BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– The historic King Bhunu Trail is set to undergo improvements as efforts continue to preserve Manzini’s heritage sites and transform them into attractive tourism destinations that tell the story of Eswatini’s rich history.
The development was highlighted during the Manzini Regional Day 2026 Heritage City Tour held on July 30, 2026, which took participants through some of the city’s most important landmarks, including Somhlolo Park and King Bhunu’s Trial Tree.
The heritage tour formed part of activities commemorating Manzini Regional Day 2026 and aimed to showcase the historical treasures that have shaped the city over generations.
Municipal Council of Manzini Local Economic Development Officer Nokuphila Shabalala guided participants through the iconic sites, explaining their historical significance and their contribution to preserving the city’s identity.
King Bhunu’s Trial Tree, a historic pod mahogany tree, remains one of Manzini’s most significant landmarks. The site marks the 1898 trial of King Bhunu by the Transvaal Government and serves as a reminder of the events that influenced the country’s history.
A member of the business community said there was a need to ensure that the site is upgraded and maintained to a high standard following its handover to the municipality.
She said improving the site would not only preserve its historical value but also make it more appealing to visitors who want to learn about Manzini’s heritage.
“As a business community, since it was given to the municipality, we also want this site to be of good standard. We see that if we bring people in, especially those involved with donkeys, they will appreciate it. They will be able to preserve that same style,” she said.
She added that the historic house at the site previously had a plaque explaining its history, but it was temporarily removed as renovations were being carried out on the lower part of the building.
“Our house had a plaque stating its history, but we have temporarily removed it because the lower part is under renovation,” she said.
The planned facelift is expected to improve the visitor experience while ensuring that the historical significance of King Bhunu’s Trial Tree is preserved for future generations.The business community believes that maintaining heritage sites can contribute to local economic development by attracting tourists, creating awareness about Manzini’s history and encouraging communities to take pride in their surroundings.
The King Bhunu Trail forms part of a wider heritage tourism drive aimed at positioning Manzini as a destination where visitors can explore the stories, landmarks and traditions that have shaped Eswatini.
Through initiatives such as the Heritage City Tour, stakeholders hope to create stronger links between history, tourism and economic opportunities while ensuring that important national stories remain alive.
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