SITEKI, MAWALA HALL – The continued engagement of women and youth in addressing socio-economic challenges in Siteki has begun to yield tangible results. Through an inclusive Agenda-setting process supported by the Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development (YES) Project, in partnership with the European Union (EU), a group of determined women and youth has successfully registered as Fuzula Lubombo Multipurpose Cooperative.
The Agenda process, which ran from February 2023 to February 2026, was facilitated through the Siteki Town Council’s Local Economic Development (LED) Office. A total of 35 women and youth participated in structured monthly engagements where they identified and validated key challenges affecting their community. These challenges included limited recreational facilities, drug abuse, lack of income-generating opportunities, inadequate consideration of women’s rights in marriages, and unplanned pregnancies.
Following in-depth discussions, the group explored possible solutions and mapped relevant stakeholders, including government institutions, non-governmental organisations, the municipality, ward councillors, local businesses, and community members. After two years of consultations and prioritisation, the group selected its Pilot ACTION the establishment of a community rehabilitation and empowerment centre, focusing on drug abuse and sexual and reproductive health.
Through engagements with the Siteki Town Council, several potential sites were explored, including Siteki Park, Mawala Hall, AMICAALL, and the Siteki Market. This process culminated in the establishment of Sunrise Civic Center and the Siteki Business Hub, operating from facilities leased from the Council.
Sunrise Civic Center is designed as a multipurpose community space that integrates business development, digital services, and wellness support. It offers affordable printing and design services, internet and digital access, business development support, sexual and reproductive health services, and mental health and wellness programmes. The initiative is supported by a start-up capital of E183,000, largely funded by the YES Project, with cooperative members contributing 10 percent as part of the cooperative model.
Official Launch at Mawala Hall
The Fuzula Lubombo Multipurpose Cooperative Initiative and its flagship initiative, Sunrise Civic Center, were officially launched yesterday in a vibrant ceremony held at Mawala Hall. Proceedings began at the AMICAALL Offices, where the cooperative has been allocated office space by the Siteki Town Council. From there, attendees participated in a walk to Mawala Hall, symbolising the journey and collective effort behind the project.
The event was graced by representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, COSPE Eswatini, Siteki Town Council management and staff, Councillors from Ward 1 and Ward 6, project partners, members of the community, and traditional leadership including the Bucopho and Indvuna.
Welcoming attendees, Councillor Matsenjwa highlighted the initiative as a true reflection of hard work, collaboration, and unity between women and youth. He commended the cooperative for demonstrating how community-driven partnerships can translate vision into action.
During a site visit to the cooperative’s newly established offices, the group showcased the progress already made, including equipment and inventory procured through project funds. Speaking on behalf of the cooperative, Mr Maxwell Simelane, Chairperson of Fuzula Lubombo Multipurpose Cooperative, acknowledged the challenges faced along the journey but emphasized that commitment, teamwork, and perseverance had enabled the group to reach this milestone. He outlined the services currently offered, including printing, internet access, typing, and counselling services.
At Mawala Hall, partners and stakeholders delivered messages of support and encouragement. Ms Fundile Mamba of COSPE Eswatini noted that while COSPE has implemented several initiatives under the YES Project across Eswatini, the Fuzula Lubombo initiative stands out as a strong example of youth-led innovation and community ownership.
Mr Comfort Mthunzi, Regional Commissioner of Cooperatives, underscored the importance of financial transparency and accountability. He emphasized proper record-keeping, inventory management, and regular reporting to cooperative members, advising that members be updated every three months to maintain trust and compliance with legal requirements. He assured the cooperative of continued support and open communication from the project office.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Musa Simango congratulated the cooperative on its successful registration with the Ministry of Commerce and applauded the teamwork demonstrated before and during the launch. He challenged members to take the cooperative to greater heights, embrace challenges with determination, and celebrate successes with humility. He further commended COSPE, particularly Ms Mamba, for her commitment to youth empowerment and innovation, and encouraged the cooperative to serve as a model for community-led development.
The launch concluded with a financial report presented by the Chairperson, revealing that within the first three months of operation, the cooperative had generated approximately R13,000, with operational expenses of R5,000, leaving a positive balance of R8,000 in the bank. The event ended with the election of the cooperative’s committee and confirmation of its leadership.
With the assistance of the Ministry of Commerce, a new committee was duly elected to lead the cooperative. The committee comprises Mr Maxwell Simelane as Chairperson, Ms Winile Motsa as Vice Chairperson, Mr Jabulane Dlamini as Treasurer, and Ms Nqobile Nkambule as Secretary General. The Education Committee consists of Ms Nomfundo Maziya, Ms Rose Dlamini, and Ms Cindy Nkambule.
The successful launch of Sunrise Civic Center marks a significant milestone for women and youth in Siteki, demonstrating the power of structured dialogue, partnerships, and collective action in driving sustainable community development.
