By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is embarking on a journey to improve the country’s valuation industry.
Yesterday, Principal Secretary Ms. Lindiwe Mbingo, represented by the Principal Planning Officer Xolile Nxumalo, officially opened a workshop to present and discuss the key aspects of the revolutionary Property Valuation Bill 2025. According to the Ministry, the workshop’s objective was to deepen understanding of how the Bill will impact valuation professionals and various stakeholders, including property owners, investors, and the government, within the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Aligned with the ambitious vision of the “Nkwe” Policy Statement and National Development Plan, the Property Valuation Bill 2025 represents a bold step towards establishing a more robust and transparent real estate market in Eswatini.
Real estate has proven to be a pillar of economic strength, consistently contributing 10–20 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the Kingdom of eswati’i. Spanning residential, commercial, and industrial markets, this vital sector is an indispensable catalyst for economic stability and development. Furthermore, real estate generates significant revenue for local governments through property taxes and rates, highlighting its extensive influence on society.
“Today, we embark on an essential journey towards enhancing the performance and credibility of the valuation industry. The Ministry, in its commitment to excellence and transparency, has crafted a draft Property Valuation Bill, which we are honored to present to you for review and feedback. As the first group to engage with the Bill, we seek your thoughtful input and insights. Feel free to raise any concerns or propose ideas that will improve the effectiveness of this legislation. We encourage you to nominate one or two members from your ranks to collaborate with our team in refining the Bill as we seek to expedite its progress through Parliament,” Nxumalo said.
In conclusion, the Acting PS shared valuable insights for the valuation industry: “The Sectional Title Act of 2018 presents a unique opportunity for Eswatini’s real estate market, and the valuation industry must rise to the occasion by developing expertise in the assessment of these new interests. Furthermore, I strongly encourage the formation of a valuation association, which would serve as a vital platform for knowledge sharing and the cultivation of constructive relationships with stakeholders,” she said.
