BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA– After nearly a year without a substantive Chief Executive Officer, the Matsapha Municipal Council has turned a significant page in its leadership journey with the appointment of experienced local government administrator Sizwe Dlamini as its new permanent CEO, a move expected to inject fresh momentum into service delivery and the municipality’s development agenda.
The appointment was officially announced on July 6, 2026, at the Matsapha Municipal Council offices, where Her Worship Mayor Councillor Lindiwe Dlamini formally introduced Dlamini to councillors, municipal staff and stakeholders, describing the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter for the municipality.
Dlamini’s appointment ends a vacancy that lasted for almost a year following the departure of former substantive CEO Lucky Sukati. During the transition period, Mancoba Zwane steered the municipality as Acting CEO, ensuring continuity in the council’s operations while the recruitment process was underway.
Bringing a wealth of experience in municipal governance, Dlamini joins the Manzini City Council, where he served as Head of Strategy and also held the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer. His appointment is expected to strengthen strategic planning, operational efficiency and the delivery of quality municipal services.
The appointment comes as Mayor Dlamini embarks on a new term after being re-elected unopposed during the council’s inaugural meeting. She continues to lead the municipality alongside Deputy Mayor Siphesihle Nsibandze, with the new leadership pledging to prioritise good governance, accountability and responsive service delivery.
Announcing the appointment, Mayor Dlamini said the municipality was entering a new phase of progress under its strengthened leadership.
“I bring you good news today. Government wants to take visible and swift action, and today we have a new Chief Executive Officer for the Matsapha Municipal Council. We welcome Mr. Sizwe Dlamini to this important role and wish him every success as he begins his duties. We are confident that his leadership will bring positive change and help the council continue improving service delivery for the people of Matsapha,” she said.
She said the appointment reflects the council’s commitment to building a responsive and development-oriented municipality capable of meeting the expectations of residents, businesses and investors.
As the municipality’s accounting officer, Dlamini will oversee the day-to-day administration of the council, implement resolutions adopted by councillors and provide strategic direction in the execution of development programmes. Among his key priorities will be strengthening institutional performance, improving municipal services and supporting sustainable urban growth.
The appointment is also expected to bolster the municipality’s efforts to position Matsapha as a modern, efficient and investor-friendly town, building on its status as one of Eswatini’s leading industrial and commercial centres.
The municipality’s recent leadership timeline reflects a period of transition. Lucky Sukati served as the substantive CEO until mid-2025, after which Mancoba Zwane assumed the role of Acting CEO until July 2026. With Dlamini’s appointment now confirmed, the council has restored permanent executive leadership as it advances its long-term development agenda.
Residents and stakeholders have welcomed the appointment with optimism, expressing hope that the new leadership team will deliver improved municipal services, strengthen community engagement and accelerate development initiatives that will benefit the people of Matsapha.
As Matsapha continues to expand as one of Eswatini’s key economic and industrial hubs, the council is optimistic that its new CEO will help translate its vision for sustainable development into tangible results that improve the quality of life for the community.
#MatsaphaMunicipalCouncil #SizweDlamini #Leadership #ServiceDelivery #LocalGovernment #Eswatini #Governance
(Courtesy Pic)
