Times Of Swaziland: PHILANI LAUNCHES ‘DONATE BLANKET FOR ELDERLY CAMPAIGN’

PHILANI LAUNCHES ‘DONATE BLANKET FOR ELDERLY CAMPAIGN’
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BY PHIWASE PHUNGWAYO on 30/06/2020 23:52:00


MBABANE – “Blessed is the hand that gives.” The above Bible verse seems to
be the motivation of a new campaign which has been introduced to assist the
elderly amid the harsh weather conditions.
The campaign has been introduced by Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, as it
is aimed at donating blankets to the elderly across the country.
The theme of the campaign is ‘Donate a Blanket for the Elderly’. It was
launched at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office yesterday. Joining hands with
the charity organisation are the Times of Eswatini, Voice of the Church (VOC),
Swazi Plastic Industries and Premier Bakeries.
Contribute
DPM Themba Masuku donated a blanket and pledged to contribute two more. He said
the winter conditions called for all emaSwati to hold hands and work together in
taking care of the most vulnerable, the elderly citizens, who were a great asset
to the country.
Masuku added that the campaign would give an opportunity to support Her Majesty
the Queen Mother’s passion and dedication to protecting the vulnerable.
“Although the world is preoccupied with fighting the COVID-19 pandemic at the
moment, this should not make us take our eyes off the regular effort to improve
the lives of emaSwati, which is the primary focus of government,” Masuku said.
He went on to say elderly citizens were neglected and abandoned by their
offspring, as well as their relatives in society.
He discouraged that, and urged those who were not supporting the elderly to
remember the sacrifices they made in bringing them up.
The DPM highlighted that the poverty rate and mental health issues like
depression could be avoided among this generation, if young people played their
part and supported the elderly, who in most instances were looking after
grandchildren to their detriment.
Masuku also appreciated the Queen Mother for the initiative and remarkable
leadership and foresight, particularly with regard to the elderly.
Initiative
Voice of the Church CEO Reverend Zechariah Mthethwa said the initiative was
beyond the spirit of being liSwati, but was a fulfilment of the word.
Meanwhile, Times of Eswatini Weekend Editor Thobeka Manyathela relayed that the
publication was honoured to be part and parcel of the great initiative.
Manyathela mentioned that the company had donated 80 blankets towards the
elderly. She narrated that it was saddening for reporters to witness the elderly
without warm clothes and food.
She said it was for that reason that the publication would make available
donation drums in all its branches for people to donate blankets and warm
clothes for the elderly.