As published by the Times of Eswatini, Business Desk, on yesterday’s publication, the First National Bank Eswatini (FNB) recently convened its inaugural Property Indaba, bringing together key players across the property value chain to improve collaboration and the homeownership journey for emaSwati.
What truly stood out was the lived experience of property professionals who were in the room, engaging directly with bankers, valuers, developers and regulators on issues they grapple with daily in the field.
For many, the Indaba was a rare opportunity to move beyond siloed operations and confront hard truths affecting transactions, turnaround times and customer confidence.
Opening the session, Mncedzi Ngomane, FNB Executive Head of Retail, emphasised that advancing homeownership requires coordinated action across the entire ecosystem. “Driving inclusion in homeownership requires more than innovative products; it requires strong collaboration across the property value chain. As we continue to support young professionals and low-income earners through solutions like Sicalo Home Loan, we are equally focused on strengthening partnerships with conveyancers, real estate professionals and the Deeds Office to improve process efficiency. Together, we can make the journey to homeownership seamless for emaSwati,” he said.
Paris Dlamini, Home Loans Lead at FNB welcomed the diverse contributions made during the session and reaffirmed FNB Eswatini’s commitment to operational efficiency and customer-centric innovation. “Innovation in property finance is driven by collaboration. This Indaba allows us to refine our internal processes based on the real-world feedback from those on the ground. At FNB Eswatini, we see ourselves as more than just a lender; we are a partner in the homeownership journey, ensuring that our solutions like the Sicalo Home Loan provide real, accessible help. Our goal is to reduce the friction in the property buying process. When we align with evaluators and estate agents, we significantly reduce the turnaround time for the customer,” he concluded.
Equally significant was the emphasis on ethics, governance and role clarity within the industry. The dialogue exposed gaps in regulation and raised concerns around conflicts of interest, reinforcing the need for clearer frameworks if the sector is to mature and earn public trust.
Above all, the Indaba was experienced as a space for honest engagement, where differing perspectives were not only aired but interrogated, with a shared understanding that a smoother, more transparent property market ultimately benefits the end customer.
What some property experts had to say
Principal at Seeff Eswatini – Anthony McGuire: “I would first like to commend FNB for taking this very forward-thinking step in terms of bringing together all the stakeholders in the property value chain. It was an interesting opportunity that allowed all stakeholders to engage in discussions and understand the challenges each of us faces in our respective roles within the value chain.
“What was most apparent and probably needs the most in-depth engagement was the disparity between developers’ views on the cost of decent construction and valuers’ perspectives. Overall, it was an extremely positive event and a great opportunity for engagement. One particularly interesting aspect was how FNB is looking to replicate the way buyers are prequalified in South Africa, where clients can approach us as brokers with prequalification certificates, already knowing the purchase price they qualify for. This allows us to offer products that better suit their needs. As brokers, we are also working in partnership with the banks to streamline processes and improve the overall customer experience. By working together, we make the process more efficient, less daunting for clients and ultimately achieve quicker turnaround times on home loan applications.
“I really commend FNB for being forward-thinking and for providing a platform for constructive debate and solution-driven thinking. I look forward to further engagement and future Indabas involving our colleagues in the property sector.”
Sales Real Estate Specialist at RE/MAX Eswatini – Refiloe Gama: “We would like to sincerely thank First National Bank (FNB) for hosting such a meaningful and insightful Property Indaba. It clearly demonstrates the bank’s commitment to delivering excellent service and strengthening relationships within the real estate industry.
Platforms like these allow key industry players to better understand one another, align our objectives and ultimately commit to one common goal, assisting our clients in achieving successful property acquisition while improving turnaround times.
Ethics, which has been a significant concern within the industry, was thoroughly addressed at every level. We appreciate FNB’s strong commitment to ensuring integrity and professionalism are upheld.
As a Board member of the Eswatini Real Estate Association (ESWARA), we remain fully committed to protecting our clients and upholding the highest ethical standards in all our dealings.
We truly appreciate that this initiative was requested and that FNB created space for this important discussion. Collaboration like this strengthens our industry and benefits the clients we serve.”
Principal Property Practitioner at MGI-PRO – Musa Nhleko: “The FNB Real Estate Indaba hosted by First National Bank Eswatini was a timely and necessary engagement for our property sector. It created a rare platform where bankers, developers, valuers and real estate agents could openly confront the structural issues affecting the market.
A major theme was property value and the tension between development costs and market-based valuation. The discussions were robust but constructive, highlighting how misalignment affects financing, feasibility and overall transaction activity.
Importantly, the absence of formal real estate agent regulation became evident during the dialogue. It was clear that without a regulatory framework, some valuers are both evaluating and selling properties. To us as agents, this presents a significant conflict of interest and raises governance concerns that must be addressed if the industry is to mature and gain public trust.
Overall, the Indaba was a strong step towards transparency and accountability, underscoring the urgent need for clearer role separation within Eswatini’s real estate ecosystem.”
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