BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
NKAMBENI– Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe has encouraged community leaders to place stronger emphasis on development-oriented discussions during meetings at umphakatsi level.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony for the completion of a water project at Nsonta at Nkambeni, the chief said while matters such as crime and conflicts remain important, meetings should increasingly prioritise development dialogue that brings tangible progress to communities.
He said he always tells tindvuna that they should use community platforms to advance development issues.
The chief was expressing appreciation for the successful completion of the Nsonta water project at Nkambeni, which was funded through the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation charity golf tournament at a cost of over E400 000.
The project is expected to improve access to clean and safe water for residents, addressing long-standing challenges while contributing to better health, sanitation and overall living conditions.
At umphakatsi level, community leadership structures continue to play a central role in both preserving Swazi traditions and advancing development under the Tinkhundla system of governance.
Chiefs, inner councils and Bucopho act as a bridge between government and communities, ensuring that development needs are identified and addressed.
Beyond their traditional role in resolving disputes and maintaining social order through customary law, these leaders are also key in initiating and coordinating development projects such as water supply systems, schools and clinics.
Community meetings (imibizo) remain an important platform for engagement, information sharing and mobilising residents around key issues. Increasingly, there is emphasis on using these gatherings to drive development initiatives and improve service delivery at grassroots level.
The completion of the Nsonta water project stands as a testament to the impact of collaboration between traditional leadership and corporate partners, demonstrating how focused development efforts can bring meaningful change to communities.
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(Courtesy Pic)
