BABUKISI FOUNDATION BEGINS YEAR WITH CHARITY

MBABANE - The Babukisi Foundation has made January a less stressful month for 20 families with children at Mpuluzi.
This charitable initiative saw Babukisi Foundation collaborating with a Namibian organisation called the BRAGA (Be Always Ready to Give Again) Foundation, to provide food hampers to those in need. The handover took place at Mpuluzi on January 5, 2025, where families received essential items, including 10kg of rice, 10kg of maize meal, 3kg of sugar, 2 litres of cooking oil and toiletries such as soap, sanitary pads and washcloths. During the handover in Mpuluzi, Thomas Braga Mpandeka extended his gratitude to the local leadership.
“I want to give thanks to His Majesty King Mswati III, because without him, there wouldn’t be roads. “I’m very humbled to have experienced the culture of Eswatini because it makes me appreciate my culture also,” said Mpandeka.

He emphasised the importance of investing in children, stating, “These are the future leaders, so we must invest in them. “The only repayment that I ask from them, and also from other people out there who will have exposure to this - is that what I have done for you, you do it to the next person,” he added. Mpandeka also pledged to continue supporting the Mpuluzi community throughout 2025. Babukisi Director, Thobejane Magagula, shared his perspective on this charitable endeavour, noting that it was not the first, nor will it be the last time Babukisi engaged in community outreach. “As we visit different communities across Eswatini, we are exposed to emaSwati living in various conditions, some of which are quite challenging.

“In partnership with the Food for Everyone Foundation (USA) and the BRAGA Foundation (Namibia), we were able to assist over 30 families with children in the past six months with food, toiletries and school shoes, totalling over E30 000,” Magagula stated. He elaborated on the foundation’s role, saying: “The role of Babukisi Foundation in these charitable activities has been to identify beneficiaries and inspire benefactors to assist them.  We then facilitate the procurement and delivery of the goods to the beneficiaries. “We also document all activities and compile reports to track the impact. “We are extremely grateful to the benefactors for enabling this charitable work,” she continued. The Babukisi Foundation is dedicated to preserving cultural values and norms in the younger generation through various educational and cultural programmes. “While conducting our regular duties of media and archiving Eswatini culture during the Umhlanga Reed Dance in 2024, I met Mr Erik Yadeyah Young. “He strongly resonated with the work of Babukisi Foundation and requested to support emaSwati by providing students with school shoes through his Food for Everyone Foundation,” revealed Magagula. This connection led to an immediate impact, with 10 students receiving new school shoes within weeks.

handicapped

Furthermore, an assessment was conducted regarding Mndeni Gamedze, a 24-year-old young man from Elangeni who has been handicapped since birth. To improve his quality of life, he was provided with a reclining chair, a large basin, blankets and a new mattress. Magagula explained,  “The reclining chair and a mattress enhance his daily comfort, as normal chairs (including wheelchairs) are deeply uncomfortable and his previous mattress was completely worn out.” In addition to these provisions, Gamedze also received monthly groceries to support his livelihood. “This included food and toiletries which assist him in maintaining his nutrition and hygiene, both of which are crucial for his health,” Magagula added.
“We are eternally grateful to the Almighty God for giving us the opportunity to facilitate such impactful work,” he concluded. The efforts of the Babukisi Foundation not only alleviate immediate needs in Eswatini, but also serve as a beacon of hope and community solidarity. As organisations continue to partner together, there lies a promising path for further assistance to families and individuals in need across the country. In a nation where community ties run deep, the collaborative spirit demonstrated by Babukisi and the BRAGA Foundation is a reminder of the power of giving and the impact it can have on future generations.

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