By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – Eswatini’s local government agenda just went continental.
With drums of unity beating through the Kingdom, delegates from across Africa have touched down in Eswatini for the Eswatini Local Government Conference 2025, which officially kicks off on Wednesday, 4 June, at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha.
Organised by the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the three-day conference brings together heavyweights from across the continent, with representation from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, and Uganda.
Under the theme “Tinkhundla System of Government: One Country, One System of Local Government,” the conference seeks to align best practices in local governance with Chapter 13 of Eswatini’s Constitution, which calls for a single, unified local government system.
WELCOME WITH STYLE, TOUR WITH SUBSTANCE
Before the policy papers could hit the table, delegates were treated to a rich cultural and infrastructural tour of Mbabane, courtesy of the Municipal Council of Mbabane. The city’s landmarks, including the Queen Regent Gwamile Monument, Sibebe Rock, Mahwalala landfill, and the bustling CBD, became the backdrop for a day of urban storytelling.
Minister of Tinkhundla Sikhumbuzo Dlamini extended warm greetings during the tour’s opening at the Council Chambers, telling the delegates to feel at home and witness Eswatini’s development firsthand. He noted that the Ministries of Tinkhundla and Economic Planning were not just hosting the conference, they were shaping the future of local governance.
Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto urged the guests to explore beyond the skyline and into the heartbeat of the city. “We’re not just hosting you, we’re pampering you,” he said, pledging luxury, learning, and legacy.
Guests were gifted locally made hampers and traditional Swati attire, turning the council chambers into a visual celebration of culture and diplomacy.
GCINIWE FAKUDZE: “YOUR RATES, YOUR DEVELOPMENT!”
At Mountain View Hotel, the final stop of the tour, Municipal Council CEO Gciniwe Fakudze delivered a compelling presentation on local governance systems, demystifying how municipal rates are collected and reinvested to shape Mbabane’s future.
“The development you see around the city is built on citizen contributions,” she said, highlighting that infrastructure upgrades, service delivery, and community growth are rooted in financial accountability and local leadership.
Fakudze also responded to questions from Ghanaian academic and governance expert Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, who queried power-sharing between ministers and local authorities, and why municipal policing wasn’t yet implemented. Fakudze explained that while Mbabane currently does not have a municipal police force, it is working hand-in-hand with national and community police to maintain safety, with plans to formalise its own structure soon.
MAHWALALA’S CLEAN SECRET IMPRESSES DELEGATES
One of the biggest surprises for the delegation was a visit to the Mahwalala landfill, which has earned awards for its eco-friendly operations. Chief City Planner Wandile Zwane explained that despite being the city’s main waste site, the landfill emits no foul smell and is maintained at a cost of E5 million annually.
“This is not just a dump. It’s a model of sustainable urban waste management,” said Zwane.
MINISTER MAPHALALA: “THIS IS THE RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME”
Bringing the house down with a forward-looking keynote was Minister of Economic Planning and Development Apollo Maphalala, who told delegates their arrival came at a pivotal time. “You’re here just as we are crafting a legal framework to guide and regulate local governments,” he said.
Maphalala revealed that Eswatini is developing legislation that will give local governments clearer autonomy and structure. “We want a law that’s not just progressive, but one that stands the test of time, a law that delivers real development for the people of Eswatini,” he said.
THE POWER LIST: WHO’S WHO OF THE CONFERENCE
The official programme features a powerful speaker line-up, including:
Chief Chamuka VI – Zambia
Professor Kwamena Ahwoi – Ghana
Dr. Francis Adams – Ghana
Dr. Francis Irungu Kang’ata – Kenya
Ambassador Dr. Mathendele Dlamini – Eswatini
Chief Dambuza Lukhele – Deputy Commissioner, Human Rights Commission
Senator Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini – Senate President
Hon. Mangomeni Ndzimandze – Ludzidzini Council Member
Each is expected to contribute insights on decentralisation, urban policy reform, and community-led development, bringing together traditional leadership, academic minds, and policy influencers under one roof.
THE CONFERENCE CONTINUES…
From Mbabane to Matsapha, it’s clear that Eswatini is not just a host nation, it’s a leading voice in local government evolution. As the conference runs from 4 to 6 June, all eyes are on Esibayeni Lodge, where ideas will clash, cultures will meet, and a blueprint for Africa’s cities of tomorrow may just be born.
