MALKERNS – Malkerns Town Council Mayor Bongani Mabuza has unveiled an ambitious vision to transform Malkerns into a model town for Eswatini, built on sustainable development, tourism, agriculture, technology, investment and community participation.
Speaking during a stakeholder breakfast meeting attended by residents, farmers, business leaders, community organisations and council officials, Mabuza said Malkerns was entering a new phase of growth and urbanisation that required careful planning and collective action. “As urbanisation grows, we must ensure that our growth is sustainable, inclusive and beneficial to future generations,” he said.
The mayor described Malkerns as uniquely positioned to become a destination for tourism, investment and quality living, citing its rich agricultural heritage, strategic location and growing economic opportunities. He said the council’s mission was to provide quality services, embrace technology and environmental stewardship, while creating opportunities for residents and businesses.
“Our objective is to build a town that is efficient, accessible, safe and environmentally responsible. We want to create an environment where businesses thrive, where innovation flourishes and where residents enjoy a high quality of life,” said Mabuza. He highlighted infrastructure development, waste management, digital transformation, environmental protection and investment promotion as some of the priorities that would shape the future of the town. The mayor called on residents, businesses and development partners to become active participants in the town’s transformation, saying development could only succeed through strong partnerships and shared responsibility. “We must work together to attract investment, create opportunities, protect our environment and improve the lives of current and future generations,” he said. The breakfast meeting then opened the floor for residents and stakeholders to contribute ideas and raise concerns regarding the future of Malkerns. Stakeholders welcomed recent improvements made along the D9 Road, noting that sections previously considered dangerous had been repaired, making travel safer and more convenient. However, participants challenged the council to make greater use of expertise available within the community.
“There is already an amazing amount of skill and knowledge within Malkerns. Engineers, planners and professionals live here. Council should engage local expertise and allow residents to contribute solutions to challenges facing the town,” it was noted. Participants also praised the meeting itself, saying it represented a welcome shift towards transparency and accountability. They observed that, in the past, residents often felt excluded from decision-making processes and were rarely given explanations for council decisions.
“What people want is communication. Even if they disagree with a decision, they appreciate understanding why it was made,” participants said.
Several participants stressed that Malkerns possessed a unique combination of agriculture, industry and residential development, making long-term planning essential. They urged the council to identify clear development goals and create a roadmap that balances economic growth with environmental protection and community wellbeing. Residents warned that increasing residential and commercial developments would place additional pressure on existing water infrastructure if long-term planning was not undertaken. Others highlighted the need for improved sewer systems and public infrastructure to support future growth. Responding to these concerns, council officials confirmed that engagements were already underway regarding public sewer and water provision.
Officials explained that engineers had identified water supply as a priority issue, particularly in light of the rapid development taking place within the town.
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Residents, community leaders, business representatives and Malkerns Town Council officials follow proceedings during a stakeholder breakfast meeting where the future development of the town was discussed. (Pics: Siphosethu Dlamini)