BY THEMBA ZWANE
NTFONJENI– Traditional leaders from the northern Hhohho region have expressed heartfelt appreciation to His Majesty King Mswati III following his visit to Ntfonjeni Inkhundla, where he officially opened the Esicancweni Setemphilo health facility.
The chiefs praised the King’s continued commitment to improving healthcare services and bringing development closer to rural communities. The facility, valued at E15 million, represents a major investment in strengthening emergency medical services and improving access to healthcare for residents in the region.
The project includes the Mshinande Clinic, which houses the country’s first Road Crash Stabilisation Centre at regional level, located at Mshingishingini under Ntfonjeni Inkhundla. The clinic itself was constructed at a cost of E2 million, while six advanced ambulances equipped with high-tech medical equipment were procured at a cost of E13 million through the Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund (SMVAF).
During the official ceremony on 9 March 2026, His Majesty also christened the new facility as the Esicancweni Setemphilo Medical Centre, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of healthcare infrastructure in the northern Hhohho region.
Following the tour and official opening, several chiefs from the area shared their appreciation in an exclusive interview, describing the development as a meaningful investment that will benefit communities for many years to come.
Among those who expressed their gratitude were Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe of Bulandzeni, who also serves as Minister of Public Works and Transport; Chief Umtfwanenkhosi Mavelebaleni of Ndzingeni; and Chief Umtfwanenkhosi Ndlaludzaka II of Hhelehhele.
Chief Umtfwanenkhosi Ndlaludzaka II conveyed appreciation on behalf of communities in the region.
“We want to express our sincere gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for this very important work he has done today. For us it is simply to say, Bayethe WenaWaphakathi,” he said.
Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe also commended the King for the development and the positive impact it will have on residents in the surrounding communities.
“We truly appreciate His Majesty the King for officially opening the Esicancweni Setemphilo,” he said. “Residents of this area and neighbouring communities will now have improved access to quality medical care.”
Ndwandwe noted that the facility will not only assist victims of road accidents but will also provide medical support for patients facing other health conditions. He said the project demonstrates the King’s commitment to improving the wellbeing of emaSwati.
“For this great work, we feel honoured and proud to praise the King. Bayethe WenaWaphakathi,” he added.
Chief Umtfwanenkhosi Mavelebaleni of Ndzingeni highlighted the importance of bringing government services closer to rural communities. He said the King’s leadership continues to promote the decentralisation of services, allowing citizens in remote areas to access essential services without travelling long distances.
“We have noticed with excitement that His Majesty the King continues to champion the decentralisation of government services in rural areas,” he said. “Today we are witnessing the opening of a modern health facility that will serve many communities.”
Mavelebaleni also encouraged community members to take responsibility for caring for the facility so that it continues to benefit future generations.
“The King mentioned that the clinic has completed phase one, with phase two expected to begin soon. As communities, we must take good care of this facility so that when His Majesty returns, he finds it in excellent condition,” he said.
He added that maintaining the facility would demonstrate the community’s appreciation and could encourage further expansion of healthcare services in the future.
The Esicancweni Setemphilo Medical Centre is expected to play a vital role in improving healthcare access and strengthening emergency medical response for residents across the northern Hhohho region. Community leaders believe the facility will not only save lives but also enhance the overall wellbeing of families in surrounding areas.
For many residents, the project stands as a powerful symbol of development reaching rural communities and strengthening healthcare services for the benefit of the nation.
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