By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MATSAPHA — The long-anticipated Eswatini Local Government Conference officially opened this morning at Esibayeni Lodge, with Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla setting the tone for transformation in her keynote address.
With over 500 participants gathered inside Esangweni Hall, including Cabinet Ministers, traditional leaders, international experts and youth delegates, the event marked a significant step toward operationalising Chapter XIII of the Constitution, which envisions a unified, people-driven local government system anchored in the Tinkhundla model.
Addressing the packed hall, Acting Prime Minister Dladla reaffirmed government’s full commitment to delivering on the aspirations voiced during the 2023 Sibaya national dialogue, particularly the urgent call for more efficient and inclusive governance.
“We are alive to the provisions of Chapter XIII of our Constitution,” she said. “This is not just a legal mandate, it is a promise to strengthen governance and bring services closer to every citizen, from rural communities to urban centres.”
Dladla reminded the nation that His Majesty King Mswati III had issued a directive to move with urgency, Nkwee, in implementing the long-delayed legislation, and that government had responded with the creation of an inter-ministerial committee, led by Minister of Tinkhundla Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, to draft the proposed Local Government Bill.
‘WITH THE PEOPLE, NOT FOR THE PEOPLE’
The Acting Prime Minister went further to highlight that the drafting process had followed an evidence-based, consultative approach, with input gathered from various communities, traditional leaders, youth, and development partners.
“The government believes in governing with the people, not for the people,” Dladla stressed. “We have consulted far and wide — from chiefs to Tinkhundla councils, from youth to civil society, to ensure this legislation reflects both our traditions and our future.”
She also acknowledged the support of international experts from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, stating that their insights had added valuable depth to Eswatini’s process.
“This is the African spirit of cooperation in action,” she said. “By learning from other nations and engaging our own communities, we are building a system that is credible, sustainable, and rooted in the values of unity and representation.”
MINISTER DLAMINI: “A LAW WITHOUT THE PEOPLE IS A PAPER WITHOUT POWER”
Earlier in the programme, Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini addressed the audience, emphasising that true decentralisation means giving power back to the people. He said the Local Government Bill must be designed with community involvement at its core.
“A law without the people is a paper without power,” he declared, urging all Emaswati to make their voices count during this legislative transition.
He confirmed that the drafting team had benchmarked with countries such as Zambia, drawing inspiration from the leadership of Chief Chamuka VI, who plays a key role in local development in his homeland.
MATSAPHA MAYOR: A DEFINING MOMENT FOR LOCAL GOVERNANCE
Matsapha Mayor Lindiwe Dlamini, who gave welcoming remarks, described the hosting of the conference as an honour for the town. She called it a “defining moment” for Eswatini and expressed hope that the conference would produce concrete outcomes.
“Let this conference not just be about policies, but about practical change for the people who rely on local structures every day,” she said.
VOICES, VISION AND VULAMASANGO’S VIBRANCE
The conference opened with a moving choral performance by students from Vulamasango School, who proudly led the singing of the national anthem, setting a patriotic and heartfelt tone for the day.
Meanwhile, inside Esangweni Hall, delegates, including international experts such as Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi and Dr. Francis Adams of Ghana, Dr. Francis Irungu Kang’ata of Kenya, and Chief Chamuka VI of Zambia, settled in for sessions packed with discussion, debate, and shared wisdom.
A FUTURE BUILT TOGETHER
As she officially declared the conference open, Acting Prime Minister Dladla invited every participant, whether seated in the hall or engaging via social media, to contribute their voice.
“Your participation will shape the future of our nation. Together, we will build a local government system that empowers every community, honours our traditions, and delivers on the promise of Chapter XIII,” she said.
With eyes now set on the sessions ahead, the stage is well and truly set, and Eswatini has made it clear: this isn’t just a conference, it’s a commitment.
