Africa-Press – Eswatini. The people of Kukhanyeni Inkhundla in the Manzini Region were in high spirits on Friday (October 31, 2026) as His Majesty King Mswati III officially commissioned the E400 million Moneni–Luve road paving project, marking a major milestone in the kingdom’s ongoing infrastructure development drive.
The colourful event, held at the Kukhanyeni Inkhundla Centre, drew hundreds of excited residents, traditional leaders, school children, government officials, and members of the royal family. The project, which forms part of the country’s broader rural development and road connectivity programme, is expected to transform transportation and economic activity in the region once complete.
First Phase of a Broader Development Plan
In his keynote address, His Majesty revealed that the Moneni–Luve road represents the first phase of a long-term plan to tar roads connecting communities across Zombodze and Mbekelweni. He emphasised that improved road networks remain a key priority for the government, as they enhance access to markets, schools, health centres, and other essential services.
“We are breaking new ground today with the Moneni–Luve road,” His Majesty said. “This first phase will open opportunities for trade and development. As studies continue, we expect subsequent phases to connect more communities, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.”
The King expressed confidence that the project, estimated at E400 million, would be implemented efficiently and according to schedule. He further reminded the audience that development is a shared responsibility, calling on communities to safeguard infrastructure and work together in maintaining the new facilities once completed.
Empowering Communities Through Resources
In addition to commissioning the road project, His Majesty also handed over machinery, vehicles, and tools worth approximately E60 million to help residents initiate and sustain income-generating projects under the Regional Development Fund (RDF).
Among the items distributed were tractors, trucks, Toyota Quantum kombis, TLBs, and a bus, all intended to help communities engage in agriculture, transport, and small-scale business activities.
“These machines will empower the people of Kukhanyeni to be self-reliant and productive,” the King stated. “They are not just gifts, but tools for economic transformation.”
He further encouraged the Inkhundla to explore innovative building solutions and to adopt modern, vertical construction methods, which make better use of limited land space. The King also announced that ten houses will be built for elderly and destitute citizens within Kukhanyeni as part of ongoing efforts to support vulnerable groups.
“We must ensure that even our elderly live in dignity,” he said. “Development should touch every life and every household.”
A Day of Celebration and Culture
The day’s programme began shortly before 3:00 p.m. when Tinkhundla Administration and Development Principal Secretary Nonhlanhla Dlamini urged attendees to take their seats in preparation for His Majesty’s arrival. Moments later, the Royal convoy made its entrance, followed by members of the Royal Family, Emakhosikati, and the King’s security chiefs, setting the tone for a festive afternoon.
Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, who served as programme director, opened the ceremony by introducing various performances. The Kukhanyeni High School choir led the crowd in singing the national anthem before performing a special song dedicated to the King, praising his leadership and commitment to national development.
Following this, Sanele Fakudze from Mayiwane performed a song titled Nkwe, which Minister Dlamini explained carries a message encouraging unity and hard work among citizens.
The Kukhanyeni Drum Majorettes then took centre stage, dazzling the audience with a 10-minute performance that blended local and contemporary music styles, including Gqom and Amapiano. The boys’ team, dressed in black shirts and trousers paired with white gloves and sneakers, set the stage before the girls’ team, adorned in colourful blue, red, and white dresses, continued with energetic routines set to international hits such as Live Your Life by Rihanna and T.I.
Showcasing Local Talent and Innovation
Performances from local schools added emotional depth to the celebration. Kukhanyeni Primary School presented a heartfelt poem thanking His Majesty for his continued efforts in developing rural areas. A young poet from the same school moved the audience—and even some of the royal praise singers—with her eloquence and confidence.
Students from Kukhanyeni High School also showcased their cultural prowess through Ingadla and Sibhaca dances under the theme “Halala,” which celebrated progress and unity. The Lutsango from Kukhanyeni Inkhundla later performed traditional songs that resonated deeply with the audience, wrapping up the cultural segment of the programme.
During the formal proceedings, Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini shared an inspiring story about Kukhanyeni High School learners who had developed a technological device enabling farmers to operate remotely. The innovation, created under the Junior Achievement Eswatini programme, has earned the students a chance to represent Eswatini at an upcoming international competition in Nigeria.
The King applauded the learners’ ingenuity, saying it demonstrated that Eswatini’s youth are capable of competing on the global stage.
“Our young people are our future,” His Majesty said. “Through innovation and technology, they are already shaping the Eswatini we want to see.”
