Africa-Press – Eswatini. The town of Matsapha is valued at E5.9 billion
This transpired on June 10, 2025 at the Matsapha Town Council offices during the Scoping Meeting by the Windhoek City Council on Matsapha Town Council. The town value was revealed by Matsapha Town Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lucky Sukati when he made a presentation on the background of the town, in front of the councillors from Namibia’s capital Windhoek and other cities such as Manzini.
Specific financial value
– Total town value: E5 927 230 000
– Asset value: E72 737 768.83
– Economic contribution: E216 139 180
Location and Geographic Significance
The impressive value of the town can be attributed to various strengths that the urban area has, which can sometimes not be found in other towns or cities of the country.
– Located at the center of Eswatini
– Main Road 3 (MR 3) passes through the town
Industrial and Economic Characteristics
– Officially declared an industrial town
– Attracts numerous factories and investors
– Focuses on creating proper worker accommodation
– Opportunities for new industries
– Access to railways and Matsapha International Airport
– Home to the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP)
Population and Demographics
– Daytime population: Over 45,000 people
– Nighttime population: Over 10,000
– More than 720 formal businesses
Ward Breakdown
Six wards with specific characteristics:
– Ward 1: Includes Matsapha International Airport, Tubungu, Esibayeni Lodge
– Ward 2: Contains Steel & Wire, RSTP, Clover, Matsapha Correctional Centre
– Ward 3: Includes Police Academy, Army Barracks, Mshayazafe, Mobeni
– Ward 4: Features Logico, Conco, Shoprite, Post Office
– Ward 5: Has Railway, YKK, Mashayitafula, Fire Station, Police Station
– Ward 6: Includes Mahhala, Matsapha Inn, Standard Bank, FNB
Cultural and Administrative Insights
Councillors from Namibia appreciated the presentation given by Sukati. They liked the fact that the town was busy and people were earning their living. Councillor Austin Kwenani said even though Eswatini was considered a small country, there was no such feeling for a person inside the country.
However, the councillors wanted to know how land was administered in the country. They also wanted to know how Eswatini was able to maintain its cultural heritage over centuries, which has proven to be one of Eswatini’s wealth.
In response, Eswatini councillors and local government experts, including Manzini Mayor Wesley Dlamini and Sukati gave insightful responses to their Namibian counterparts.
Land Tenure System:
Title Deed Land (TDL) in urban areas. This land is obtained through buying from a local government, such as a town or city council. It can be bought by an individual or an organisation. Land in urban areas can be further divided into commercial, industrial, residential, and recreational areas.
Eswatini Nation Land (ENL) in rural chiefdoms. They are obtained by approaching authorities, such as a chief. Land is usually obtained by presenting a cow (or an equivalent monetary value) to the chief, on behalf of Umphakatsi, which is an organisation headed by a chief, meant to ensure harmonious stay by residents, among other responsibilities
Private farms. They are usually bought by individual organisations from the Deeds Office, which is under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
Cultural Preservation:
– Maintained through:
– Single tribal identity. Emaswati are one nation that speaks one language and are basically related to one another.
– Common language. SiSwati is the local language that is spoken. English is another official language, which was adopted to enable communication with people from other parts of the world.
– Cultural events: Cultural events are celebrated with an intention to encourage Emaswati to preserve their culture to keep their identity intact. Each of the cultural activities are dedicated to groups of people within the Eswatini population.
– Umhlanga (for young unmarried girls)
– Buganu (for married women)
– Incwala (for married men)
– Lusekwane (for young unmarried boys)
Diplomatic Engagement
– Namibian councillors visited Matsapha
– Discussed land administration and cultural preservation
– Invited to attend Umhlanga ceremony in August/September
The article presents Matsapha as a strategically important, economically vibrant town with rich cultural heritage and significant potential for growth and development.
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