11
MANZINI A CITY ON THE RISE
As the Kingdom of Eswatini joins millions across the world in celebrating His Majesty King Mswati III, the City of Manzini adds its voice to the chorus of goodwill, not only with warm birthday wishes, but with a compelling account of a city that has grown, evolved, and continues to serve as the nation’s economic and social heartbeat.
Manzini Municipality Chief Executive Officer Lungile Dlamini marked the occasion with a message of achievement, gratitude, and forward-looking determination, one that reflects the remarkable transformation of a city that has quietly become one of Southern Africa’s most dynamic urban centres.
From 16 000 to 120 000: A City That Grew With Its People
Perhaps the most striking indicator of Manzini’s growth is its population. In 1986, the city recorded a daytime population of approximately 16 000. Four decades later, that figure has soared to an estimated 120 000, a near eight-fold increase that speaks volumes about the city’s pull as a destination for commerce, industry, and opportunity.
“This growth in our population has gone hand-in-hand with the expansion of the city,” noted CEO Dlamini, reflecting on a period of sustained urban development that has tested and ultimately strengthened the institution’s capacity to plan, deliver, and govern effectively.
Since declared officially as a Municipality in 1992, Council has steadily built the technical and administrative muscle required to manage a rapidly expanding urban environment. Through strengthened town planning capacity, Manzini has been able to channel its growth rather than merely react to it.
Globally Aligned, Locally Focused
Manzini Municipality has not grown in isolation. CEO Dlamini emphasised the city’s deliberate effort to align itself with international development frameworks, including the New Urban Agenda and global climate agreements, ensuring that local governance decisions are informed by the best global thinking on sustainable urban development.
This global orientation has translated into tangible outcomes at home. The city has recorded significant improvements in infrastructure, expanded healthcare services to reach more residents, and undertaken targeted upgrades in informal settlements, initiatives that go to the heart of inclusive urban development.
Community engagement has been central to this process. The municipality has continued to strengthen community wall engagement initiatives and community improvement programmes, recognising that meaningful development is not done to communities, but with them.
The City of the Future: Digital, Investable, Inclusive
Looking ahead, CEO Dlamini outlined a bold and multi-pronged vision for Manzini’s next chapter. At its core is a commitment to digital transformation, modernising governance systems so that municipal services are faster, smarter, and more responsive to the evolving needs of residents and businesses alike.
“The city of the future that we are building is committed to strengthening governance through digital transformation and efficient systems,” the CEO affirmed. This vision positions Manzini not merely as an administrative centre, but as a well-planned investment city, one that is attractive to investors, hospitable to businesses, and competitive on a global stage.
Equally central to this vision is the fostering of strong partnerships, between the municipality, the private sector, and the community. CEO Dlamini was emphatic that inclusive growth requires all stakeholders pulling in the same direction. The municipality aims to remain competitive in global appreciation while keeping development firmly anchored in the lived experience of its residents.
Birthday Wishes to His Majesty
Against this backdrop of progress and ambition, CEO Lungile Dlamini extended sincere birthday wishes to His Majesty King Mswati III, acknowledging the pivotal role of Royal leadership in enabling Manzini and indeed all of Eswatini, to move forward with purpose.
“We are grateful for Your Majesty’s guidance and support, which has enabled us to continue serving residents effectively,” the CEO noted, before concluding with a heartfelt wish: “We wish Your Majesty continued good health, wisdom, and strength as you lead the nation towards prosperity. Bayethe Wena Waphakathi”
The Manzini Municipality serves as the administrative, commercial, and industrial hub of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and continues to be a driver of national economic growth.
About The Author
