The UN Eswatini Staff Federation Donates Items to Emaswati Affected by Tropical Storm Eloise

Following the devastation left behind by Tropical Storm Eloise, which affected over 1000 Emaswati, and left close to SZL 180 million in damages, the UN Eswatini Federation of Staff Association organized a drive which enabled UN staff and personnel to make voluntary donations, in an act of solidarity with persons affected by the storm in Eswatini.

Tropical Storm Eloise impacted the Kingdom of Eswatini on the 24th of January 2021, after travelling through Madagascar, Mozambique and later Zimbabwe and South Africa; claiming lives, including four Emaswati, destroying homes, crops and infrastructure, and leaving thousands of people displaced across the various countries.

Donations included food and hygiene items, clothes, toiletries, masks and more, and were handed over by the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh and Chairman of the Federation of Staff Association Mr. Victor Nkambule, to the Acting Prime Minister/Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Themba Masuku on Thursday the 25th of February, in an act of solidarity with those affected by the Storm.

Speaking at the handover, the Acting Prime Minister/ Deputy Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude to UN Eswatini staff for “going above their call of duty” in donating items for those affected by the storm in such a generous manner. Senator Masuku noted that his office had identified families most impacted by the storm, and would gladly distribute the donated items to them, and further thanked the United Nations staff in Eswatini for changing the lives of Emaswati.

Mr. Victor Nkambule, Chairman of the Federation of Staff Association, in describing the items donated, highlighted the need for certain items such as diapers for children and adults alike, noting that both young families and the elderly had been severely affected by the storm. Mr. Nkambule expressed humility on behalf of the UN family, and gratitude for the partnership that the UN in Eswatini continues to enjoy with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.