Government of Taiwan Hands Over Rice Donation for Over 262,000 Vulnerable Emaswati Through World Vision Partnership
The Government of Taiwan, in partnership with World Vision Taiwan and World Vision Eswatini, officially handed over 1,998 metric tonnes of rice to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). The handover ceremony, held at the NDMA Warehouse in Matsapha, marked a significant milestone in efforts to support more than 262,000 vulnerable Emaswati affected by food insecurity across the country.
The handover event was attended by the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Thulisile Dladla, His Excellency Ambassador Jeremy Liang of the Republic of China (Taiwan), World Vision Eswatini National Director Ms. Tinah Mukunda, senior government officials, and NDMA leadership.
In her remarks, Ms. Tinah Mukunda expressed deep gratitude on behalf of World Vision Eswatini and underscored the urgent need for food support. She also drew attention to the implications of food insecurity on vulnerable groups, particularly children.
“We are all aware that the overall production of maize in Eswatini has drastically declined, making it difficult for the most vulnerable families to access food throughout the year. This has resulted in families struggling to feed their children, a vulnerability that exposes children and young people to many social ills, including sexual exploitation,” she said.
The initiative has been made possible through a combined investment of more than E85 million, with each partner playing a critical role:
Government of Taiwan funded over E6.85 million in shipping support, covering nearly 50% of the total shipping cost.
World Vision Taiwan contributed E46,165,545.19 for the rice.
World Vision Eswatini contributed E5,620,048.52 for operational logistics and distribution.
The Government of Eswatini, through NDMA, invested E34,068,744 to cover additional shipping costs and procure complementary food items such as beans and cooking oil.
The Deputy Prime Minister hailed the partnership as a model of compassionate action.
“This act of kindness reflects the authenticity of the bond between our nations. It is in times of adversity that true allies reveal themselves. We are thankful that our vulnerable citizens are not alone in their struggles,” she said.
Distribution of the rice will cover all 59 Tinkhundla and reach approximately 57,917 households. The distribution is being implemented through coordinated efforts involving NDMA, World Vision Eswatini, and other NGOs in the country.
This intervention is closely aligned with World Vision’s ENOUGH Campaign, which seeks to end child hunger and malnutrition in Eswatini.