BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI— Mahlalini residents have been left with a new community development structure following the handover of an asset that forms part of an approximately E175.6 million investment by World Vision Eswatini in the area over 18 years.
The structure was officially handed over to the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, marking a new chapter in World Vision’s long-standing development partnership with the community.
Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development S’khumbuzo Dlamini received the structure on behalf of Government, saying its significance went beyond the physical building.
For residents, the handover provides an asset that can support continued development and help bring services closer to the community as World Vision transitions from direct implementation in Mahlalini.
World Vision has operated in Mahlalini since 2008, reaching more than 26 000 residents, including 5 000 children, through interventions in water, livelihoods, health, education, food security, child protection and broader community development.
The approximately E175.6 million investment has supported these interventions and contributed to development assets and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of families and strengthening the community.
Dlamini expressed Government’s appreciation to World Vision for its long-standing partnership with Mahlalini.
“On behalf of His Majesty’s Government, allow me to convey our deepest appreciation to World Vision Eswatini for its steadfast partnership with the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini,” Dlamini said.
He said Government was receiving more than a physical building.
“As Government of Eswatini, we are not simply receiving a building. We are receiving an instrument of development and a platform from which services can be brought closer to the people,” he said.
Dlamini added that, if properly utilised, the asset could continue generating social and economic value.
World Vision Eswatini National Director Amos Zaindi said the transition from direct implementation should not mean the end of development in Mahlalini.
“As World Vision transitions from direct implementation, we request the Ministry, through its development programmes and community development initiatives, to support the scaling up of the areas where gaps remain,” Zaindi said.
He called for continued investment in livelihoods, food security, climate resilience, youth empowerment, sanitation and hygiene promotion to consolidate the gains made in the community.
Zaindi said sustaining the achievements would require strong cooperation among residents, traditional leaders, Government and development partners.
“The sustainability of these achievements will depend on strong collaboration between communities, traditional leadership, and other development partners,” he said.
The handover therefore marks a transition in responsibility, with Government, residents and development partners expected to build on the gains made during World Vision’s 18-year presence.
For Mahlalini residents, the structure is more than a building handed over at the end of a programme. It is a community asset that can help keep development services and initiatives within reach.
The structure now forms part of the lasting legacy of World Vision’s approximately E175.6 million investment in Mahlalini, while its continued usefulness will depend on how effectively it is utilised to serve the community.
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(Courtesy Pic)
