BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA – Chiefs from across the Manzini Region have been urged to embrace digital transformation and harness emerging technologies as key tools to strengthen community governance, improve service delivery and enhance communication within their chiefdoms.
The call was made during the third and final day of the Manzini Chiefs Summit 2026, held at Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha on July 2, 2026, where traditional leaders gathered to reflect on practical strategies for building resilient, well-governed and development-oriented communities.
The final day of the summit placed strong emphasis on innovation and modern governance systems, with stakeholders highlighting the growing importance of digital literacy and cybersecurity awareness in an increasingly connected world.
Delegates were encouraged to explore how digital platforms can be used to improve administrative efficiency, strengthen information sharing and enhance transparency in community leadership structures. At the same time, concerns around cyber threats and misinformation were raised, with participants urged to ensure communities are adequately informed and protected.
The Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC) also featured prominently during the discussions, where Head of Programmes Dumsani Simelane underscored the importance of placing young people at the centre of development processes.
“Our young people must be at the centre of community development because they are the leaders of today and tomorrow,” Simelane said.
He emphasised that digital transformation presents a major opportunity for youth empowerment, particularly in areas such as innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development. Chiefs were encouraged to strengthen collaboration with young people as a way of bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive development.
Beyond digital transformation, the summit also addressed broader social development priorities, including mental health awareness, child protection and the prevention of gender-based violence. Government ministries and development partners presented practical interventions aimed at strengthening community support systems and protecting vulnerable groups.
Sport and recreation were also highlighted as important tools for promoting healthy lifestyles, social cohesion and positive youth engagement, with calls for increased investment in community-level sporting initiatives.
Recognising the importance of sustainable development financing, delegates further explored opportunities for partnership building and resource mobilisation. The discussions stressed the need for collaboration between traditional leadership, Government, financial institutions and development partners to unlock resources for community-driven development projects.
Over the past three days, the summit has provided a platform for dialogue on governance, ethical leadership, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, food security, local economic development, cultural preservation and inclusive social development.
Before the closure of the summit, participants were expected to adopt resolutions and action commitments aimed at strengthening governance systems, improving service delivery and accelerating development across chiefdoms in the Manzini Region.
The programme concluded with closing remarks by the Regional Administrator, followed by the official closing address from the Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, before a vote of thanks and closing prayer.
As the summit came to an end, chiefs were expected to return to their communities equipped with renewed knowledge and practical strategies to strengthen governance structures, embrace innovation and drive sustainable development while preserving Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
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