Hope and Gratitude
The event concluded with a closing address from His Majesty, who expressed gratitude to the residents of Kukhanyeni for their warm welcome and the gifts presented to him. He reiterated his vision of inclusive development, where rural communities receive the same level of infrastructure and opportunity as urban centres.
“When we next return to open this road, we hope to see more progress at the Kukhanyeni Inkhundla Centre,” the King said, hinting at future development projects for the area.
The king was then given an opportunity to inspect the materials and some other gifts prepared for him, like cattle. As the royal convoy departed, the air was filled with song, ululations, and cheers from residents who described the day as one of the most memorable in the history of Kukhanyeni.
The E400 million Moneni–Luve road, once completed, is expected to stand as a symbol of His Majesty’s commitment to connecting the nation—literally and figuratively—through development that leaves no community behind.
Summary: How the Kukhanyeni Event Unfolded
Event: Commissioning of the E400 Million Moneni–Luve Road Project
Date: Friday, October 31, 2025
Venue: Kukhanyeni Inkhundla Centre
Guest of Honour: His Majesty King Mswati III
Pre-Arrival Activities
2:45 p.m. – Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Nonhlanhla Dlamini, urged residents and guests to move inside the arena in readiness for His Majesty’s arrival.
The venue was filled with hundreds of residents, traditional authorities, schoolchildren, and dignitaries from nearby chiefdoms.
Royal Arrival
2:50 p.m. – Emakhosikati (Queens) to His Majesty arrived and were seated.
The Royal convoy followed shortly after, accompanied by senior security chiefs.
3:00 p.m. – His Majesty King Mswati III arrived to thunderous applause and jubilation from residents waving flags and singing traditional praises.
Official Proceedings
Programme Director: Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini.
Opening: The event began with the singing of the National Anthem, led by Kukhanyeni High School learners, followed by a song hailing the King’s leadership and commitment to development.
Entertainment Segment 1:
Sanele Fakudze from Mayiwane performed a motivational song titled Nkwe, encouraging hard work and unity.
Kukhanyeni Drum Majorettes performed a lively 10-minute dance routine to Gqom and Amapiano beats.
Boys wore black trousers, black shirts, white gloves, and neckties.
Girls wore short red, blue, and white dresses with matching fur hats and white shoes, dancing to Live Your Life by Rihanna and T.I.
Cultural and School Performances
Kukhanyeni Primary School presented a heartfelt poem thanking the King for spearheading local development.
A young learner from the school rendered an individual poem that earned admiration for her eloquence and passion.
Kukhanyeni High School’s Ummiso group performed Ingadla under the theme Halala, followed by a powerful Sibhaca performance lasting about 10 minutes.
Lutsango from Kukhanyeni Inkhundla performed traditional songs and dances from 4:00 p.m. to 4:10 p.m.
Innovation Showcase
Minister Dlamini informed the King that Kukhanyeni High School students had designed a technological farming device that allows farmers to operate remotely.
The project was developed through Junior Achievement Eswatini, and the students will represent Eswatini at a competition in Nigeria.
The King commended the learners, saying their innovation reflected Eswatini’s growing potential in technology and youth entrepreneurship.
Keynote Address by His Majesty (4:15 p.m. to 4:30pm)
His Majesty officially commissioned the E400 million Moneni–Luve road as the first phase of a larger infrastructure programme.
He announced that subsequent phases would extend through Zombodze and Mbekelweni, with feasibility studies already underway.
The King noted that the project aims to improve connectivity, boost economic activity, and ease travel between communities.
He also handed over equipment and vehicles worth E60 million, including:
Tractors
Trucks
TLBs (tractor-loader-backhoes)
Toyota Quantum kombis
A bus
The machinery will support income-generating projects under the Regional Development Fund (RDF).
His Majesty encouraged communities to embrace modern multi-storey construction to conserve land.
He also announced the construction of 10 houses for elderly and destitute residents in Kukhanyeni.
The King thanked residents for their hospitality and gifts, urging them to continue supporting national development programmes.
Closing Moments
The crowd responded with cheers, ululations, and traditional songs of appreciation.
The King departed amid continued celebrations and cultural displays.
Residents described the day as “historic” and a turning point for Kukhanyeni’s development.
Summary of Key Outcomes
E400 million Moneni–Luve road project commissioned (Phase 1).
E60 million worth of machinery and vehicles handed over for community projects.
10 houses pledged for elderly and destitute citizens.
Local innovation project by Kukhanyeni learners recognized internationally.
Strengthened call for modern construction and land-saving initiatives. Renewed government and royal commitment to rural development.
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