A Heartfelt Appreciation TO The Municipality’s Stakeholders, Customers and Employees
As the nation celebrates Customer Service Week, the Municipal Council of Manzini is filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of her stakeholders, customers and employees. The Municipality’s ongoing success is built on collaboration, dedication and a shared vision for the future of the beloved and vibrant city. Stakeholders and customers’ trust and active participation in city’s development have been pivotal to achievement of the growth strides that have been realised so far. Whether through partnerships in infrastructure projects, community initiatives or policy advocacy, the contributions from stakeholders and customers have helped the Municipality create a city that is not only vibrant and modern but also inclusive and sustainable. The Municipality appreciates the consistent engagement and belief in her ability to shape a better future together. Stakeholder and customer feedback has been invaluable and helped guide the Municipality as she strove to enhance the quality of life for every citizen. To the hardworking employees, both frontline and non-frontline, the Municipality extends her deepest thanks. The frontline staff, who are the face of the Municipality’s services, consistently demonstrate professionalism and care in serving the public.
The Municipality makes it a point to capacitate her employees through regular customer care training in order to ensure any gaps are covered. Behind the scenes, the non-frontline employees work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations, making it possible for the Municipality to meet the ever-changing needs of the city. The employees’ dedication to providing excellent customer service year-round is a testament to their commitment to the Municipality’s shared mission. Working together with both internal and external stakeholders, the Municipality has laid a strong foundation for continued growth and improvement. Looking into the future, the Municipality is confident that the ongoing collaboration will lead to even greater achievements for our city. Thank you for the unwavering support and partnership. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter, more prosperous future for all. Stakeholders and customers are encouraged to continue making use of the various service platforms available within the Municipality, some of which have been improved to enhance customer and stakeholder experience. Service improvements in recent years include the following;
- Convenient Rates Payment Options
One of the standout initiatives is the introduction of multiple bank accounts with all major local banks, such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, First National Bank, Eswatini Bank and Swaziland Building Society. This move has made it easier for residents to pay rates and service charges, reducing the need for physical visits to the Rates Hall and minimising queuing time. Ratepayers can now fulfill their financial obligations with increased convenience, improving their overall experience. The Municipality has also embraced technology, introducing a USSD code (*440#) that allows customers to check their rates balances, make payments and interact with the Municipality through their mobile devices. This shift towards digital engagement ensures that residents can manage their accounts easily and efficiently. Additionally, alternative payment platforms with local mobile telephony companies such as MTN Eswatini’s MoMo and Eswatini Mobile’s e-Mali offer residents flexibility in how they make payments. On another note, the Municipality offers alternative payment methods, including debit orders with local banks and monthly installment forms. For those who prefer in-person transactions, the Municipality now offers point-of-sale (POS) payment options (debit/credit card swiping), ensuring that ratepayers can complete payments at the Rates Hall without needing cash. The Municipality has also upgraded her accounting system, improving its compatibility with local banking systems and setting the stage for future online payment options. As a result, as opposed to doing so only at the beginning of the financial year, monthly bulk statements are now sent via email, enhancing transparency and ensuring that residents are well-informed about their accounts.
- Innovation in Health Clearance Certificates Processing
To streamline health inspections, the Municipality has introduced an innovative app (application) that automatically generates inspection reports within three working days. This enables for urgent health related issues in food and non-food establishments to be addressed on the same day.
- Electronic Submission of Building Applications
A pilot programme for electronic submission of building plans has been launched, making the approval process faster and more efficient.
- Paperless Communication with Stakeholders
The Municipality is gradually introducing a shift from hardcopy mail from stakeholders and instead encouraging stakeholder communication through the email. A dedicated and centralized email (info@manzinicity.co.sz) has been set up for seamless communication with stakeholders. This approach aligns with the Municipality’s newly adopted Environmental Management Standard. Citizens also have an option to communicate with the Municipality through its official WhatsApp line (7808 2333/7908 2333) or a 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000).
- Reduction in Night Response Team’s Turnaround Times
The Municipality is gradually improving her response time on customer complaints in relation to noise during night time. It would previously take up to an hour for the Municipality’s Night Response Team to reach the site in response to noise reports. However, the processes have been strengthened, resulting in the response time being reduced to between 30 and 40 minutes. Residents are encouraged to continue reporting noise pollution from neighbours by dialling 800 2004/2505 7000 any time of the day or night.
…WORLD HABITAT DAY: ENGAGING YOUTH TO CREATE A BETTER URBAN FUTURE
Monday, 7th October 2024, was World Habitat Day under the theme “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future”. The Municipality would like to state that she recognizes the dynamic contributions of the city’s young people in shaping the future of the vibrant city. As an African developing city, Manzini faces unique challenges in urban planning, infrastructure and sustainability, however, the youth has consistently demonstrated resilience and innovation in overcoming these hurdles. Through the Municipality’s collaborations with youth partners such as the Manzini Youth Chamber of Commerce, young people of the city are already engaging towards initiatives that can make them contribute towards the city’s development in areas such as digital transformation. Their involvement in community clean-up initiatives and tree-planting programmes reflects their deep commitment to building a more livable, sustainable and inclusive city for all. As the city forges ahead, the Municipality urges the youth of Manzini city to continue playing an active role in city development. Their ideas and energy are essential in crafting a future where the city’s communities thrive. The youth is encouraged to continue participating in the Municipality’s stakeholder engagement forums, volunteer in community projects and innovate solutions that address the evolving needs of the urban landscape.
…IT’S BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH. PLEASE GET YOURSELF SCREENED
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Municipal Council of Manzini urges all residents to prioritise their health by getting themselves screened for breast cancer. Early detection is vital and regular screenings, including self-examinations and clinical check-ups, can help detect the disease at an early, more treatable stage. Several healthcare facilities in the City of Manzini offer screening services and the Municipality encourages citizens, women and men, to go for screening. The Municipality’s Filter Clinic (located within the civic centre) also offers such services on Tuesdays.
…2025/2026 BUDGET NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION
Stakeholders and the general members of the public are hereby notified that the Annual Budget Estimates of the Municipal Council of Manzini have been passed and are open for inspection free of charge at the Municipality’s reception desk. This opportunity is open for a period of seven working days between 8am and 4:45pm; starting from today. This is in accordance with Section 91 (2) of the Urban Government Act. No. 8 of 1969.
