By Tlalane Dlamini
FNB Eswatini and the FNB Eswatini Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to national development by presenting a combined sponsorship package worth E752,000 to key organizations working in education, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability, and professional growth. The handover ceremony was held at the bank’s headquarters, with partners, stakeholders, and media representatives attending.
Marking FNB Eswatini’s 30th anniversary, CEO Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said the sponsorships are part of the bank’s renewed commitment to “extending Help That Works” to communities across the Kingdom.
He noted that while the bank celebrates three decades of service, it is dedicated to shaping Eswatini’s future by investing in initiatives that support vulnerable groups, empower young people, and strengthen national institutions.
Support for Vulnerable Children
The largest donation of the day was given to SOS Children’s Villages, which received E500 000 from the FNB Eswatini Foundation. The funds will support the Child-Headed Households (CHH) Project, assisting 45 families and 180 orphaned or vulnerable children with food hampers, hygiene kits, and small-scale agricultural inputs to promote self-sufficiency.
This partnership is viewed as a strategic alliance focused on a shared goal of removing barriers that prevent children from thriving and building systems that support their well-being and potential.
The investment helps SOS Children’s Villages shift from reactive support to proactive, long-term change by combining psychosocial care with economic empowerment.
During the handover remarks, Andile Phindile Nhleko, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages, emphasized that this partnership is more than just sponsorship; it is a strategic alliance where compassion meets strategy, and collaboration creates impact.
Nhleko explained that she speaks as a guardian of a shared national mission: to break cycles of vulnerability and build systems based on care, dignity, and opportunity. Nhleko emphasized the challenges faced by children who head households and are often left out of education, mental health support, and economic opportunities, frequently becoming caregivers and protectors even before reaching adolescence.
The intervention, supported by FNB, is described as intentional, strategic, and data-driven, rooted in humanity, and aimed at bridging gaps and boosting community resilience.
The Foundation also renewed its partnership with Gogo Nde Care Centre, providing E65,000 for school fee supplements, uniforms, and supplies for 20 children.
Sandile Richmond Malaza, representing Gogo Nde’s Centre, shared that with the support from FNB Eswatini, the centre has been able to provide meals for over 20 children, cover educational needs, reduce electricity costs, and pay medical bills of E2 000 per month for a child with a disability. He expressed sincere appreciation to FNB for their continued support, which has made these achievements possible.
Kwakitsi Foundation: Investing in Dignity and Opportunity
An additional E10 000 was awarded to the Kwakitsi Foundation for its Christmas luncheon for 300 children.
Speaking on behalf of Her Royal Highness Princess Temtsimba, Patron of the Kwakitsi Foundation, Nomalungelo Dladla expressed gratitude. Dladla said that they gather not only to celebrate generosity but to recognize what generosity stands for: trust in their children, faith in their community, and hope for the future of Eswatini.
Her Royal Highness expressed her sincere appreciation to the FNB Foundation for their notable donation of E10,000 toward the upcoming Children’s End-of-Year Christmas Event.
Dladla emphasised that this donation is more than financial assistance; it is an investment in the dignity, education, confidence, and opportunities of over 300 underprivileged children across the country.
She quoted Her Royal Highness: “When we place children at the centre of our service, we strengthen the nation from the inside out.” Dladla added that each school bag, pair of shoes, hygiene pack, and moment of joy experienced at this event forms part of the foundation upon which future leaders will rise. The Kwakitsi Foundation thanked FNB for choosing impact over intention, action over observation, and hope over hesitation.
FNB and UNESWA: Fueling National Development
FNB Eswatini further strengthened its long-standing relationship with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) by awarding E97 000 worth of laptops to outstanding students in Accounting and Finance, Computer Science and Mathematics, and Economics and Statistics.
In his address, Prof. J.M. Thwala, Vice Chancellor of UNESWA, expressed deep pride and gratitude, highlighting that the event unites academic success, corporate social investment (CSI), and a shared goal of building a better future for Eswatini. He said the ceremony demonstrates what happens when talent, dedication, and meaningful partnerships come together with purpose.
Prof. Thwala praised FNB, stating that their dedication to education extends beyond simple CSR; it is a deep investment in the core of society, supporting national growth. He recognized FNB as a true partner in transforming Eswatini. Quoting Arnold Schwarzenegger, he emphasized that FNB’s generosity provides essential support for the stable foundation that enables ambitious, hardworking young people to advance faster, higher, and with greater confidence.
The Vice Chancellor honoured several outstanding students whose achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration:
• Dlamini Mthobisi Behluli – Top Accounting & Finance Graduate, Class of 2023/2024 (Faculty of Commerce).
• Kunene Nothando Thembani – Top Accounting & Finance Graduate, Class of 2022/2023 (Faculty of Commerce).
• Siphosethu Siphamandla Ngwenya – Best Statistics and Economics Graduate (Faculty of Social Sciences).
• Okwuchukwu Chukwu – Awardee from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, demonstrating the breadth of FNB’s investment in diverse fields.
Prof. Thwala congratulated the students, urging them to be the innovators, ethical leaders, and change-makers Eswatini needs. He reminded them that the gesture from FNB is a “loan” to be repaid by being ethical, promoting organisational performance through excellence, and acting as agents of organisational change. He concluded by thanking FNB for its partnership, which has also included recently establishing a “first-world computer hub” for students at UNESWA.
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) received E50 000 in support of the 2025 Temvelo Awards, a national platform celebrating excellence in environmental management, climate resilience, and sustainability.
During the ceremony, the EEA’s Acting Executive Director expressed gratitude to FNB for its “unwavering leadership in environmental stewardship”. He highlighted the importance of the Foundation’s adoption of the Sustainable Manufacturing category, which promotes greener production practices within the industrial sector. The EEA also invited FNB leadership to attend the 2025 awards ceremony.
Strengthening Professional Risk Management
The day also saw the Institute of Risk Management South Africa (IRMSA) – Eswatini Chapter receive E30 000 to support its forthcoming 2026 launch and related awareness activities.
Chairman Mlandvo Sikhondze welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as an investment in human capital and institutional resilience. He said the support shows FNB’s recognition of risk management as a strategic pillar for national stability and future preparedness.
A Total Investment in National Growth
In concluding the ceremony, CEO Dlamini announced that the Foundation had contributed E575,000, while E177,000 came directly from FNB Eswatini, totaling E752,000. He encouraged all recipient organizations to manage the sponsorships with integrity and to remain committed to building a “prosperous, safe, and thriving Eswatini.”