Driven by love for their neighbors, MTN Eswatini staff have donated food parcels to 20 beneficiaries from the Mbabane West and East Tinkhudla, identified through the help of World Vision – a humanitarian organization with decades of experience in implementing food security programs; and Africa Cooperative Action Trust (ACAT).

This donation came as a result of the company’s in-house campaign known as “Feed a Family with a bag of Rice” staff initiative, started by MTN staff in May from personal financial contributions.

Through MTN MoMo, staff members made a minimum contribution of E50. They were able to raise about E5 100 which was then used to buy 20 food parcels which were made up of: rice, beans, sugar, and cooking oil.

MTN Head of Corporate Services Sibusiso Nhleko said the company normally uses the month of June to roll out its flagship corporate social investment programme known as the 21 Days of Y’ello Care, but due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it was not possible for the company to roll out its annual CSI programme this year.

“Therefore, staff members contributed due to the love of their neighbours. We pray that God increase what staff have donated today and touch others to follow suit. May we all help our neighbors as they continue to grapple with the effects of the outbreak of the virus,” he said. Mbabane West Indvuna Yenkhundla, Mlondi Dlamini, said they were lucky to be visited by MTN staff for the donation.

“Looking at the situation on the ground, there is nothing small when it comes to assistance. These food parcels will go a long way to ward off poverty that resulted from the outbreak of COVID-19,” he said.

He said poverty within the city was exacerbated by the perception that most people think life is better in the city.

“Most people came here looking for jobs. Unfortunately, most of them lost their jobs and it is difficult for them to go back home because they hope that things might change, or they can possibly find another job and the conditions that some live under are very heartbreaking. So, we need all the help we can get,” he said.

Margaret Mtshali (79), one of the beneficiaries from Zone 2, sincerely thanked MTN, saying, MTN staff were sent by God.

Mtshali stays with her husband and two grandchildren.

She said they only rely on government social grants for a living.

“While we really appreciate this assistance from Government, but it really doesn’t fully meet our needs. Therefore, we are very happy to receive this unexpected surprise today. At least there is no need to worry about food for the whole of this month,” she said.

“May God increase what you have and protect you and your families,” she further stated.

Nhleko encouraged all the beneficiaries to ensure that they stay safe.

“May God bless and protect all of you from this virus,” he said.