BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – The Municipal Council of Mbabane and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance safety in the capital city under the Safe City Solutions initiative.
The signing ceremony, which took place on Tuesday morning at the Municipal Council of Mbabane offices, was described by officials as a milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two institutions.
The MoU formalizes years of cooperation and aims to align the efforts of both entities in making Mbabane safer for its residents, businesses, and visitors.
Speaking during the event, Municipal Council of Mbabane Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze said the MoU would lay a strong foundation for mutual collaboration in areas such as crime prevention, public safety, and smart surveillance infrastructure.
Fakudze noted that the partnership was key to the success of the ongoing Smart City Project, which includes the installation of high-tech surveillance cameras across strategic points in the city.
The National Commissioner of Police, Vusie Manoma Masango, expressed appreciation to the Council for its continued commitment to citizen safety. He assured attendees that REPS would intensify visibility and policing efforts within Mbabane, as part of the broader Safe City framework.
Masango was quoted as saying it was crucial for the capital to have well-coordinated safety mechanisms and municipal policing strategies. He highlighted that police patrols would be increased and supported by modern technology to ensure quicker response times and enhanced community protection.
The MoU outline several areas of cooperation including coordinated law enforcement operations, joint community safety programs, shared use of resources, and training for personnel from both parties. Officials stated that the agreement also sets out clear communication protocols and engagement frameworks to ensure effective service delivery.
According to the Municipal Council, the city’s transformation into a Smart City was already underway, with a central surveillance control room now operational at the Council’s offices. The surveillance system is expected to aid in crime detection and deterrence, while also enhancing traffic management and public order.
The signing of the MoU has been welcomed as a strategic move that aligns with national efforts to strengthen urban security and advance sustainable development in Eswatini’s capital. Both institutions affirmed their shared commitment to building a safer Mbabane through partnership, innovation, and community involvement.
