EZULWINI MUNICIPALITY CHARTS SUSTAINABLE PATH FOR TOURISM-LED URBAN DEVELOPMENT

By Ntokozo Zwane

EZULWINI — Ezulwini Municipality has outlined a development agenda focused on strengthening service delivery, infrastructure, environmental management and local economic development as the town continues to consolidate its position as Eswatini’s tourism hub.

The priorities were presented during the Municipality’s Annual General Meeting held on Septemeber 29, 2026, where Council reflected on its 2025/26 performance and outlined key areas of focus for the next phase of development.

According to the Municipality’s annual report, good governance and effective service delivery remain central to its mandate, with Council providing strategic oversight while the administration implements programmes aimed at benefiting residents, businesses and visitors.

The Municipality’s long-term vision is to position Ezulwini as “a premium destination for tourism, innovation and quality living in Africa,” according to Chief Executive Officer Mathokoza Shongwe during the presentation of the annual report.

For a tourism-oriented town, the quality of municipal infrastructure and the urban environment forms an important part of the overall visitor experience. During the reporting period, the Municipality installed 85 solar-powered streetlights, upgraded approximately 300 metres of Buhleni Street and completed the Dr Stevens Road drainage and concrete-road project.

These projects are aimed at improving mobility, pedestrian safety, stormwater management and public safety while supporting the continued development of the town.

Environmental management also featured prominently in the Municipality’s performance. During the year under review, the Municipality collected 1 977.52 tonnes of waste, with recyclable materials recording an increase.

The annual report notes that higher volumes of recyclable waste during certain periods were associated with increased economic and tourism activity. This highlights the close relationship between a growing visitor economy and the need for effective waste collection, recycling and environmental management systems.

Public health and food safety were also identified as important components of maintaining a tourism-ready destination. During the reporting period, the Municipality issued 74 health-clearance certificates, conducted 70 routine inspections and graded 46 food establishments. The report recorded a 5% increase in A-graded outlets.

The Municipality also hosted a food safety and hygiene seminar that brought together stakeholders from the hospitality, food service and property management sectors, reinforcing the importance of maintaining health and safety standards across the town’s tourism and hospitality value chain.

Beyond infrastructure and regulation, Ezulwini Municipality continues to support local economic participation through its Local Economic Development programme. A total of 16 flea-market events were hosted during the reporting period, creating opportunities for informal traders while contributing to economic activity and attracting visitors into the town.

Youth entrepreneurship initiatives have also formed part of the Municipality’s efforts to promote local economic empowerment and encourage sustainable business development.

Looking ahead, implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) 2026–2031 is expected to guide the next phase of municipal development. Key priorities include sustainable infrastructure, economic development, environmental resilience, social inclusion and responsive municipal services.

The AGM highlighted the broader requirements of sustaining Ezulwini as a leading tourism destination. Beyond its attractions and hospitality establishments, the town’s competitiveness also depends on reliable infrastructure, effective municipal services, environmental management, public safety, planned urban growth and meaningful economic opportunities for the communities that form the foundation of the destination.