MBABANE – Indonesian Consul General Kareem Ashraff marked his 72nd birthday by giving back to communities instead of simply cutting cake.
Ashraff celebrated with scores of children, including nearly 2 000 whom he supports through various initiatives, including education assistance.
In the community, the consul general is affectionately known as Mkhulu, a term used for someone held in high esteem.
The celebration was held at Sifundzani High School in Mbabane and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, who described Ashraff as a partner in helping government support the needy.
Among the beneficiaries were children and organisations involved in charitable and community work, including a Catholic Church charity organisation and Hospice at Home.
Guests travelled from other countries, including Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The birthday initiative reflected Ashraff’s commitment to supporting communities and causes aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people. Ashraff is also a notable businessman.
Other attendees included MPs Marwick Khumalo and Welcome Dlamini. Dlamini is the MP for Mbabane East, where the event was held. The Minister for Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, was also in attendance.
Supreme Court Judge Jacobus Annandale and Nedbank Eswatini Managing Director Fikile Nkosi also attended.
The gesture comes at a time when charitable organisations continue to play an important role in assisting communities, especially where government and other institutions cannot meet every need.
Ashraff kept his remarks brief before cutting the cake with two people who share his birthday. They included the Mbabane East MP and his employee, introduced as Siphile Gwebu.
Children from various wards around Mbabane also attended the celebration and received food and gifts.
Adults were also given meals and food packs, which included beans, cooking oil and vegetables.
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