10/06/2026
PARENTS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CHILDREN – DPMO
By Mfanufikile Khathwane
MANZINI – The Bible teaches that children are a gift from God and that parents have a duty to guide and care for them. Echoing this principle, Director of the Children’s Unit in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Nomcebo Nkomo, has reminded parents that the primary responsibility of caring for children rests with them.
“Government programmes and support from development partners are meant to assist families where challenges arise, not replace parental duties,” she said, urging parents to remain actively involved in the upbringing, protection and welfare of their children.
She made the remarks on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, during the official handover of energy-efficient systems to Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs) and schools.
Addressing stakeholders, caregivers, community leaders and development partners, Nkomo said parents must take an active role in ensuring the wellbeing, protection and development of their children.
“Take care of your child. It is your responsibility as a parent to take care of your child. The programmes put in place by government and other organisations are there to provide support where you cannot,” she said.
Nkomo described the handover as more than the distribution of equipment, saying it represented a shared commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable emaSwati and creating a sustainable future for children.
She said Neighbourhood Care Points continue to play a vital role in communities by providing food, care, protection and support to orphaned and vulnerable children, while schools remain important centres for nurturing future leaders and innovators.
The Children’s Unit Director said access to clean and efficient energy was no longer a luxury but a necessity for institutions that serve vulnerable communities.
“Access to clean, efficient energy means food can be prepared more safely, learning environments can operate more effectively and caregivers can spend less time and resources searching for fuel,” she said.
Nkomo expressed appreciation to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations agencies and other cooperating partners for supporting the initiative.
She said the investment demonstrated an understanding that sustainable food security and community development require sustainable energy solutions.
Nkomo acknowledged that government alone could not meet every need facing vulnerable households, orphaned children and elderly-headed homesteads.
“It is through strong partnerships built on shared values and a common vision that we can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” she said.
She reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting children and supporting disadvantaged communities, adding that the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office would continue championing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable groups.
Nkomo also urged communities, caregivers, teachers, school principals and local leaders to take ownership of the energy-efficient systems by maintaining and safeguarding them.
She further called on private sector companies and other potential partners to support the initiative, saying her vision was for every school and household in Eswatini to eventually benefit from energy-efficient technologies.
The energy-efficient systems are expected to improve food preparation, reduce fuel costs and contribute to safer and more sustainable learning and care environments across the country.
(📸 Courtesy Pic)
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