Municipality Appeals For Citizen Support Against Cable Theft, Vandalism, Illegal Dumping
The Municipal Council of Manzini appeals for support from citizens of the city against illegal activities taking place in the City of Manzini such as cable theft, vandalism of infrastructure, illegal dumping of waste, illegal parking of vehicles and illegal use of the city’s rivers and streams. These illegal activities negatively affect citizen health, safety, cleanliness and infrastructural stability of the city. The best way to render support to the Municipality is by citizens always reporting people that are seen engaging in illegal activities.
- Cable Theft
The Municipality has noted a rise in cable theft in the city, plunging homes and entire communities into darkness for prolonged periods. This applies to both overhead and underground electricity cables. Absence of power poses serious safety concerns for humans and property. Residents are encouraged to immediately report suspicious activity to the Royal Eswatini Police Service through their toll-free line (999 or 9999) so that immediate action can be taken. Alternatively, they are urged to contact the Municipality through her 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000) or her official WhatsApp lines (7808 2333/7908 2333).
- Vandalism of City Lighting Infrastructure
The Municipality has noted with concern a rise in vandalism of high mast lights. Theft of inspection covers has become rampant in the city, exposing live electrical wires. This exposes residents, including children, to the risk of electrocution. It also increases chances of short circuits and power failures during rainy conditions. The Municipality appeals to citizens to report any suspicious behaviour in relation to city lighting infrastructure.
- Disposal of Waste in Storm Water Drains
The Municipality has noted with concern incidents whereby waste, particularly garden waste, gets to be dumped in storm water drains. This illegal practice clogs stormwater drainages, resulting in property flooding and damage to road infrastructure during heavy rains. The Municipality reminds residents to utilise available special waste disposal services that are offered by the Municipality, such as the skip bin service, instead of resorting to dumping on storm water drains. The Municipality can be contacted on 2508 5000 to book a skip bin. A service fee of E100 per skip bin load is applicable.
- Illegal Parking of Haulage Trucks
The Municipality has observed a growing trend whereby residents park their heavy haulage trucks and trailers on roadsides, walkways and public open spaces. This illegal behaviour is common in the neighbourhoods and along the periphery of the Central Business District (CBD). It endangers motorists and pedestrians; and also compromises the structural integrity of roads and walkways. Some owners of these heavy haulage trucks also utilise these areas as makeshift motor mechanic garages, conducting mechanical repairs on-site. Oil spillages from these repairs flow into nearby water bodies including rivers and streams, causing environmental harm and road surface degradation. Owners of such trucks are urged to desist from this illegal practice and secure appropriate parking spaces for their vehicles. A city-wide inspection exercise will soon be conducted and offenders will face heavy fines.
- Bathing in Rivers and Streams
The Municipality discourages bathing and washing of clothes in rivers and streams due to several environmental and public health reasons such as water pollution, health hazards and ecosystem disruption. Citizens are urged to immediately report anyone seen bathing or washing clothes in the city’s rivers and streams, including mentally ill people, through the Municipality’s 24/7 Call Centre (800 2004/2505 7000) or her official WhatsApp lines (7808 2333/7908 2333) so that immediate action can be taken. Soaps and detergents can pollute water. These substances can also harm aquatic life. Moreover, bathing in rivers and streams can contaminate the water with bacteria, viruses and parasites. This increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and skin infections for people who may be using the river or stream as a source of consumption water downstream.
MANZINI CITY INFORMAL TRADERS ENCOURAGED TO TAP INTO EXPORT MARKETS
The Municipal Council of Manzini aspires for the city’s informal traders to tap into the export markets. A lot of products are produced by the city’s informal traders, particularly handicraft, however, the current market focus is predominantly local. In partnership with Fair and Square (formerly known as SWIFT), the Municipality last week gathered over 30 handicraft informal traders from the Manzini Main Market for an interactive and capacity-building session whose focus was digital transformation and inclusive economic growth. This formed part of the celebration of 2025 World Fair Trade Day which was themed “Be the Voice of the #BusinessRevolution!”. World Fair Trade Day, officially celebrated on the 10th of May each year, is a global initiative that champions equitable trade and acknowledges the critical role played by primary producers in the global economy. The capacity-building session was specifically designed to support informal traders in key areas such as banking, branding, market access and transportation. The craftspeople were guided through a dynamic exploration of branding; learning how to define and develop their unique brand identity, enhance product quality and effectively position themselves in the local and global market.
The goal was to help traders create strong, recognisable brands that can compete both locally and internationally. Eswatini Bank showcased digital financial tools including the bank’s Shesha App, available loan products and bank account options that can help unlock the business potential of informal traders. Meanwhile, the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) encouraged the informal traders to utilise the Buy Eswatini online platform to market and export their goods globally. On the other hand, DHL Eswatini provided practical guidance on how to ship products to international markets, leveraging their streamlined logistics solutions. Adding a personal and motivational touch to the day, a local entrepreneur shared their success story, offering a tangible example of how informal traders could utilise services offered by Fair and Square to realise business aspirations. Informal traders were encouraged to challenge their business growth limitations by embracing innovation. A follow-up session will be conducted to review progress, assess knowledge retention and support the continued application of the strategies learnt. The Municipality remains committed to creating opportunities for inclusive local economic development.
NEW MAYOR FOR CITY OF MANZINI
Manzini residents, the business sector and all other stakeholders are notified that the new Mayor for the City of Manzini is His Worship Councillor Wesley Dlamini. Dlamini is also a Councillor responsible for Ward 6 (Woodmasters) in the city. He succeeds former Mayor, Councillor Goodwill Dlamini, who had performed the mayoral role for a year. This follows a Council inaugural meeting wherein Councillor Nozipho Dlamini-Gamedze, who is also Councillor for Ward 11 (Extension 7) was also elected the city’s Deputy Mayor. Meanwhile, Ward 4 Councillor, Xolani Masuku, retained his position as Chairperson for the Finance, Audit and Administration Committee. Councillor Masuku is deputised by Ward 7 Councillor, Khanyisile Mamba, while wards 2 and 8 Councillors, Sikhumbuzo Ngcamphalala and Wandile Mazibuko are members of the committee.
- Mayor – His Worship Councillor Wesley Dlamini
- Deputy Mayor – Councillor Nozipho Dlamini-Gamedze
Finance, Audit and Administration Committee:
- Chairperson – Councillor Xolani Masuku
- Vice Chairperson – Councillor Khanyisile Mamba
- Member – Councillor Sikhumbuzo Ngcamphalala
- Member – Councillor Wandile Mazibuko
