By Mbono Mdluli
MATSAPHA – A new chapter is unfolding in Eswatini’s governance. Imagine a country where urban and rural communities work hand in hand, guided by a single, unified local government system. This vision is fast becoming reality.
This week, the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development launched the first-ever Eswatini Local Government Conference, a historic event taking place from June 4 to 6, 2025, at Esibayeni Lodge. Themed “Tinkhundla System of Government: One Country, One System of Local Government”, the conference is set to reshape the way local government functions in the kingdom.
Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini led the launch, bringing together an inspiring mix of leaders — including chiefs, mayors, and municipal representatives — from every corner of Eswatini. Their shared goal: to strengthen service delivery by eliminating the divide between rural and urban administrations.
This gathering marks a milestone in the implementation of Chapter XIII of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini. That chapter, which spans Sections 218 to 226, calls for the creation of a countrywide local government system rooted in the Tinkhundla model — one that is organized by service complexity, integrated across regions, and free from the traditional urban-rural divide.
At the heart of this movement is the desire to bring governance closer to the people. Through democratically established regional and sub-regional councils, communities will have a stronger voice in shaping their futures. It’s a practical, people-first approach that empowers citizens to take charge of their development — one council, one committee, and one community at a time.
With this unified system on the horizon, Eswatini is embracing a new era — where inclusivity, efficiency, and unity lead the way in local governance.
(Courtesy Pic)