By Mbono Mdluli
LONHLUPHEKO – KaLonhlupheko, a once struggling community plagued by poverty, unemployment, and drought, is experiencing a remarkable transformation.
His Majesty King Mswati III today unveiled a series of groundbreaking developments aimed at revitalizing the area and providing much-needed opportunities for its residents. At the heart of these changes is the grand opening of the KaLanga Gateway shopping centre and filling station in the Lubombo Region, a project that promises to usher in a new era of growth and prosperity.
In a speech that resonated with hope and optimism, King Mswati III declared, “In the past, such places used to be known for drought, unemployment, and poverty, but today we can see efforts being made to address these social ills. The country is on a mission to create jobs, and KaLonhlupheko is on the brink of witnessing that transformation.”
The KaLanga Gateway project, which includes a shopping complex offering a variety of services, including banking facilities, marks a significant milestone in the region’s development. No longer will locals need to travel to faraway towns to access basic services and conduct their transactions. This new hub will also create job opportunities for many, further alleviating the burden of unemployment in the area.
In addition to the shopping centre, His Majesty shared exciting news of a pharmaceutical company that is set to be established in the region, further expanding the job market and fostering industrial growth. King Mswati emphasized the importance of continued development, noting that water, once a significant barrier to progress, is now available in the area. Though still insufficient for all of the region’s needs, the provision of water is a crucial step forward.
“We are committed to ensuring that KaLonhlupheko becomes an industrial hub and a center of agricultural innovation,” said King Mswati III. “We will continue to work towards increasing water supply and providing the infrastructure necessary for farming and other industries to thrive.”
His Majesty’s words echoed the sentiments of hope and empowerment for the people of KaLonhlupheko. Community members were encouraged to dream big and submit their visions for development to local structures like Imiphakatsi, where they can receive the support needed to bring these plans to life.
As KaLonhlupheko rises from its past challenges, the people of the region are not just witnessing progress—they are becoming an integral part of it. With these transformative projects on the horizon, it’s clear that the “Place of Poverty” will soon be a thing of the past, replaced by a thriving, self-sufficient community poised for a bright future.a
A New Era of Opportunity in KaLonhlupheko—the future is looking brighter than ever before.