MBABANE – The Eswatini Local Government Conference got underway yesterday with discussions centred on the country’s unique system of governance and the push for deeper decentralisation.
Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, Day 1 of the gathering brought together local and international experts at a time when the country continues to explore how best to align its governance systems with constitutional aspirations and the concerns raised by citizens at Sibaya in 2023.
Chief Dambuza took the opportunity to caution against widespread misunderstanding of the Tinkhundla system, which he said continues to breed misinformation and public confusion. “When citizens lack proper information about this philosophical framework, it creates an injustice that affects the entire nation,” he warned.
Dr. Mathendele Dlamini shared historical context, referring to a 1955 commission (vusela) led by Mahlonjana, a British District Commissioner stationed in Mankayane. According to Dlamini, the commission’s feedback revealed that Emaswati preferred electing familiar and credible individuals, rejecting the idea of unknown campaigners. He likened this preference to the Swiss county system.
Mr. Mangomeni Ndzimandze weighed in on the origins of decentralisation in Eswatini, stating that the main objective was to drive infrastructure development. This led to the establishment of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, with war veterans appointed as the first Tindvuna Tetinkhundla to oversee the process. At the time, 22 Tinkhundla Centres had been set up.
Adding a continental perspective, Professor Kwamena Ahwoi of Ghana outlined the components needed for a successful governance model. These included a unified legal framework, participatory democracy at the local level, and a structure that carefully balances local autonomy with central oversight.
The conference continues today, with more engagements expected on the evolving role of local governance in Eswatini’s democratic journey.
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