BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MATSAPHA– The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Appolo Maphalala, has pledged continued government support to newly elected mayors across the country while encouraging them to embrace strong leadership and management skills to drive development in their respective towns.
Speaking during a meeting with mayors at Matsapha Town Council on Monday, June 22,2026 in Maphalala officially welcomed the newly elected municipal leaders following the May 2026 local government elections and congratulated them on earning the confidence of their communities.
The Minister commended local authorities for conducting peaceful elections and successfully embracing new innovations introduced during the electoral process. He described the elections as a demonstration of Eswatini’s growing democratic maturity at local government level.
He urged the mayors to continuously strengthen their leadership and management capabilities in order to execute their responsibilities diligently and effectively. He further encouraged them to seek guidance whenever faced with challenges, assuring them that the ministry remains committed to supporting local government authorities in delivering quality services to residents.
To strengthen collaboration between government and municipalities, the Minister proposed that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development meet with mayors and town clerks at least twice annually to discuss challenges, share ideas and develop solutions aimed at improving service delivery and urban development.
Responding on behalf of the mayors, Matsapha Mayor Councillor Lindiwe Dlamini thanked the ministry for its commitment to the welfare and success of mayors. She assured the Minister that local government leaders would work tirelessly to serve their communities and contribute to national development.
The meeting comes following the May 2026 annual internal council elections, which ushered in municipal leadership across the country’s urban centres. In Mbabane, Councillor Thulani Mkhonto retained the mayoral position, while Councillor Xolani Masuku was elected Mayor of Manzini after a closely contested race. Other mayors include Councillor Mfanufikile Dlamini (Matsapha), Councillor Sipho Shongwe (Piggs Peak), Councillor Buyisakuthula Matsenjwa (Siteki) and Councillor Sicelo “Smiling” Msibi (Nhlangano).
The engagement is expected to strengthen cooperation between central government and local authorities as they work together to advance urban development, improve municipal services and enhance the quality of life for citizens across Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
