BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – The Government of Eswatini, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has apologised to members of the public who were exposed to cold, rain and heat while waiting for services, following the relocation of the DC Service Centre in Mbabane.
The Ministry has confirmed that the DC Service Centre has been successfully relocated to the Mlamuli Building, situated opposite the Mbabane Bus Rank and behind Boxer Mbabane Supermarket.
In a press statement dated September 29, 2026, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nhlanhla Nxumalo, said the centre was now fully operational and ready to provide services to members of the public.
The confirmation comes after concerns over the conditions experienced by clients awaiting services, particularly as changing weather conditions exposed some members of the public to the elements.
“The Ministry is aware that changing weather conditions have exposed some clients awaiting services to cold, rain and heat,” Nxumalo said.
The Principal Secretary expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to members of the public, emphasising that the relocation was not intended to expose clients to harsh weather conditions.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and wish to assure the public that the relocation was not intended to expose clients to harsh weather conditions,” he said.
SERVICES NOW AT MLAMULI BUILDING
According to the Ministry, the relocation was undertaken with the intention of bringing Home Affairs services closer to the public.
Nxumalo said the new location was strategically positioned near the Mbabane Bus Rank and surrounding shopping malls, making it accessible to many clients who can reach the centre on foot.
“The relocation was undertaken to bring services closer to the public, particularly as the Mbabane Bus Rank and surrounding shopping malls are within walking distance for many of our clients,” the PS said.
The Ministry’s confirmation that the centre is fully operational means members of the public can now access the services from the Mlamuli Building.
The move is expected to improve accessibility for clients who previously had to travel to other locations to access the relevant services.
TEMPORARY SHELTER PROVIDED
While acknowledging the challenges faced by clients, the Ministry said it was already working with relevant stakeholders to address the weather-exposure concern.
Nxumalo said temporary shelter had been provided as an interim measure while a permanent solution was being implemented.
“The Ministry is working with relevant stakeholders to address the matter as soon as possible. As an interim measure, temporary shelter has been provided for clients while a permanent solution is being implemented,” he said.
The development indicates that the Government is seeking to balance the accessibility benefits of the new location with the need to ensure that members of the public waiting for services are protected from adverse weather conditions.
The Ministry said it remained committed to ensuring that public services were provided in an environment that protects the dignity and wellbeing of clients.
COMMITMENT TO DIGNIFIED SERVICES
Nxumalo concluded by appreciating the public’s patience and cooperation during the transition.
“The Ministry appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation and remains committed to ensuring that services are delivered in a safe, accessible and dignified environment,” he said.
The statement was issued by the Kingdom of Eswatini Ministry of Home Affairs on September 29, 2026.
The relocation therefore marks a significant change in the delivery point of DC services in Mbabane, with the Ministry stressing that the new location is intended to make services more accessible while measures are being taken to improve conditions for clients waiting to be served.
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