Residents, businesses and developers in Buhleni will now be required to comply with municipal regulations following the area’s official declaration as a town, a development that comes amid growing investment in commercial facilities, tourism and public services.
Buhleni has officially been declared a town in terms of Section 111 of the Urban Government Act, 1969, placing the declared area under the jurisdiction of the Buhleni Town Council and setting the stage for a more regulated approach to development. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development announced the declaration in a press release dated October 22, 2026, advising residents, businesses, developers and government institutions to engage the Buhleni Town Council before undertaking activities within the designated boundaries.
The declaration comes as Buhleni continues to experience developments that are expanding its commercial offering, improving access to services and strengthening its position as a destination for business and tourism in the eastern Hhohho Region. However, with the new status comes an obligation for those operating or planning to invest in the town to familiarise themselves with the laws governing urban development.
What the town status means for residents and businesses
Under the new arrangement, anyone intending to undertake building works within the declared area must apply to the Buhleni Town Council before construction begins.
All buildings and associated works are expected to comply with the Building Act, the Town Planning Act and their applicable regulations.
Businesses and commercial operators must also ensure their activities comply with the relevant requirements of the Town Planning, Building and Public Health Acts, alongside other applicable legislation. The ministry has urged individuals and institutions to consult the Town Council for guidance on the requirements applicable to their proposed activities.
The aim is to support orderly development, safeguard public health and ensure that construction and commercial activities meet the required municipal standards. For property owners, prospective investors and developers, the declaration makes engagement with the local authority an important consideration when planning new projects within the designated boundaries.
Buhleni’s changing commercial landscape
The declaration comes at a time when Buhleni has been experiencing a noticeable expansion in its commercial infrastructure, with new facilities adding to the services available to residents and visitors.
One of the town’s prominent developments is Buhleni Plaza, which has become a major gathering and commercial centre for the community. The plaza has introduced a range of retail and service outlets, including Shoprite, banks and eateries, bringing shopping and other essential services closer to residents. Another addition to the town’s service infrastructure is Mitra Filling Station. Its arrival has expanded fuel-service options in an area that previously had only one operating filling station, Galp. The Buhleni Police Station is also now operational, adding to the public services available in the town.
Tourism ambitions take shape
Beyond retail and public services, Buhleni is also positioning itself to attract visitors through tourism-related investment. The Buhleni Fun City development, also referred to as the Buhleni Open House Resort project, entails the development of tourist facilities in the eastern Hhohho Region.
The proposed offering comprises a theme park and hospitality facilities targeting both local and international tourists.
Tourism also has the potential to create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs as visitor numbers and associated spending increase. Buhleni is already associated with a major cultural event through the Buhleni Royal Residence, where the first leg of the annual Buganu Festival is held.
The festival attracts participants and visitors from across Eswatini and beyond its borders, placing the area on the cultural calendar and bringing activity to local businesses during the event.
A strategic location for business
Buhleni’s location also offers advantages for trade and movement. The town is approximately 27.4 kilometres from the Matsamo Border Post, giving it proximity to an important cross-border route. This positioning offers opportunities for businesses involved in retail, transport and the supply of goods and services to benefit from movement between Eswatini and neighbouring markets.
More development under municipal oversight
The declaration of Buhleni as a town establishes a formal municipal framework within the boundaries specified in the relevant government Gazette. For developers and business owners, this means that future projects must be planned with the applicable municipal requirements in mind.
