By Machawe Mnisi (Guest Writer)
The Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) this week introduced an ambitious initiative to raise over E1 million during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The groundbreaking PHOSA NAWE: Be Part of the Change. End GBV campaign, unveiled during a press conference on November 27, 2024, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, seeks to address Eswatini’s growing GBV crisis through collective action and financial support.
The event was sponsored by the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) and was attended by SWAGAA Chairperson Reverend Senzo Hlatshwayo, Executive Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini, and Finance Director Siphiwe Mkhabela, and about 20 journalists from the various media houses.
The Alarming State of GBV in Eswatini
SWAGAA’s report for January to October 2024, whose excerpts were highlighted by Dlamini, reveals a harrowing picture of violence in the Kingdom of Eswatini. A total of 1,820 face-to-face GBV cases were reported, with an additional 2,044 cases recorded via the toll-free line. On average, one life per week has been lost to intimate partner violence (IPV), with 35 deaths attributed to IPV during this period.
“The PHOSA NAWE: Be Part of the Change. End GBV campaign could not come at a more critical time than this when we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Our country is facing an escalating GBV crisis. We all need to act to end this violence against our people,” Dlamini said.
The report highlights that children under 18 are the most affected, making up 44% of cases, broken down as follows:
- 8% are children under five years old,
- 15% are aged six to 11,
- 21% are aged 12 to 17.
Adults aged 25 and older account for 43% of reported cases, while young adults aged 18 to 24 make up 13%. The Manzini region has emerged as the epicentre of GBV, with 64% of reported cases, followed by the Hhohho region (22%), Lubombo (9%), and Shiselweni (5%).
Forms of GBV reported include:
- Verbal/emotional abuse: 48%,
- Other abuse (e.g., psychosocial distress): 15%,
- Sexual abuse (rape, incest, harassment): 14%,
- Neglect: 11%,
- Physical abuse: 9%,
- Financial abuse: 3%.
A Call to Action
Dlamini described the situation as a societal emergency, emphasising the devastating impact on women and children, including shocking cases such as a three-year-old being violated by her father and an 11-year-old girl forced into motherhood due to sexual violence.
She was echoed by Rev. Hlatshwayo who said the PHOSA NAWE: Be Part of the Change. End GBV campaign comes at a critical time. Every contribution, no matter how small, can help prevent further loss of life and provide essential support to survivors,” he said.
Rev. Hlatshwayo stressed the need for collective effort: “Ending GBV requires all of us. Real action means standing with survivors, challenging harmful attitudes, and supporting initiatives that bring real change.”
How to Contribute
SWAGAA encourages donations in cash, in-kind, or through professional services. Contributions can be made via:
- INSTACASH (951000);
- MoMo (191000);
- e-Mali (746450);
- FNB 62613472042;
- Eswatini Bank (77402403031);
- Nedbank (11990459152);
- Standard Bank (9110003898183); and
- Swaziland Building Society (52001179391).
Corporate donors can participate in tiered sponsorship categories ranging from Bronze (E5,000) to Platinum (E100,000), with prominent recognition for donations exceeding E100,000.
SWAGAA is calling upon companies to make contributions under the following categories:
- Bronze E5,000
- Silver E10,000
- Gold E20,000
- Diamond E50,000
- Platinum E100,000
“Companies that will donate over E100,000 will be allowed to display their banners at the official launch of the campaign and further have their logo on the programme. Individuals who have made a donation will have the opportunity to attend the event. There is limited space so it will be on a first come first served basis. So, if you are kin on attending the launch of Phosa Nawe you can Phosa Nawe and call the office to book your seat,” said Dlamini.
“You can contribute whatever that you have it can be a chicken, goat or cow. PHOSA NAWE – Be Part of the Change. End GBV.”
The campaign’s official launch will take place on December 4, 2024, at The George Hotel in Manzini, with Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla as the guest of honour.
Declaring GBV a National Emergency
SWAGAA has called for the government to declare GBV a national emergency to unlock critical resources. “These statistics are not just numbers—they represent broken lives and shattered futures,” said Rev. Hlatshwayo.
The PHOSA NAWE campaign is more than a fundraising drive; it is a rallying cry for the nation to confront and end GBV. Eswatini must act now. Together, we can make a difference.
#PhosaNawe2024
#ActAgainstGBV
#NoMoreSilence
#TogetherWeCan