By Mbono Mdluli
LOBAMBA – Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo has commended Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko for his instrumental role in restoring the dignity of Eswatini’s capital, Mbabane.
Khumalo highlighted Maseko’s efforts in reviving the long-stalled construction of a significant building that had remained incomplete for nearly two decades. Speaking during the 2024/25 performance debate for the Ministry of Public Service at Senate on February 25, 2025, Khumalo emphasized that the prolonged suspension of construction had tarnished the capital city’s image.
He acknowledged Maseko’s pivotal role in ensuring that the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) acquired the previously abandoned building, which ultimately allowed for its completion. According to Khumalo, this achievement would enhance the city’s reputation, making it more appealing not only to locals but also to tourists.
The MP recognized that Maseko worked alongside his fellow Cabinet ministers to facilitate the success of this initiative, even though the building itself fell under the PSPF rather than the Ministry of Public Service. Despite this, Khumalo credited Maseko’s leadership for guiding the PSPF in securing the building.
Khumalo further remarked that while he might not always agree with Maseko’s decisions, in this instance, the minister had truly excelled. He expressed surprise that Maseko had not included this milestone in his ministry’s 2024/25 annual performance report, stating that it was a significant accomplishment worth highlighting.
The building in question was originally owned by the Eswatini Association of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (ESASCCO), which began its construction but halted progress around 2004-2005 due to financial constraints. In 2023, under the ownership of PSPF, construction resumed and is currently ongoing, marking a crucial step forward in enhancing Mbabane’s cityscape.