BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MATSAPHA – Government has reaffirmed that sustainable national development can only be achieved through strong collaboration with traditional leadership, with the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Hon. Skhumbuzo Dlamini, describing chiefs as central partners in driving community progress.
Opening the inaugural three-day Manzini Chiefs Summit at Esibayeni Lodge on Tuesday June 30,2026, Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said traditional leaders remain the backbone of community governance and custodians of Eswatini’s culture, values and unity, making them essential in advancing the country’s development agenda.
The summit, hosted by the Manzini Regional Administration Office under Regional Administrator Chief Prince Gija, has brought together chiefs from across the region for intensive training on governance, ethical leadership and community development.
Hon. Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said Government recognises that priorities such as rural development, food security, education, healthcare, youth unemployment and climate change require coordinated action between Government, traditional authorities, civil society and communities.
He encouraged chiefs to continue promoting peace, accountability and social cohesion within their communities, noting that strong and united communities are better positioned to achieve lasting development and improve livelihoods.
“Government remains committed to working hand in hand with traditional leadership in strengthening service delivery and accelerating development at grassroots level,” he said.
The Minister further urged participants to fully engage in the summit discussions and develop practical solutions that will strengthen leadership structures and support national development goals.
The first day of the summit featured governance-focused training sessions led by Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku, covering the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders and the legal framework guiding their work.
Chiefs also received training on the Code of Conduct for Traditional Leaders, Ethical Leadership and Accountability facilitated by Indvuna Lutfwacula, Judge Prince Sendzangakhona and Judicial Commissioner Hhasese, as well as the relationship between traditional authorities and the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC).
Afternoon sessions focused on community conflict resolution, with contributions from the Attorney General’s Office, the Human Rights Commission and ENPF, followed by discussions on preserving Eswatini’s culture and heritage led by the Ministry of Arts and Culture.
The summit is expected to strengthen traditional leadership capacity and enhance governance, ultimately improving service delivery and accelerating sustainable development across the Manzini Region.
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