THE development of local government legislation in Eswatini aims to ensure that every community member, whether in urban or rural areas, has a voice and equitable access to governance and public services.
This was shared by Acting Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla during the opening session of the Eswatini Local Government Conference held at the Esibayeni Lodge on Wednesday.
Dladla acknowledged that achieving this goal was challenging, as it involved altering existing governance structures and introducing new methods of service delivery.
She stressed the importance of gathering diverse ideas to navigate this transformation effectively.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to responsive governance, Dladla referenced the 2023 Sibaya, where citizens voiced the need for improved public service delivery.
She highlighted the government’s awareness of Chapter XIII of the Constitution, which mandates a unified local government system rooted in the Tinkhundla system.
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“This is not just a legal mandate but a promise to strengthen governance and bring services closer to every citizen, from rural communities to urban centers,” Dladla stated.
She further cited Section 58(2) of Chapter V of the Constitution, affirming that public affairs should be guided by the principle of decentralization and devolution of governmental functions and powers to the people at appropriate levels.
Dladla also referenced His Majesty King Mswati III’s directive (nkwe) to the government to act with urgency in addressing public concerns. In response, the government has prioritised the operationalisation of Chapter XIII through a proposed Bill, which is expected to become law in the coming months.
The conference continues today, focusing on strategies to implement a decentralised local government system that reflects Eswatini’s unique values and ensures inclusive and effective governance.
