Swaziland

World Vision is committed to partnering with the people of Swaziland to improve their lives today and to help enact sustainable solutions for the future of their children, families, and communities. World Vision’s child sponsorship program plays a vital role in this partnership, with donors from the United States sponsoring more than 19,000 girls and boys. In addition to sponsorship, World Vision operates other programs that benefit communities in Swaziland. Highlights include:

• Enabling residents to learn money managing skills through community run Savings Groups that benefit the whole community.
• Helping farmers diversify farming practices to include drought tolerant crops.
• Establishing community water committees providing portable water to 3,260 households.

World Vision began a child sponsorship program in Swaziland in 1975; the Swaziland program office opened in 1986. Since then, some of World Vision’s major accomplishments have included:

• Developing nutrition programs, providing access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, and introducing agricultural improvements since the 1980s.
• Providing school fees, books, and uniforms for children in need in the 1990s.
• Raising HIV and AIDS awareness and distributing food to thousands of people since the beginning of the 21st century. 
• Offering business management training and small business loans since the beginning of the 21st century.

Geography and people

One of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies, Swaziland sits on the southern edge of Africa. This small country is almost completely surrounded by South Africa except for a 65-mile stretch of border with Mozambique.

Mountains, hills, and sloping plains fill the landscape. The climate varies from tropical to near temperate. Natural resources include asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, talc, hydropower, and forests.

Almost all the people are Swazi and only about 3 percent are European. Swaziland’s official language is SiSwati, but people in the corporate and government areas often speak English.

Swaziland’s economy depends significantly on South Africa, from which it receives nearly all of its imports and markets most of its exports. Most Swazis work in agriculture, growing crops like sugarcane, cotton, maize, rice, and pineapples.

History

After years under South African and British control, Swaziland gained independence on September 6, 1968. A monarchy established rule after independence, with King Sobhuza II ruling until his death. His son, King Mswati III, came into power in 1986.

The monarchy bans political parties and appoints some members of parliament, as well as the prime minister. The king can also veto any law passed by the legislature and frequently rules by decree.

In 2002, hundreds of thousands of Swazis faced starvation. Two years of drought as well as poor planning and agricultural practices were blamed for the crisis.

Although the king signed a new constitution in 2006, the majority of political power remains with the monarchy.

Please pray for:

The country’s fiscal and economic recovery so services like healthcare and education can continue for families.

The protection and care of vulnerable children.