Swaziland: Swaziland affirms SADC Protocol@Work summit winners

Matsapha, 17 April: The curtain on the three day Swaziland SADC Protocol@Work Summit came down on 16 April with a gala dinner and award ceremony at Esibayeni Lodge. Winners of the country summit, announced at the gala dinner, will now represent the country at a regional summit to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in May 2014.

Judges commended participants for the effort they showed in putting together and presenting case studies that demonstrate how they are implementing the provisions of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development (2008). Indeed, the presentations were extraordinary and the judges had a hard time in choosing the winners.

Fifty four presenters battled it out in Swaziland.

In his opening remarks at the awards ceremony, Gender Links Swaziland Board Member Bennedict Bennett said every participant present is a VIP.

“This event would not have been possible without you and we appreciate the effort you have made in coming up with all the great initiatives you presented. You are all winners indeed,” said Bennett.

“I was judging emerging entrepreneurs and faith-based organisations categories and we were mostly interested in the sustainability of the projects and businesses presented to us. We wanted businesses with job opportunities for the community at large,” said Jean Mwenda.

Victoria Khumalo, another judge, said they were interested in equal representation in projects presented. They wanted unique and innovative ideas for projects.

Boy Boy Mamba, a two time winner who got the award for emerging entrepreneurs and was also a runner-up in climate change, said he was ecstatic about how the night went. He thanked God for seeing him through the whole process and for opening up opportunities for him.

“I also want to thank my wife for the support and assistance because this would not be possible without her. Huge gratitude to SWADE for introducing me to the world of bee-keeping,” he said.

Raymond Mhishi, who won the award for climate change, said he refused to take the credit for the award but gave all credit to the women he works with at the dumpsite. Mhishi collects waste material and weaves it into designs, clothes and accessories.

He further said he was proud to be the one going to South Africa as he will not just be representing his organisation but all the women he works with.

Other winners include Manzini Municipality (Institutional centre of excellence in local government); Lavumisa Town Board (Institutional centre of excellence in local government most improved); Voice of the Church (Institutional centres of excellence in media); Swaziland Television Broadcasting (Most improved media); Sibongile Kunene (Leadership); Samora Makama (Gender-based violence); Faith Manana (Alliance); Bahlelisile Luhlanga (50/ 50); Patience Magagula (television); Sandile Kunene (Print media); and Zinhle Mkhari (Gender Links News Service).

This article is part of the GL News Service special coverage of the SADC Gender Protocol Summits underway across the region, offering fresh views on everyday news.