BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Littering and illegal dumping are costing Eswatini more than just cleanliness, with authorities warning that the growing problem is threatening public health, damaging the environment and tarnishing the country’s image.
The Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) has warned that littering and illegal dumping offenders face heavy fines and possible imprisonment under the Environment Management Act of 2002 and the Litter Regulations of 2011.
This was highlighted by EEA Environmental Information Officer Zandisile Howe during an interview on May 16, 2026, as the authority intensified its “Keep Eswatini Clean. No Littering. It’s the Law” awareness campaign.
Howe said illegal dumping continued to threaten public health and damage the country’s environment, adding that authorities were adopting a zero-tolerance approach against offenders.
The campaign identifies several offences, including littering in public places, vacant land and waterways, throwing rubbish from moving vehicles, and dumping waste outside approved disposal sites.
According to the regulations, offenders can be fined up to E5,000 for littering and illegal dumping, while severe or repeat offences may attract stiffer penalties, including imprisonment. Enforcement is carried out by the EEA, the Royal Eswatini Police Service and local authorities, including municipalities.
The campaign also reminds businesses and public transport operators of their responsibilities, stating that buses and taxis must provide clearly marked litter bins for passengers. Hazardous and clinical waste must also be handled through licensed disposal systems.
Residents in Matsapha welcomed the campaign but called for more public bins in busy areas to help reduce littering.
Sipho Dlamini, a Matsapha resident, said some people litter because waste bins are not easily accessible in crowded places.
“We support the campaign because people are throwing rubbish everywhere, but more bins are needed in areas where people gather every day. It becomes difficult to maintain cleanliness when there are no nearby bins,” he said.
Another resident, Nomcebo Mamba, said industrial and taxi areas in Matsapha often became untidy because of overflowing waste and a shortage of disposal facilities.
“People must stop littering, but authorities and businesses should also assist by installing more bins and making sure they are emptied regularly,” she said.
Meanwhile, residents in Lomahasha said the campaign was important in protecting the image of the country, especially because the area hosts the Lomahasha Border Post, one of Eswatini’s major entry points.
Sibusiso Ndlovu, a resident of Lomahasha, said visitors and tourists should be welcomed by a clean environment when entering the country.
“It is embarrassing when tourists arrive and find litter scattered around. Lomahasha is a gateway into Eswatini, so the area must always be kept clean and attractive,” he said.
Another resident, Thandeka Simelane, said illegal dumping had become a growing concern in parts of the area.
“We are happy the EEA is taking this matter seriously because the dirt was becoming too much. A clean environment reflects the pride and image of the nation,” she said.
The EEA has encouraged citizens to use designated disposal sites, engage registered recyclers and licensed waste management companies, and report illegal dumping to authorities.
The campaign also promotes responsible waste management practices under the slogan: “Clean Today. Healthier Tomorrow. Let’s Protect Eswatini for Generations to Come.”
#KeepEswatiniClean #EEA #NoLitteringItsTheLaw #EnvironmentalProtection
