Manzini Mayor’s Festive Season Message
As we approach the end of the year 2024, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to all residents, business community and all other stakeholders for their continued support and collaborative efforts throughout the year. Together, we have worked towards advancing the Municipality’s mandate and I am proud of the strides we have made in enhancing the well-being of our city. I would also like to express my profound appreciation to His Majesty’s Government for their continuous guidance and support in the development of the City of Manzini. Above all, we thank God Almighty for keeping our city and its citizens safe and prosperous throughout the year.
The festive season is a time for reflection, unity and joy as we gather with loved ones to celebrate and recharge for the year ahead. As we enjoy the festive holidays, let us also extend compassion and generosity to those less fortunate; ensuring they also experience a joyful Christmas.
As we close the chapter on the year 2024, this is a fitting moment to reflect on the Municipality’s journey, celebrate our successes and learn from our experiences to move forward with renewed purpose into the new year. Allow me to share a brief overview of the Municipality’s journey over the year 2024;
- Engagement of City Communities and Stakeholders
We began the year 2024 with robust community and stakeholder consultations as part of our public participatory planning approach of involving all stakeholders to chart the future development trajectory of the city towards 2030 and beyond. We were encouraged and inspired by the interests shown by the communities and key stakeholders to participate in the development planning process for the city whereby over 800 stakeholders made inputs about the desired future of Manzini. As a result of the stakeholders’ inputs, we managed to develop the city’s 2024-2030 Integrated Development Plan to guide the development of Manzini towards 2030 and beyond.
- Tourism Activation
In an endeavor to grow the tourism sector in the city, the Municipality partnered with different stakeholders to implement various activation events in the city. The tourism sector was identified as one of the key areas to stimulate the city’s economic growth through creating job and business opportunities. We managed to partner with Hyena Motorcycle Club to host the Manzini City-Imphisi Rally which attracted over 500 bikers from the SADC region. We further partnered with Eswatini Cycling Association to host the cyclists participating in the Border-to-Border Cycling Tour. These cyclists consist of local and international participants who were given a comprehensive presentation on the city’s exciting tourist attraction sites. The tourism event was attended by local businesses and residents who got to experience the cycling sport.
- Hosting of 2024 Eswatini International Trade Fair
As a Municipality, we are grateful to be the host city of the Eswatini International Trade Fair on a yearly basis. During the 2024 International Trade Fair, we welcomed thousands of traders, exhibitors, customers, tourists and general members of the public whom all created an economic buzz in and around the city. We were pleased to receive over 500 visitors to our exhibition stand whereby developmental, business opportunities and service delivery information was deliberated upon with stakeholders. As a Municipality, we continue to be honored and humbled by His Majesty King Mswati III always making it a point to grace our Trade Fair Stand and the city at large. Bayethe Wena Waphakathi!
- Hosting of Annual General Meeting (AGM)
As part of good corporate governance practice, we managed to host the 2023/24 Annual General Meeting which had an attendance of over 70 different stakeholders. This is one of the important meetings of the Municipality whereby we meet with all stakeholder representatives to give an account on the performance of the Municipality. We further presented our financial statements as audited by our external audit firm which gave an unqualified audit opinion.
- Business Support Initiatives
In an endeavor to provide support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the city, the Municipality continued to implement various business support initiatives in the city. Six flea markets were hosted in the year; both in the Central Business District (CBD) and townships. These were open to individual entrepreneurs, MSMEs and larger enterprises. The flea markets availed trading and marketing opportunities for over 500 businesses and individuals who participated. The Municipality further hosted a business forum at the Mavuso Trade Centre whereby close to 100 business representatives participated. The seminar was meant for knowledge and information sharing on the use of ICT solutions to grow businesses and improve customer service.
- Crime Prevention Initiatives
In an effort to protect citizens and the city during the festive season, crime prevention initiatives were implemented. These included installation of CCTV cameras in the city, including along Mancishane Street, Main Bus Rank, President Centre and the Manzini Main Market. The Municipality also engaged a private security company by the name of Gridlock Security. The Municipality further collaborated with the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and Community Police for the ‘Kwesha Phara Initiative’ which is being implemented to combat increasing criminal activities such as youth gangsterism, noise disturbances and unauthorised drinking spots around the city. Furthermore, the Municipality managed to partner with the Ministry of Health in a “Tobacco Free Day” at the Main Bus Rank, sensitising members of the public against smoking tobacco as well as the repercussions of smoking in public and enforcement of the law.
Festive Season Safety Precautionary Measures!
While this is a time for celebration, I would like to encourage our citizens and visitors to celebrate with responsibility and exercise respect and patience for one another to ensure a safe, harmonious and joyful festive season in the city. May I also take a moment to remind everyone about some of the safety precautionary measures to observe during the festive season;
- Drinking and Driving
For the safety of all road users, motorists are reminded that drinking and driving is illegal and stakeholders are advised to abide by the law. Those who may find themselves pressed with the need to be on the road after imbibing are encouraged to seek the services of taxis and or find a sober driver for assistance. For a planned outing, it is always advisable to allocate a designated sober driver or arrange alternative transportation to get home safely; such as carpooling, etc.
- Cybercrime
Be cautious when shopping, whether online or in-store. For online purchases, use secure websites and avoid sharing personal information on public networks. When shopping in person, be mindful of your surroundings and never leave bags or valuables unattended. We would also like to kindly caution parents to protect minors and supervise their use of the internet.
- Traveling & Safety
With more people going out shopping or traveling, home break-ins can increase during the holidays. Make sure your home is well lit and secure. Consider using timers for lights or ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your property. Whether you are traveling near or far, be sure to plan ahead. Check your vehicle’s tyres, brakes and fluid levels; and always have an emergency kit. If you’re driving long distances, take breaks to avoid fatigue.
- Loud Music and Fire Works
Loud music and uncontrolled fireworks explosions are a nuisance as they cause noise pollution and can be a hazard and inconvenience to people and pets. We would like to plead with all citizens to be considerate and exercise caution when using these entertainment equipment.
- Municipality Festive Closure
Please note that the Municipality will be taking a festive break on Thursday 19th December 2024, at 12noon, and normal business will resume at 8am on the 6th January 2025. Limited (essential) services such as waste collection, health inspections, burial services, pound services, filter clinic and Rates Hall services will be provided (normal office hours) during this period. You are encouraged to make use of the Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000) or WhatsApp (7808 2333/7908 2333/7966 4951) for purposes of reporting municipal service faults, road maintenance, noise, stray animals, burning of waste and other service delivery issues. Alternatively, you may use our social media platforms (Municipal Council of Manzini).
On behalf of the Municipal Council of Manzini, I would like to take this moment to wish all citizens of our city, residents and all other stakeholders a peaceful and joyous festive season, a merry Christmas and a safe and exciting transition into the year 2025.
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His Worship Councillor G.Z. Dlamini
Mayor of the City of Manzini
