BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
PHUZUMOYA – It was tradition, diplomacy and big talk in the dust of Phuzumoya, and Eswatini rose to the occasion.
All roads led to the modernised KaMkhweli Chiefdom this week, where a powerful mix of local and international leaders gathered in the heart of Siphofaneni as part of the build-up to the Eswatini Local Government Conference 2025.
But while the traditional regalia and rhythmic beats from Lutsango, Sibhaca, Umthilane and Lacwebetelako set the scene, it was the speeches that stole the show.
Among those leading the conversation were Chief Prince Mshengu and Zambian traditional leader Chief Chamuka VI, who both delivered thought-provoking messages that struck at the heart of what local governance and community-led development should look like across Africa.
ESWATINI’S HEART OF HOSPITALITY
Zambian royal and local governance advocate Chief Chamuka VI didn’t mince his words when he praised the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Describing it as “the heart of hospitality,” the chief said he was deeply moved by the warmth and unity he witnessed throughout the country.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III, noting that Eswatini had a model that many nations, including his own, could learn from. “The missing component in most of our chiefdoms is community halls,” Chief Chamuka said. “That’s something we have learnt here and will definitely introduce back home in Zambia.”
He further revealed that in Zambia, some chiefdoms operate trust funds, where communities pay royalties that are reinvested into local development instead of depending entirely on government handouts. “Land is our mother,” he added. “It enriches us. And when we protect it and use it wisely, we empower ourselves.”
Chamuka also reminded the crowd that culture remains one of Africa’s strongest tourist attractions, urging traditional leaders across the continent to protect and promote their customs.
PHUZUMOYA IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Chief Prince Mshengu, who also serves as Member of Parliament, gave a warm welcome to the delegation of international leaders, describing the visit to KaMkhweli Chiefdom as historic and meaningful.
“The local government conference is a great initiative,” he said. “It will benefit Eswatini, and I congratulate Phuzamoya for being given a platform to host and mingle with international experts. This is not just an event; it’s an opportunity for growth.”
The chief said he believed that Eswatini’s ongoing benchmarking efforts with governance experts would result in a solid and inclusive decentralisation framework, one that responds directly to the needs of the people on the ground.
“This is one of the modernised chiefdoms in the country,” he proudly said, adding that such development must start at community level before it reaches the Tinkhundla centres.
MP CALLS FOR A CLINIC UPGRADE, AND JOBS
Meanwhile, Siphofaneni MP Nomalungelo Simelane used the occasion to make a passionate plea to government for more healthcare infrastructure. She asked Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini to prioritise the expansion of the clinic in the area.
“Our current clinic is too small for the growing number of residents,” she said. “We need a proper hospital here, and we also ask for a maternity ward.”
Simelane also highlighted the need for youth employment, calling for local residents to be prioritised in all upcoming developments. “Let the people of this area benefit first, especially the young people who are ready to work,” she pleaded.
GOVERNMENT ON THE GROUND
Responding to the various speakers, Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini acknowledged the role of chiefdoms in community development and said Eswatini was fully committed to strengthening decentralised governance.
“We are happy to be benchmarking with people like Chief Chamuka VI,” the Minister said. “He’s someone well-versed in decentralisation and has shared valuable insights.”
Dlamini further revealed that new road infrastructure was already being developed in the region, linking Naloko, Sithobelweni and Siphofaneni, a move he said would unlock opportunities for trade and mobility.
He emphasised that the Rural Development Fund had already delivered results in chiefdoms like KaMkhweli and pledged that more projects were in the pipeline. “All these developments start at chiefdoms,” Dlamini said. “This is where real transformation begins.”
CULTURE MEETS POLICY
As the sun set over Phuzumoya, the visiting dignitaries, including delegates from Ghana, Kenya, Zambia and beyond, were treated to a cultural showcase by Lutsango, Sibhaca groups, and the vibrant voices of Umthilane from KaMkhweli itself.
The event proved once again that in Eswatini, tradition and transformation walk hand in hand. And with the Local Government Conference set to officially kick off at Esibayeni Lodge, the message from KaMkhweli was clear, this is how you blend culture, leadership and development in one powerful celebration of Africa’s future.
