BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MATSAPHA – A week after a devastating fire disrupted business operations and threatened the livelihoods of more than 450 workers at the D-Square Building on Majobo Street in Matsapha, government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening fire prevention measures and emergency response systems to better protect businesses, jobs and investments.
The fire broke out on July 31, 2026, triggering a rapid response from firefighters and other emergency personnel, whose swift intervention prevented the blaze from spreading to neighbouring buildings and causing even greater damage.
In a show of support for those affected, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Apollo Maphalala, and the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Hon. Manqoba Khumalo, visited the property on August 7, 2026, to assess the damage, engage directly with business owner Tokky Hou and explore ways of strengthening emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
The ministers were accompanied by Matsapha Town Council Deputy Mayor Siphesihle Nsibandze, Chief Executive Officer Sizwe Dlamini and Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba of the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services.
Speaking during the visit, Maphalala expressed sympathy to workers, tenants and business owners affected by the incident while commending emergency teams for their swift response.
He said the fire had highlighted the need to strengthen cooperation among local authorities, emergency responders and the private sector to improve preparedness and minimise risks.
“The Ministry has drawn valuable lessons from this unfortunate incident, and we will continue exploring ways to strengthen the supporting role of the Matsapha Town Council while enhancing the capacity of the National Fire and Emergency Services,” he said.
Khumalo praised the coordinated response mounted by firefighters, the Matsapha Town Council and other stakeholders, saying their efforts had protected lives, preserved jobs and safeguarded investments.
“We appreciate the dedication and professionalism shown by everyone involved in responding to this incident. Government remains committed to supporting the business owner as recovery efforts continue,” he said.
Hou expressed her gratitude to emergency personnel and all those who assisted in containing the blaze.
She said their rapid intervention prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy and helped protect the livelihoods of hundreds of workers employed by businesses operating on the property.
Hou also apologised to workers and tenants whose operations had been affected by the incident and thanked them for their patience and support.
The Matsapha Town Council welcomed the ministerial visit, describing it as a demonstration of government’s commitment to protecting investments and strengthening resilience within the country’s industrial sector.
The incident has also reinforced the importance of investing in stronger safety measures, improving emergency response capabilities and fostering closer collaboration among all stakeholders.
Although recovery efforts remain under way, the swift and coordinated response to the fire has been widely recognised as an example of determination, teamwork and a shared commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods and the country’s economic progress.
As one of Eswatini’s leading industrial centres, Matsapha continues to play a critical role in attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and driving economic growth, making the strengthening of emergency response systems an important step towards safeguarding the country’s development ambitions.
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