5Swaziland Team
Swaziland Project Coordinator (Swaziland)
Cyprian Ngozo was born and raised in Manzini, Swaziland. Growing up he worked in the family poultry business as well as in agriculture and timber production. He spent part of each year with his grandparents in a rural setting where he learnt farm work and maize production.
His mother was always very active in community service and instrumental in Cyprian’s development. When men would leave for the mines leaving women to fend for themselves, she would teach them how to be self-sufficient. She taught them handicrafts, candle making, Vaseline production, catering and how to begin micro enterprise projects. By working with his mother in these voluntary projects from an early age, Cyprian saw the importance of community service and developed a passion for outreach work.
Cyprian studied nursing and during his final years saw the important work that PDI was doing in the rural areas of Swaziland. He would organise groups of nursing students to come down to PDI projects on their weekends and volunteer with building, planting or interacting with impoverished families. With a singular industriousness, creativity and compassion Cyprian has taken on the role of PDI project co-ordinator. His passion for those less fortunate is always evident in his work and his focus is always empowerment from within communities themselves.
Home Based Care Representative (Swaziland)
Matron Anna Zwane was born in Hlatikulu, Swaziland in 1939. Her career has spanned decades and allowed her to travel widely throughout the African continent.
She has attained qualifications in nursing in Swaziland and South Africa; Midwifery in Tanzania and the United States; Public health in Kenya; Administration and management in Tanzania and Home Based care and Management in Zimbabwe.
Anna has worked in all the departments of the Good Shepherd hospital and in 1985 took on the position of Matron (Director of Nursing), a post which she held till the time of her retirement in 2000.
During her tenure she was instrumental and involved in decision making and development of Good Shepherd Hospital. Soon after retirement the Administration of Good Shepherd Mission Hospital requested she return to duty to use her expertise in Public Health to help alleviate the multiple problems caused by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She started the Home Based Care project which serves the sick and poor in the Lubombo Region. She continues to work full time 9 years later and is a vital link between Possible Dreams International and the Home Based Care team.
It is no exaggeration to say that Matron Anna Zwane is one of the most respected and beloved nurses in the Lubombo region and the country of Swaziland.
Administrative Assistant (Swaziland)
Bekezela Bhembe was born in Siteki and has grown up in the Lubombo region of Swaziland. Graduating from high school at Lubombo Central, he successfully completed his O levels in 2004. He now lives with his parents and sisters in Makhewu, a rural community on the outskirts of Siteki.
Bekezela has always had a love for volunteer work and has been active in the Makhewu community, where he often helps at the Makhewu Care point for Orphans and Vulnerable children, cooking meals and teaching the children. He has also been involved in several youth organisations designed at empowering local communities from within, specifically monitoring situations for orphans, sick individuals and elderly members of the community.
Bekezela’s gentleness, dedication and compassion are always visible as he works with the team. We are grateful to have his skills and heart as part of the PDI family.
Administrative Assistant (Swaziland)
Sphamandla Mbuli was born and raised in Siteki, in the Lubombo region of Swaziland.
Because he was raised on site at the Good Shepherd Hospital, Sphamandla learnt early the importance of human compassion. After graduating high school, Sphamandla matriculated at the Assemblies of God College in South Africa and began pursuing his dream of helping those living with poverty and disease. Throughout his life he has been involved in a lot of voluntary work in the rural areas of Lubombo, both through the Good Shepherd Hospital and via his association with various international and local volunteers. Sphamandla’s warmth, enthusiasm and dedication are welcome additions to the PDI team.
