…. Minister Appolo Maphalala says urban partnerships are key to Eswatini’s development vision
By Temavungandze Masilela (Intern)
MATSAPHA – “Our path to sustainable cities, climate resilience, and inclusive growth lies in meaningful collaboration,” declared Minister for Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala, as he welcomed a high-level delegation from the City of Windhoek, Namibia.
His remarks set the tone for a transformative three-day mission aimed at forging a strategic urban partnership between Matsapha and Windhoek.
Hosted by the Matsapha Town Council, the mission served as a platform to explore opportunities in municipal management, infrastructure planning, and innovative service delivery.
The collaboration seeks to advance Matsapha’s development vision while contributing directly to Eswatini’s broader goals under the Sustainable Development Agenda.
“This initiative aligns seamlessly with our national call for increased international collaborations,” Maphalala emphasized. “Through these partnerships, we can expedite progress toward green, smart, and resilient cities across the region.”
The Minister further urged the swift implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Windhoek, aligning it with Matsapha’s Integrated Development Plan to ensure tangible, community-focused outcomes.
The Windhoek delegation toured Matsapha’s major industrial zones, including Far East Textile and Kellogg’s Tolaram Eswatini, gaining firsthand insights into the town’s economic dynamics and its significance as Eswatini’s industrial engine.
Recognizing the momentum of local leadership, the Minister praised Matsapha’s councillors and management team for their visionary role in shaping the town’s future. “Their proactive stance and strategic thinking are essential for transforming our towns into models of sustainable urban spaces,” he noted.
This cross-border initiative reflects a wider movement across Africa to harness South-South cooperation. As cities like Matsapha and Windhoek unite to exchange knowledge and solutions, they pave the way for locally driven, globally inspired urban transformation.
(Featured Image by: Matsapha Town Council)
