By Sizwe Dlamini
The FNB Eswatini Foundation has donated E1.927 million to three organizations in the country, namely the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), Kwakha Indvodza, and the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA).
The sponsorship handover ceremony took place at The Royal Villas, where FNB Eswatini Foundation Chairperson Dennis Mbingo emphasized the importance of corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives.
He highlighted that the FNB Eswatini Foundation dedicated solely to philanthropy, commits 1% of its post-tax profits to social causes.
The Chairperson stressed that none of the donations are used for profit-making purposes, and clarified that while the Foundation is tax-exempt, the banking operations are not.
Mbingo outlined the Foundation’s five key focus areas: increasing financial inclusion, investing in knowledge, promoting entrepreneurship, providing humanitarian support, and addressing environmental sustainability and climate change.
The breakdown of the donation includes E500,000 to the EEA, for their 2024 Clean Up Eswatini campaign, E483,000 to Kwakha Indvodza to support their initiatives for male child development and mental health, and E944,000 to the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), which is aimed at fighting Gender Based Violence and helping survivors.
Worth noting is that the amount sponsored to SWAGAA reflects an increase of 20% from the previous sponsorship by the Foundation. Mbingo expressed appreciation for the fact that SWAGAA was transparent on how they utilized the funds in the previous donation.
The Executive Director of EEA, Gcina Dladla, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its crucial role in tackling environmental challenges like the impending ban on single-use plastics. Dladla emphasized the significance of partnerships like this in achieving sustainable development goals.
Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Executive Director of SWAGGA, thanked the FNB Eswatini Foundation for their ongoing support in combating gender-based violence (GBV). She urged the government to consider tax rebates for companies involved in impactful CSI initiatives, noting the broader societal benefits of such incentives.
Sonic Dlamini from Kwakha Indvodza appreciated the Foundation’s commitment to addressing societal issues often overlooked. He emphasized their focus on educating men and combating GBV through mental health awareness and support programs. Dlamini underscored the importance of redefining masculinity and fostering supportive environments for men facing mental health challenges.
Dlamini pledged transparent reporting on the utilization and impact of the funds, ensuring accountability to donors and stakeholders alike.