CITY GEARS UP FOR 40TH JUBILEE CLEAN-UP

With the Kingdom of Eswatini on the cusp of one of its most momentous celebrations in decades, the Manzini Municipal Council is stepping up to ensure that the country’s largest commercial city shines as brightly as the occasion demands. On April 22, 2026, residents, volunteers, and civic stakeholders will join forces for a large-scale clean-up exercise stretching from Ka-Khoza to Moneni, a powerful, visible response to the national call issued by the Eswatini Environment Authority.

A Nation Preparing to Shine

The clean-up initiative forms part of the broader national preparations to honour King Mswati III on the occasion of his 58th Birthday and the 40th Anniversary of his Reign, a milestone referred to as the Ruby Jubilee. As the nation readies itself to receive international dignitaries, tourists, and well-wishers from across the world, government agencies and local authorities alike have rallied around a singular message: present Eswatini at its very finest.

The EEA’s Executive Director, Gcina Dladla, set the tone with a direct and passionate address to the nation under the banner of the Clean Eswatini: A National Call to Pride and Responsibility campaign. Delivered on behalf of the Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta Simelane, the statement called on every liSwati to take personal responsibility for their surroundings, declaring that cleanliness is a hallmark of the Swati people, a cultural pride to be upheld and strengthened.

Manzini Takes Charge

The Manzini Municipal Council has moved quickly to translate that national call into concrete community action. The clean-up drive, scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, commencing at 8:30am, will cover the stretch along Ngwane and Nkoseluhlaza streets, from Ka-Khoza through to Moneni, key arterial routes that bear daily witness to the pulse of Manzini city life. Bags and gloves will be provided for all participants.

According to Phumlani Matse, the municipality is partnering with the Eswatini Environment Authority and a number of stakeholders to ensure the success of the campaign. “We are partnering with EEA, and others have indicated that they will be coming through,” he said. Confirmed partners include the International Lions Club, BSA, Good News Church, Worship Centre Church, and Mpolonjeni Alliance Church.

A Clean City Is a Tourism Asset

From a travel and tourism standpoint, the significance of this clean-up cannot be overstated. Manzini, as the country’s commercial heartbeat and a major transit hub for visitors, plays a central role in shaping first impressions of Eswatini. A clean, well-maintained city sends a powerful signal to incoming tourists, travel writers, and potential investors that Eswatini is not only a destination of cultural richness, but also one of civic pride and environmental consciousness.

As the Ruby Jubilee draws visitors from across the Southern African region and beyond, the streets of Manzini will serve as one of the kingdom’s most visible calling cards. The council’s proactive response to the EEA’s call is a reminder that responsible tourism starts with the communities that host it.

How to Get Involved

Members of the public who wish to participate in the Manzini 40th Jubilee Celebration Clean-Up are encouraged to turn up on the day. Bags and gloves will be supplied by the organisers.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 22 April 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30am
📍 Location: Ka-Khoza to Moneni (Ngwane & Nkoseluhlaza Streets)
📞 Contact: +268 78082333 / 79082333