MBABANE – Traffic police officers stationed at the Malagwane Cooling Station were publicly commended yesterday by Business Eswatini (BE) for their courage in reducing road accidents.
They were praised for safeguarding lives along one of the country’s most hazardous stretch of road.
During a brief yet poignant ceremony at the cooling station in Mbabane, BE Chief Executive Officer Nathi Dlamini, representing over 90 per cent of the private sector, lauded the police for their ‘quiet courage and commitment’ in ensuring road safety along the Malagwane Hill.
“For over 100 years, Business Eswatini has been the voice of the private sector, representing 22 sectors from agriculture to logistics. Today, we stand here not to talk business, but to say a heartfelt and slightly overdue ‘thank you’ to the national commissioner and the Royal Eswatini Police Service,” Dlamini stated.
Dlamini highlighted the dramatic decline in road accidents since the cooling station’s inception in 2019 as clear evidence of its positive impact. “The numbers don’t lie – accidents along Malagwane stretch have dropped considerably. That’s not just a statistic; that’s lives saved, goods delivered safely and families who get to welcome their loved ones home,” he emphasised.
He further acknowledged the station’s role in supporting the private sector, particularly transporters and retailers, whose operations rely on safe passage between Mbabane and Manzini.
“Every time a driver can safely pull over, rest and cool down their vehicles, it ensures not just their safety, but everyone else’s on that stretch,” Dlamini explained. He stressed that the safety of roads like Malagwane is critical for business continuity.
“From transporters whose trucks now arrive without incident to retailers whose shelves stay stocked, the cooling station has made a real difference. Your work does not go unnoticed,” he told the officers.
Dlamini concluded with a pledge to continue supporting collaborative initiatives that link safety with economic development. “To our stakeholders at REPS, this partnership is one we treasure. You are vital to business continuity, family safety and, indeed, to the nation’s growth,” he affirmed, adding that the initiative was not merely about reducing statistics, but protecting lives and livelihoods.
“Every life saved on this hill is a life that continues to contribute to their family and to the economy. That is why we are here today.”
Southern Star pledges support, empowers women drivers
MBABANE - The ceremony also became a platform for a major industry pledge.
Southern Star, one of the country’s logistics companies, announced a groundbreaking initiative to empower women in the trucking industry.
Wayne Lovendale, representing the company, revealed that Southern Star would train and empower 50 local female drivers into heavy-duty driving.
“Currently, we have 16 female truck drivers out of over 100 and we want to grow that number significantly. We believe in breaking barriers and creating opportunities,” Lovendale said.
In addition to the empowerment programme, Lovendale pledged to support the Malagwane Cooling Station with advanced traffic lighting. “We want to enhance the station’s efficiency and effectiveness to keep this vital corridor safe,” he added.
This commitment was welcomed by both Business Eswatini and the Royal Eswatini Police Service, who noted that private sector investment in safety infrastructure would strengthen national road safety initiatives.
Cooling Station born from tragedy
MBABANE - National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police Vusi Manoma Masango expressed gratitude to Business Eswatini (BE) for recognising the efforts of the traffic police.
“We are rarely appreciated for the work we do daily. To see the private sector take time to honour us is encouraging,” he said.
Masango explained that the cooling station is one of the key recommendations, following the tragic 2014 Malagwane accident that claimed 24 lives and involved multiple vehicles.
“A commission of inquiry was established and one of the findings was that traffic police must be seen actively addressing road accidents, especially those involving heavy trucks. This cooling station was born out of that recommendation,” he stated.
The NATCOM revealed that traffic officers stationed at the site engage truck drivers daily, particularly those from outside Eswatini, who may be unfamiliar with the steep descent. “We guide them on how to safely navigate the hill. It’s a simple intervention that has saved lives,” Masango noted.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service got appreciated for its role in reducing road accidents and safeguarding lives along one of the country’s most notorious stretches of road. (Pic: Courtesy)