Africa-Press – Eswatini. The long-awaited transformation of Mankayane into a modern sporting hub has officially begun, as construction of the new world-class stadium—valued at E4 billion—gets underway.
The project marks a major milestone for the town and is set to position Mankayane as one of Eswatini’s emerging centres for sport, tourism and socioeconomic development.
The development was announced during the Mankayane Town Board Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Siyakhula Hall on Saturday, December 6, 2025. According to the board, the stadium will be constructed in phases, with the initial phase already in progress. For years, the existing Mankayane Sports Ground has served the community, primarily hosting football matches and significant national events, including His Majesty King Mswati III’s 56th Birthday Celebration in 2024. The new stadium promises to elevate the town’s sporting infrastructure to international standards.
In addition to the stadium, the Town Board revealed that it successfully attracted E10 million worth of investment into municipal properties in 2025. This achievement is highlighted in the 2025 performance report prepared by Mankayane Town Board Chief Executive Officer, David Madlopha, and presented during the AGM. The investments have strengthened the town’s capacity to develop infrastructure and improve service delivery.
Local media reports confirmed that the funds contributed to several developmental initiatives, including upgrading residential properties, enhancing service delivery systems, preparing saleable land, tarring roads, upgrading public toilets, and improving the town’s lighting network. These projects, according to the board, are part of a broader plan to modernise Mankayane and increase its appeal to investors, residents and tourists.
During the AGM, residents expressed both appreciation and concern. While acknowledging the ongoing developments, they urged the Town Council to prioritise the protection and rehabilitation of roads damaged by heavy rains. Waste management also emerged as a critical concern, with residents calling for a more efficient system to maintain cleanliness and environmental health. Another key request from the community was for the meaningful inclusion of young people in the town’s development programmes.
Responding to these concerns, Mankayane Mayor Bongani Dlamini assured residents that the council recognises the importance of youth participation. He emphasised that plans are already underway to incorporate young people into various development processes. The mayor encouraged the youth to stay engaged with town initiatives, noting that proactive involvement would create more opportunities for them to contribute and benefit.
Dlamini also urged young people to consider entrepreneurial ventures, explaining that a thriving business community would benefit the town’s economic growth. However, he cautioned that entrepreneurship should not be viewed merely as an escape from unemployment. He stressed that business requires patience, resilience and long-term commitment.
The ambitious stadium project, combined with ongoing infrastructural improvements and community engagement efforts, signals a new era for Mankayane. As construction advances, residents and stakeholders alike are optimistic that the town is on a promising path toward economic vibrancy, improved amenities and greater national significance.
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