The Minister of Information, Communications, and Technology (ICT), Savannah Maziya, has called upon pensioners to actively participate in the country’s digital transformation, as the world (including the Government of Eswatini) is advancing with initiatives aimed at digitizing most of the basic services.
Speaking at the Pensioners General Meeting held at the Eswatini National Library in Mbabane, Maziya urged elderly citizens to adopt digital tools, highlighting that services such as the recently launched “Government in Your Hand” need them to be comfortable with the transformation.
The Minister described the “Government in Your Hand” initiative as a convenient way to access government services such as driver’s licenses and trading licences from home.
“The starting point for us is to ensure that everything we do gives dignity to all citizens and includes everyone, from children to the oldest members of our society,” Minister Maziya said. “We want to ensure that you can access government services without unnecessary travel or long queues, directly from your home.”
The session, part of national Cybersecurity Awareness Month under the theme “Secure Eswatini. Stay Safe Online. Asichumane Siphephile,” focused on equipping pensioners with knowledge to protect themselves from online fraud, impersonation, and other digital threats. The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) also provided guidance on safe online practices.
The session also featured Senzo Malaza, Head of Communications at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP), who introduced pensioners to the Government in Your Hand app and explained its practical applications. Malaza emphasized the importance of digital literacy for all generations, not just the youth.
“With this transformation, no one should be left behind. Digital skills are essential for everyone, including our seniors, to fully participate in society and access services safely,” he said. He reassured pensioners that support would be provided in navigating the digital platforms and tools available to them.
The President of the Swaziland Public Service Pensioners Association (SPSPA), Elliott Mkhatshwa, expressed appreciation for the session and praised Minister Maziya for her vision in making digital inclusion a priority for all age groups. “These sessions are of great significance to our generation. They ensure that pensioners are informed, empowered, and can fully participate in the digital economy,” Mkhatshwa said.
Mkhatshwa reiterated the Minister’s message, encouraging his colleagues to heed to the advice of the Minister as everything is quickly going digital, and if they do not act now they may soon find themselves left out and feel sidelined.
Minister Maziya emphasized the importance of cybersecurity, particularly for vulnerable groups, urging pensioners not to share personal information online and to remain vigilant against potential exploitation.
“Continuous education on protecting your information is key. You must have access to your own information and ensure it is safe,” she said, adding that the ministry will support pensioners in downloading and using digital tools, including the app and digital service extensions via libraries and post offices.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s plans to expand fiber-optic infrastructure nationwide, reduce data costs, and enable digital services such as livestock tracking and virtual museums, ensuring that older citizens are not left behind in Eswatini’s digital transformation.
“This is the beginning of a long-term relationship. We want to ensure that we don’t leave you behind. Please feel free to contact the ministry or relevant agencies if you face challenges,” she said.
Minister Maziya called for public support and prayers, urging citizens to actively use the services being rolled out and share their feedback with the government to improve service delivery.