By Sizwe Dlamini
The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) has donated two motor vehicles to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.
The donated vehicles comprise a Toyota Double Cab bakkie and a 14-seater Toyota Quantum minibus to service the Vocational Schools for the Disabled in Nhlangano and Malkerns, which are under the purview of the Ministry of Labour & Social Security.
Present during the handover was ENPF management, led by Chairman, Mduduzi Gina, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Futhi Tembe, while the Minister of Labour & Social Security, Phila Buthelezi was represented by Principal Secretary Makhosini Mndawe.
It is worth noting that the ENPF is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and the donation complies with the provisions of the ENPF order that specifies the categories of the society that are eligible to benefit from the Fund’s corporate social responsivity initiatives.
Speaking at the handover that took place at the government inter-ministerial offices, ENPF Board Chairperson Mduduzi Gina said that the donated vehicles represent more than a mode of transport, but an opportunity to enable students living with disabilities at vocational schools to participate fully in their training programs thus enhance their learning experiences giving them skills to thrive in the workplace.
“On behalf of the ENPF Board, I am honoured to welcome you all to this occasion. As you are aware, the ENPF prioritizes giving back to the communities that the Fund is part of. We firmly believe that education is a powerful tool for empowerment for any person. Education is a right for every citizen of the kingdom as articulated in the country’s constitution. We are grateful to the government of Eswatini for ensuring that all its citizens have access to education. For individuals living with disabilities, the lack of reliable transportation is often a critical barrier. The Board, therefore, couldn’t have seen a better way of extending a benevolent helping hand”.
Gina highlighted that the initiative aligns perfectly with the ENPF’s core CSR goals of supporting the elderly and people with disabilities.
“We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to make a tangible difference in the lives of these deserving students. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Social Security, for his authorization of the Fund’s ongoing CSR program and also to the esteemed Board of the ENPF, for approving this noble initiative that will positively impact the lives of Eswatini’s students living with disabilities and also the ENPF Management team, along with the CSR Committee, who tirelessly seek impactful CSR initiatives within the country to improve the future of emaSwati.”
Gina added that he was confident that the vehicles would be utilized effectively and have a lasting positive impact on the students.
“Today’s ceremony marks a new chapter in our unwavering commitment to social responsibility. We are eager to witness the positive outcomes this initiative will generate for the students and the broader community. As the ENPF celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the Board is determined to prioritize giving back to the communities. This donation is one of many that will benefit the elderly and people with disabilities throughout the year”.