Matsapha – The refurbished Asihlumisane banking hall, also known as Ekongeni House, was officially handed over to the Executive Board on Thursday following renovation and expansion work by IQ Projects.
The original Asihlumisane office was opened by His Majesty King Mswati III in 2013. The co-operative, affectionately known as Hluma, commissioned the renovations to improve facilities at the Correctional complex in Matsapha.
The hand-over ceremony was attended by HMCS Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini, members of the executive command, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Dorcas Dlamini, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade Melusi Masuku, Commissioner of Co-operative Development Russell Nxumalo, representatives from the Eswatini Association of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (ESASCCO), and the Hluma Executive Board.
Hluma Chairperson Manqoba Lukhele said the association now has 2,450 members and assets worth E184,478,000. He noted challenges with competition from other co-operatives and the issue of members leaving HMCS while still owing debts to Hluma.
During the ceremony, officials were taken on a tour of the new building, which includes multiple offices and soundproof cubicles for client privacy. The association plans to digitize most of its services for easier access. IQ Projects Director Kusa Simelane described the upgraded building as a first-class facility that other co-operatives can benchmark against.
Commissioner General Dlamini pledged full support to Hluma, urging the association to continue developing programmes that teach officers financial management, savings, and investment skills.
Justice Ministry PS Dorcas Dlamini applauded HMCS officers and encouraged board members to keep motivating staff to save and invest through Hluma. Commerce Ministry PS Melusi Masuku described the refurbished Ekongeni House as “a beacon of service, unity and progress” that reflects growth and commitment to service excellence.
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