By Sizwe Dlamini
In a testament to its longstanding commitment to community development, MTN Eswatini and more than 10 dedicated partners have generously pledged over E1.7 million and gadgets, to benefit 6000 individuals nationwide.
MTN Eswatini has pledged E1.2 million while the partners pledged E520,000 and some gadgets respectively.
The pledge was made during the launch of MTN’s extended ’30 Days of Y’ello Care’ campaign, marking the MTN group’s 30 years of service.
Announced by Wandile Mtshali, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Eswatini, the initiative aims to empower and uplift Emaswati through a series of impactful projects and partnerships.
The official launch for the 2024 edition took place at the distant and rural school of Sitsatsaweni Primary School.
The aforementioned area suited the 2024 theme of Y’ello Care nicely being ‘Learn today, lead tomorrow: education for rural and remote communities’.
In collaboration with Swazi Empowerment Limited (SEL) and Macmillan, MTN Eswatini unveiled the refurbishment of four classrooms, complete with the installation of new roofing and new paint.
This initiative symbolizes the company’s deep-seated commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure, with schools being a focal point of MTN’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) objectives.
Speaking at the launch event, Mtshali emphasized the significance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
He highlighted MTN’s longstanding tradition of volunteerism through the annual ’21 Days of Y’ello Care’ campaign, now extended to 30 days in commemoration of the company’s three decades of operation.
“In celebration of 30 years of MTN Group operations, this year’s campaign has been dubbed 30 Days of Y’ello Care instead of the usual ’21 Days of Y’ello Care’. We are celebrating 17 years of 21 Days of Y’ello Care across all MTN operations since its inception in 2007. Y’ello Care is MTN’s flagship employee volunteerism program, reflecting the company’s core belief in giving back to the lives of those it serves. Every June from the 1st to the 21st, MTN has been known to embark on this campaign. Over the years, this campaign has focused on the upliftment of the Swati child through the construction of schools, training centres, and skills provision programmes for out-of-school youths “he said.
He added that they as MTN believe in partnering with the government by supporting national priorities such as the provision of quality education and infrastructure.
“Schools are at the heart of MTN’s CSI objectives, and this is the reason why we decided to launch at Sitsatsaweni Primary School for 2024. Collaboration with the government is central to MTN’s approach. Through strategic partnerships, MTN Eswatini aims to bridge the digital divide, ensuring access to quality education for all, irrespective of their background or geographical location. MTN Eswatini’s endeavors are diverse and far-reaching” he said.
The scope of projects under the ’30 Days of Y’ello Care’ campaign is comprehensive and impactful.
For 2024, schools earmarked for assistance include Majembeni Primary School which will form part of MTN’s Schools special needs project in collaboration with the Eswatini Communications Commission & Computronics.
The project will provide capacity-building workshops for teaching and non-teaching staff in the school then based on findings from the assessment team, specific activities will include the provision of assistive technology for identified learners with disabilities.
Another project in the pipeline is the provision of mobile laboratories/ portable science kits. This project is in partnership with Ubombo Sugar, NDZ, Pc Systems, and SZ Zondi Attorneys.
This aforementioned project will reach over 2000 primary school children with the provision of 15 science kits to rural primary schools.
This project will help in improving interest and motivation in science leading to improved results.
It will help expose students to practical activities that will improve their understanding of science concepts.
Another vital project is the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre project which will be done in partnership with World Vision and Macmillan.
This project will reach over 500 refugees at the centre, 280 of them being children.
The project will focus on refurbishment of the mental health care space within the premises ensuring mental health access for the children and the adults.
The Project will also help in rehabilitating the study centre and library making it suitable for students to study.
Meanwhile, Emhlangeni Primary School is earmarked for the provision of clean water in partnership with Eswatini Sugar Association & Thirst Project Eswatini.
This project aims to provide safe, clean water and sanitation for rural schools.
With all the aforementioned projects MTN Eswatini aspires to once again clinch the prestigious MTN Group President & CEO’s Y’ello Care Award for a fourth time in the process winning a $100,000 on behalf of Emaswati all in testament to community upliftment.
Concluding the event at Sitsatsaweni Primary School on behalf of Swazi Empowerment Limited(SEL) Board Chairman Jethro Ndlangamandla, Chairman of the SEL CSR Committee Shaka Ndlangamandla, donated a check worth E200 000 to the school while reminding the gathered public that MTN Eswatini is still 70% owned by Emaswati.
Other partners not mentioned above in other projects are NDZ, GLOBAL PAINTS, and Computer Literacy for All.