Siteki – The Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Apollo Maphalala (MP), officially launched the Sunrise Civic Center, the iRise Business Hub, and the Siteki Business Directory at Mawala Hall yesterday. These projects represent a shift toward inclusive and sustainable urban development within the Siteki community.
The Minister was joined by high-level stakeholders, including Siteki Town Council Mayor Bongisipho Dlamini, EU Ambassador Eva Maria, COSPE Country Director Ayanda Sigudla, and AMICAALL Director Sibongile Simelane.
The initiative follows a year-long participatory process facilitated in partnership with COSPE. During the ceremony, Mayor Dlamini explained that the council prioritized community voices to determine the project’s direction. This engagement identified critical local needs for recreational facilities, employment opportunities, and essential health services.
Under the Youth Empowerment and Success (YES) Project, existing infrastructure has been repurposed to meet these demands:
- Mawala Hall: Transformed into the Sunrise Civic Center, a space for community recreation and personal growth.
- VCT Facility: Converted into the iRise Business Hub, providing digital tools and networking resources.
- Siteki Business Directory: Established to catalog and connect local enterprises.
Mayor Dlamini outlined that the new facilities operate on three core pillars. These include the promotion of safe spaces for personal development, the drive for economic empowerment through internet access and business networks, and the improvement of health through inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services.
Minister Maphalala praised this multi-faceted approach, specifically the focus on the town’s younger residents.
“I applaud the inclusive approach adopted, particularly the deliberate involvement of youth, school learners, and community groups in shaping the project,” the Minister stated.
Minister Maphalala commended the Siteki Town Council for its progressive leadership. He emphasized that sustainable solutions must be generated from within the community, with external partners acting as supporters to help scale these local ideas.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony led by the Minister. This act represented the beginning of a new chapter for Siteki, focused on growth and environmental sustainability.
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