The deputy prime minister’s (DPM’s) office has welcomed 17 238 new orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) beneficiaries this year following the closure of applications on April 1.
According to the DPM’s office, the Manzini region recorded the highest number of beneficiaries at 5 135, while the Lubombo region had the lowest at 3 432 beneficiaries.
Deputy Director of Social Welfare Simay Dlamini said the number of children benefiting from the programme continued to increase every year due to the growing need for educational support among vulnerable families.
“The number of beneficiaries increases each and every year. Applications have been closed and those who missed the opportunity can now apply next year,” said Dlamini.
She revealed that government disbursed approximately E48 607 169 to schools last year under the OVC grant programme, helping thousands of learners across the country remain in school.
Government has allocated E194 248 678 for the programme this year.
Dlamini explained that the funds would be released in phases, with the remaining balance expected to be disbursed in August.
She further stated that the 2026 OVC grant application process was successfully conducted across the country.
Dlamini highlighted that strict verification processes were essential to ensure that only deserving children benefited from the programme.
“The application process ensures that only eligible children benefit from the programme. Verification remains a key component of safeguarding public funds and protecting the integrity of the scheme,” she said.
The OVC grant programme continues to play a critical role in supporting vulnerable children by covering school fees and related educational expenses.
To apply for the grant, applicants were required to submit various supporting documents to social welfare offices.
For orphaned children, required documents included the child’s birth certificate, a school confirmation letter, death certificates of the parent or parents, an affidavit from the surviving parent in case of single orphanhood, an umphakatsi letter where no death certificate was available, and a guardian or parent’s identity document.
For vulnerable children, applicants were required to submit a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, a school confirmation letter, an umphakatsi letter, a parent or guardian affidavit and a guardian or parent’s identity document.
The DPM’s office said the programme remained one of government’s key interventions aimed at improving access to education for disadvantaged children and ensuring that no child is denied an opportunity to learn because of financial challenges.
Regional Breakdown of Beneficiaries
– Manzini: 5 135
– Lubombo: 4 995
– Shiselweni: 3 676
– Hhohho: 3 432
Total: 17 238
