BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, officially launched the Mbabane Local Government Masterclass, titled “Smart City Living: A Masterclass in Local Government”. The inaugural session, held at the MVA Auditorium, focused on the theme “Property as an Asset”.
Designed as a quarterly series, the masterclasses aim to go beyond ordinary community meetings. They will equip citizens, urban residents, and local leaders with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and strategic insights to strengthen governance, improve public services, and promote sustainable community development.
During the keynote address, Minister Maphalala highlighted the central role of property in driving urban growth and economic empowerment in Eswatini.
“Property is more than bricks, mortar, or a title deed,” Minister Maphalala said. “Property is security. It is stability. It is dignity. It is the foundation upon which families build their futures, communities shape their identities, and nations advance their development. Without secure access to property, our citizens remain vulnerable, excluded from opportunities, and denied the full enjoyment of their rights.”
The Minister also outlined Government initiatives that aim to enhance access to land and property, including:
- Upgrading informal settlements such as Msunduza, Mahwalala, Mangwaneni, and Sitibeni
- The Crown Land Disposal Programme, ensuring transparent and inclusive access to land
- Sectional Titles Schemes, creating pathways for affordable ownership for youth, women, and first-time buyers
- Policy and legislative reforms, including updates to the Building Act, Rating Act, and the Spatial Planning Bill, integrating climate-smart practices for sustainable urban development
The masterclass series will bring together residents, local authorities, experts, and stakeholders to share knowledge, discuss solutions, and shape the trajectory of a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable Mbabane.
Minister Maphalala concluded that through initiatives like these, Eswatini is taking bold steps to ensure that urban growth goes hand-in-hand with social equity, economic opportunity, and environmental responsibility.
(Courtesy Pics)
