NEWS
MBABANE – The Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC) injected over E2.6 million into 20 organisations, targeting education and health through its CSI programme. In a show of corporate compassion and national responsibility, the Eswatini Royal Insurance Corporation (ESRIC) has injected over E2.6 million into 20 organisations through its corporate social investment (CSI) programme.
The funding aims to support community development initiatives across the country, targeting key sectors such as education, health, youth empowerment and sustainable development. The handover ceremony, held at the Mountain View Hotel yesterday, drew representatives from the beneficiary organisations, government institutions and the private sector. The event reflected ESRIC’s growing role as a corporate leader not only in business, but also in nation-building.
Among the major beneficiaries of this year’s CSI initiative are the Mbabane Government Hospital, Eswatini Diabetes Association and ENACTUS Eswatini, all of which are instrumental in addressing social and developmental challenges in the kingdom. Speaking during the ceremony, ESRIC General Manager Zama Ngcobo emphasised that the corporation’s efforts go beyond financial assistance – they are part of a long-term vision to create meaningful change in the lives of emaSwati.
Ngcobo stated: “We see a great need to contribute to the education sector, especially in schools that lack resources, with a special focus on information technology, which has become fundamental in today’s world.” She noted that education and health remain the backbone of any nation’s progress and that ESRIC is committed to strengthening these sectors through continuous investment and partnerships.
“The support we provide does not come from us directly - it comes from our clients. This is how we give back to the community that continues to support us,” she added. Ngcobo also called for greater accountability and collaboration from beneficiary organisations, encouraging them to share progress reports and measurable outcomes to ensure the CSI funds have a lasting impact. Impact Representing the beneficiaries, ENACTUS Eswatini Country Director Sabelo Dlamini expressed profound gratitude to ESRIC, describing the gesture as a bold demonstration of corporate citizenship.
Dlamini said: “This is not just a donation - it is a living, tangible investment that cuts across key areas such as education, health, youth empowerment and sustainable development.” He explained that ENACTUS Eswatini - which focuses on entrepreneurial action among university students – will use part of the funding to scale up community-based projects that promote innovation and job creation.
“The funding will help turn bold ideas into meaningful community projects, promote entrepreneurship and help address unemployment, particularly among graduates. Many of the unemployed in Eswatini are graduates with great ideas, but limited access to resources. This support from ESRIC will bridge that gap,” he said.
Dlamini also pledged that all beneficiaries would uphold the highest levels of accountability and transparency in using the funds. “We view ESRIC as a corporate champion of progress - an organisation that invests in people, not just projects,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Diabetes Association representative Bethwell Nkambule said the contribution would go a long way in enhancing their outreach programmes, particularly in rural areas. Nkambule revealed alarming statistics showing that diabetes affects about 14 per cent of the country’s population, roughly 179 000 people.
“Our mission is to prevent rather than cure diabetes and this support will allow us to reach more people, especially in remote communities where awareness is still very low. Most eyesight failures and disabilities in Eswatini are linked to diabetes. Prevention through education is therefore key and ESRIC’s support is a huge step forward in that direction,” he said. He also highlighted the challenges faced by the organisation, such as a shortage of testing equipment, limited transport for outreach teams and insufficient public awareness on the importance of regular health checks.
This year’s funding marks one of the largest disbursements in recent years and signals ESRIC’s intention to expand its footprint in social investment. Ngcobo reaffirmed ESRIC’s commitment to continue empowering communities.