressed her deep honour and excitement for this opportunity.
“I am deeply honoured by such a great opportunity and do not doubt that this will be an amazing journey that comes with a great deal of opportunities and experiences. This position comes at a time when the organisation has just developed its new National Strategy which aligns the Federation Strategy 2030. The strategy focuses on strengthening quality in our programme interventions and ensure that we also explore more on community based alternative care for children. The focus is also on expanding our programme interventions to reach more children who have lost and those who are at risk of losing parental care in the country.
The strategy is also focusing on ensuring that we diversify the funding income for the organisation as more resources are needed to address the needs of the vulnerable children in the country. As an organisation, we want to strengthen our partnership with stakeholders to ensure that contribution by partners is increased to support the needs of the children and place the best interest of the child at the centre of our response” Nhleko-Makama said.
Additionally, Nhleko-Makama has worked extensively in the HIV sector for various organizations, including AMICAALL, ICW, SWANNEPHA, and SAfAIDS. She has a background in psychology and community development, and is currently pursuing her MSc in psychology.
