MBABANE – A total of 114 street children and vulnerable individuals have been relocated to safe facilities across Eswatini following the severe cold front that hit the country.
Deputy Director of Social Welfare in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Marcelia Dlamini, confirmed yesterday that social welfare officers have successfully placed 114 street children and vulnerable people into temporary shelters in towns nationwide. Dlamini stated that her office is organising resources in collaboration with municipal councils, which have assisted in identifying temporary shelters for those affected.
She confirmed that the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has supplied essential food and warm clothing to all individuals relocated so far. Dlamini noted that field assessments remain ongoing across the towns and explained that official figures may increase as social workers continue their operations.
The mass relocation comes as Eswatini braces for extreme cold temperatures, persistent heavy rainfall, and strong winds.
The Eswatini Meteorological Service issued a severe weather warning advising the public of the approaching cold front and urging heightened vigilance.
Following the weather advisory, Prince Mphiwa and businessman Walter Bennett publicly raised concerns regarding the safety of rough sleepers, prompting government intervention.
Instructing
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office subsequently issued an urgent directive to all municipalities and town boards, instructing local authorities to immediately identify homeless individuals and secure alternative accommodation in local churches and community halls.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office appealed to relatives of street children to bring them home, while asking neighbours and family members to check on elderly citizens and persons with disabilities living alone. Weather officials specifically urged residents in the western regions to wear windproof, waterproof and multi-layered clothing, while advising the general public to keep children indoors and dress warmly. Local municipal authorities confirmed their involvement in executing the emergency response following the central government directive. Pigg’s Peak Town Chief Executive Officer Roison Daniel Pave confirmed that nine vulnerable people living on the streets across four different wards were accommodated within municipal facilities.
National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) Communications Manager Magman Mahlalela stated that, according to reports compiled by the Deputy Prime Minister’s office, approximately 114 homeless individuals nationwide were removed from the streets and housed in municipal structures across all four regions.
Mahlalela stated that the NDRMA, working in partnership with the Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society, took immediate action to ensure these individuals were provided with food and blankets.
Mahlalela confirmed that no reports of damage had been received by the NDRMA currently.
Describing the NDRMA as the shield of the nation, Mahlalela expressed gratitude on behalf of the agency to the town councils for facilitating the relocation process with urgency and commitment.
Mahlalela noted that the NDRMA would welcome the identification of a long-term solution to transition individuals out of temporary municipal care, warning that unresolved homelessness could ultimately escalate into a major national disaster.
Mahlalela concluded by reassuring the public that, through the NDRMA’s ongoing support, all accommodated individuals remained safe, warm and well fed.
Nhlangano Town Council Chief Executive Officer Babsy Mavuso confirmed that local officials have identified 16 vulnerable individuals within the township.
Mavuso stated that the council is currently finalising logistical and transportation arrangements with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office to accommodate them. Hlatikhulu Town Acting Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Fakudze confirmed that he conveyed the emergency directive to local council staff and councillors.
Fakudze stated that no vulnerable people had been admitted to local authority shelters in Hlatikhulu yet, noting that officials believe relatives took the individuals into their homes prior to council intervention.
Police authorities provided an update regarding infrastructure and public safety as heavy rains continued across the country. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Senior Superintendent Phindile Zwane clarified that general flooding across Eswatini remains minimal, despite persistent downpours.
Zwane confirmed that localised disruptions occurred at Fonteyn, where a temporary detour bridge under construction was washed away by rising rainwater. Zwane further noted that heavy water accumulation was recorded along the roadway at Riverstone. Superintendent Zwane confirmed that no casualties, missing persons or lost livestock have been reported to the police to date, adding that law enforcement agencies continue to monitor high-risk areas closely.
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