Motivational speaker Lutfo rallies behind ‘MaMkhize’

MBABANE – Former cabinet minister and prominent politician Lutfo Dlamini has brought his motivational talents to Mbabane Highlanders.

The erstwhile Minister for Enterprise and Employment joined the team at their month-long training camp in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. As a seasoned motivational speaker, Dlamini is using his own life story to inspire the players to overcome daily challenges, partly driven by a concern over rising suicide rates among young people.

Notably, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that in 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15-29 globally. The WHO African Region has the highest suicide rates in the world, estimated at 11.2 per 100 000 population in 2019, compared to the global average of 9.0 per 100 000.

Dlamini’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. “My background is a story of survival and the will to survive,” he explained. “Sometimes I had to drop out of school due to lack of funds, but I persevered until I reached university.” It is this personal history that he now uses to connect with and empower others, reminding them that ‘life is bigger than killing yourself.’

He believes his role is to help young people see opportunities where others see problems, a skill honed through years in executive roles and government. “My role as a motivator is to tell the young people that beyond the problem, there is a solution. There is no straight path to success,” Dlamini stated.

While his involvement in football administration has been limited in the past, Dlamini is keen to praise Highlanders’ President Shauwn ‘MaMkhize’ Mkhize for this innovative approach. He believes the international training camp is a testament to her commitment to modernising the club. “You can say what you want about her, but her intentions to professionalise the team are clear,” he said, highlighting the rare opportunity this camp provides for a local side. This unique initiative marks a new chapter for the team, blending physical training with essential life lessons.