BY MBONO MDLULI
MPAKENI – Shiselweni Regional Administrator (RA) Themba Masuku has issued a strong call to all chiefs and residents of the Shiselweni Region to unite in support of His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision for the development of the Mpakeni Dam and its associated agricultural and infrastructure projects.
Masuku made the remarks during a media briefing on Monday, October 13, 2025, following His Majesty’s visit and inspection of the Mpakeni Dam project site. The royal visit marked a major milestone for the region, symbolising not only the progress of the dam but also the King’s personal commitment to uplifting the lives of the people of Shiselweni through transformative development.
According to the Regional Administrator, the King’s visit was a powerful message of encouragement to both government officials and residents, reinforcing the importance of working together to ensure that the dam’s potential is fully realised.
“The King has shown us the way,” said Masuku. “It is now up to us as leaders and citizens of Shiselweni to unite behind this national vision. Chiefs must play a central role in mobilising their communities to ensure full participation and cooperation.”
A Project Beyond the Dam
Masuku emphasised that the King’s directive extends far beyond the physical construction of the dam. It represents a comprehensive development blueprint designed to boost the region’s agriculture, water management, infrastructure, and community welfare.
The RA revealed that the Mpakeni Dam project is expected to transform the southern region by providing a sustainable water source for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use, while also facilitating the growth of agribusinesses and supporting industries.
“The development we are about to witness in Shiselweni is historic,” Masuku said. “The Mpakeni Dam is not just about water storage — it is about food security, job creation, poverty reduction, and long-term sustainability for our people.”
He explained that once completed, the dam will support the establishment of large-scale irrigation schemes, allowing local farmers to expand production and contribute to national food security. In addition, the project will open up new opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship through agricultural value chains, small industries, and service businesses.
A First-of-Its-Kind Royal Project
Masuku noted that the Mpakeni Dam stands out among other national projects because of His Majesty’s exceptional involvement.
“This is arguably the only project in the country where the King cut the sod in 2023 and returned to tour it before it was officially opened,” he explained. “In other projects, His Majesty would cut the sod and return only for the official opening. In this project, the King has toured it midway and stated that he would be back next year.”
He said the King’s continued attention demonstrates the strategic importance of the Mpakeni Dam to the country’s overall development agenda, particularly in addressing rural transformation and improving the standard of living in the Shiselweni Region.
Call for Unity and Leadership
The RA further urged chiefs and local leaders to take the lead in educating and mobilising communities to align with the King’s development agenda. He underscored that the project’s success depends on collaboration between traditional leadership, government agencies, and residents.
“Traditional leaders are the custodians of our communities,” Masuku said. “They must help ensure that people understand the long-term benefits of this development and participate constructively at every stage. Our progress depends on unity, patience, and a shared vision.”
He added that the government is committed to ensuring fair and dignified resettlement for families affected by the dam’s construction. Infrastructure development — including access roads, bridges, and public facilities — is also part of the broader plan to ensure that surrounding areas benefit from the project’s growth.
Masuku also called for patience and cooperation from residents as various phases of the project continue. He said major undertakings like the Mpakeni Dam require time and coordination, and urged citizens to remain optimistic and engaged.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
The Mpakeni Dam project is part of Eswatini’s broader commitment to sustainable development and water security. Once completed, it will not only serve local communities but also contribute to national climate resilience strategies by ensuring consistent water availability in the face of changing weather patterns.
Experts have described the dam as a “game-changer” for Shiselweni — a region that has historically faced challenges related to water scarcity, drought, and limited agricultural infrastructure.
By transforming drylands into irrigated fields, the project is expected to revitalize rural livelihoods, reduce migration to urban areas, and strengthen Eswatini’s food systems.
Commitment to the King’s Vision
Masuku concluded his remarks by reaffirming the government’s dedication to fulfilling the King’s vision.
“The King has laid the foundation for sustainable development in Shiselweni,” he said. “It is our collective duty to ensure that his vision becomes a reality. Together, we can make Shiselweni a model of progress, productivity, and prosperity.”
The Mpakeni Dam is one of Eswatini’s flagship development projects, designed to deliver lasting socio-economic impact and align with the country’s goals under the National Development Plan and Vision 2022 extension framework.
As construction progresses and communities prepare to harness its benefits, the project stands as a symbol of hope — a testament to what unity, leadership, and royal guidance can achieve for the future of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
