70 Years of Salesian Presence in eSwatini Celebrated

By Vaclav Klement  SDB – The one-year 70th anniversary celebrations of the Salesians’ presence in eSwatini concluded with a youth rally and Mass on the Feast of Mary Help of Christians in Manzini.

The event saw the participation of 1,800 youth, members of the Salesian family, and lay mission partners, representing all 12 Don Bosco educative institutions in the country. It was reported on by the national TV and radio stations.

The memorial day commenced with a solemn Eucharist of Mary Help of Christians, presided over by Fr Vaclav Klement, the provincial superior of the Salesians. The well-prepared liturgy involved school youth, who animated the celebration with dynamic songs in English, siSwati, and Latin.

The assembly included 12 Salesian priests from the eSwatini community, as well as representatives from Lesotho and South Africa, Salesian Sisters from eSwatini, past pupils of Don Bosco (some of whom are now diocesan priests in Manzini diocese), dozens of lay mission partners, and many young people who expressed gratitude for God’s mighty deeds during the past 70 years in the country.

The official and formal celebration continued for four hours in a makeshift tent within the Salesian school’s compound. The event featured cultural contributions from the young participants, including traditional and modern dances (Ummiso, Ingadla, and Amapiano), choir performances, a brass band, a poem dedicated to Don Bosco in eSwatini, and a marimba performance.

The involvement of both girls and boys from every Salesian school and education project received enthusiastic applause, making this final event of the 70th anniversary a celebration of the Salesian family spirit.

During the cultural program, several speakers addressed the assembly. Apart from Fr Klement, these included Saverious Mdluli (Salesian schools’ principals representative), Fr Bonginkosi Nhleko SDB (delegate to the Don Bosco Past Pupils), and Desmond Maphanga (Chairperson of SAPPAS-DB Past Pupils Federation of eSwatini)

The keynote address was delivered by Owen Nxumalo, eSwatini’s minister of Education and a Don Bosco past pupil. He spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini.

Mr Nxumalo outlined government mini-projects aimed at improving the facilities of Salesian schools. He acknowledged the social and ecclesial impact of Salesian education in the country, emphasising that three prime ministers and many other leaders across social, political, and church spheres have been shaped by Don Bosco education since 1953.

He issued the youth and the Salesian family with a triple challenge:

• Rekindle the vocation dream in the hearts of young people, inspiring them to be generous in answering God’s calling.
• Revitalise Don Bosco education as the most powerful tool for world transformation, empowering the youth.
• Continue living Don Bosco’s Way and Spirit, becoming ambassadors of the rich heritage of the Salesian Way — in society, family, and the Church, thereby shaping tomorrow’s eSwatini!

The following day, two fundraising activities — a golf day and a gala dinner —were held by the eSwatini Don Bosco Past Pupils to sustain scholarships for some Salesian school students.