Mbabane – The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Municipal Council of Mbabane and the city’s Tinkhundla remains operational despite Mbabane West MP Jane Mkhonta-Simelane refusing to sign it, with the constituency’s Indvuna Yenkhundla having signed the agreement.
The issue was raised by Mbabane West residents during the council’s Annual Meeting on September 18, 2026, at eMafini Country Lodge, where they questioned what was happening with the MoU and whether the disagreement was slowing development in their area.
The residents said they could see progress in Mbabane East and wanted clarity on why similar progress was not being seen in Mbabane West.
Mayor Thulani Mkhonto said the MoU had been signed and was working, indicating that Mkhonta-Simelane’s refusal to sign had not stopped the agreement from being implemented.
The MoU brings together the Municipal Council of Mbabane, Mbabane East Inkhundla and Mbabane West Inkhundla to coordinate urban development and service delivery.
The agreement was signed at the Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane in April 2026. The Mbabane West Indvuna Yenkhundla signed on behalf of the Inkhundla, while Mkhonta-Simelane left the ceremony without signing.
Mkhonta-Simelane had said she understood the gathering to be a consultative meeting rather than a formal signing ceremony. She also raised concerns that she and her constituents had not been adequately consulted on the contents of the MoU.
The disagreement has since raised questions among residents about whether the absence of the MP’s signature has affected cooperation and development in Mbabane West.
However, Mkhonto maintained that the agreement was in place and operational.
The issue was discussed as the municipality presented its Annual Report and audited financial statements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026.
The council reported 31 per cent implementation of its Integrated Development Plan against a 20 per cent target, alongside 90 per cent organisational performance during the 2025/26 financial year.
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