A Reminder To Property Owners: Pay Your Property Rates on Time
…Municipality kick-starts legal process against rates defaulters
The Municipal Council of Manzini wishes to remind all property owners, including those with vacant plots, developed properties and urban farms, within the Manzini urban area of the critical importance of paying property taxes (also known as rates) on time. Despite regular reminders, the Municipality has observed that some property owners consistently fail to meet this legal obligation, which has led to an unavoidable action. These property owners have been handed over to the Municipality’s debt collectors. Some of them have already been published in the media and given a two-month window to settle their outstanding balances. Failure to do so will result in the Municipality approaching the Courts of Law, in accordance with the Rating Act, 1995, to seek court orders against the indebted properties. The Municipality emphasises that timely payment of property rates is essential for ensuring continued delivery of services within the city. Non-payment of rates and user fees directly impacts the quality of services provided to the city. To make payment convenient, the Municipality offers a range of payment methods, including:
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) – available through all banks in Eswatini
- *440# USSD Code – for easy payments and balance inquiries
- Eswatini MTN Mobile Money
- Eswatini Mobile e-Mali
- Debit/credit card swiping
- Debit order arrangements
- Cash payments at the Rates Hall
For convenience, the Rates Hall is open even on Saturdays from 8am to 12noon in order to accommodate those who cannot visit during weekdays. Property owners are also urged to update their contact details with the Municipality for ease of communication. “Know Your Customer” forms are available at the Municipality’s Finance Department and can also be emailed upon request. The Municipality expresses appreciation to all property owners that have paid their rates in full or have made payment arrangements with the Collector of Rates. Their prompt payment has enabled the Municipality to provide essential services and maintain a thriving city for all. For more information or clarity, the Collector of Rates can be contacted on df@manzinicity.co.sz. Enquiries can also be sent through the Municipality’s official WhatsApp line (7808 2333/7908 2333) or by email info@manzinicity.co.sz.
…CITY CENTRE WASTE COLLECTION REMINDER
…Municipality imposes fines against placement of waste earlier than 4pm
The Municipal Council of Manzini wishes to remind all businesses and residents in the city centre that waste should be placed on the streets for collection not earlier than 4pm on a daily basis. The Municipality would like to emphasise that it is an offence to place waste on the streets in the city centre before this time. Waste collection in the city centre takes place daily in the evenings, including on public holidays. To ensure compliance, the Municipality imposes fines on those who do not adhere to the stipulated 4pm waste placement time. All city centre business establishments and residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines, not only to avoid penalties but also to help keep the city’s environment clean and pleasant. On another note, large retail businesses such as Riverstone Mall, Manzini Lifestyle Centre, Bhunu Mall, Boxer Superstores and The Hub are reminded that waste collection at these establishments occurs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. This is specifically for waste generated within these establishments.
…INTRODUCING THE MUNICIPALITY’S PEOPLE-CENTRED TEAM
Following the publication of the Municipal Council of Manzini’s people-centred executive management team in the last edition of the Manzini City News column, we are pleased to introduce the next group of dedicated individuals who support the executive team in ensuring the successful implementation of all strategic objectives and decisions. These hardworking managers play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the Municipality. We encourage citizens to familiarise themselves with their roles and feel free to contact them for assistance whenever needed. Please note that, due to space constraints, additional members of the management team will be featured in the next edition.
- Mr Bonginkosi Simelane
- Public Works & Projects Engineer
- pwpe@manzinicity.co.sz
He supports the Director of Technical Services in the design and supervision of capital projects, management of the Municipality’s building inspectorate team, management of traffic and public transportation in the city as well as management and leasing of Council facilities.
- Mr Malusi Dlamini
- Maintenance Engineer
- Me@manzinicity.co.sz
He supports the Director of Technical Services in the maintenance of the city’s road infrastructure, city lighting, traffic lights, vegetation overgrowth removal on road reserves and public open spaces including cemeteries, construction and maintenance of the Municipality’s building infrastructure as well as ensuring that the Municipality’s fleet is always in a good running condition.
- Ms Tive Nxumalo
- Acting Chief Planning Officer
- nxumalo@manzinicity.co.sz
She supports the Director of Community Services in the city’s spatial planning, management of the informal business sector, upgrading of informal settlements, community development, outdoor advertising, city tourism, city’s youth coordination, community social cohesion activities and the city’s local economic development.
- Mr Musa Sibandze
- Chief Health Inspector
- chi@manzinicity.co.sz
He supports the Director of Community Services in the city’s integrated waste management, keeping the city’s streets and public open spaces clean, management of the municipal laboratory, management of the municipality’s filter clinic and autism centre, coordination of the city’s health inspections, management of the municipal pound, management of the city’s public toilet facilities and management of the municipal abattoir services.
- Mr Mathokoza Thwala
- Community & Customer Engagement Manager
- ccem@manzinicity.co.sz
He supports the Director of Community Services in community engagements, building and maintenance of relationships with external stakeholders, provision of support to the city’s vulnerable groups, provision of citizen social welfare services as well as coordination of community sport and recreation.
- Ms Fikile Mkhonta
- Human Resources Manager
- hrm@manzinicity.co.sz
She supports the Director of Corporate Services in the area of employee recruitment, staff development, employee performance management, coordination of the Municipality’s employee wellness programme as well as coordination of the Municipality’s employee occupational health and safety.
- Mr Banele Tsela
- Secretariat Manager
- sm@manzinicity.co.sz
He supports the Director of Corporate Services in the coordination of legal matters relating to the Municipality, provision of legal advice to Council and management team as well as management of the Municipality’s registry services.
- Ms Thabile Ndlovu
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator
- ndlovu@manzinicity.co.sz
She supports the Director of Corporate Services in ensuring that DEIB is mainstreamed in the service delivery machinery of the Municipality. She also ensures inclusivity in all stakeholder engagements.
- Mr Mduduzi Dlamini
- Financial Accountant
- fa@manzinicity.co.sz
He supports the Director of Finance with the supervision of income, expenditure and stores personnel, preparation of budgets and expenditure control, preparation of management accounts and other financial reports, ensuring effective payroll management, developing financial policies and procedures, ensuring tax compliance and coordination of financial audits.
- Mr Richard Dlamini
- Business Development Manager
- bdm@manzinicity.co.sz
He supports the Chief Executive Officer in the spheres of business development, development of strategic local economic development initiatives, strategic tourism initiatives, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and stakeholder management, research and development, resource mobilisation and project management.
- Ms Anita Nkambule
- Procurement Specialist
- ps@manzinicity.co.sz
She supports the Chief Executive Officer in the coordination of strategic sourcing initiatives, advisory on public procurement legislation, best practices and policy development.