During the meeting, stakeholders engaged with the council in a wide-ranging dialogue on governance, infrastructure, and service delivery.<\/p>\n
The council presented its annual performance report and audited financial statements, inviting the public to offer feedback and suggestions.<\/p>\n
Several key issues dominated discussions, including road safety near schools, where an increase in child-related traffic incidents has sparked concern among parents.<\/p>\n Stakeholders called for the installation of more pedestrian crossings, warning signs, and traffic officers during school hours.<\/p>\n Crime was another major concern, with residents urging for enhanced police visibility and lighting in high-risk areas. Reports of robberies, break-ins, and drug-related crimes have unsettled several neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n \u201cWe cannot talk about development without safety,\u201d said a community member. \u201cOur children and businesses need protection from criminal activity.\u201d Concerns were also raised over the sale of expired or improperly stored food in some retail outlets. Community members urged the council to publicly name and penalize offending businesses to deter health risks.<\/p>\n \u201cConsumers deserve protection,\u201d said one resident. \u201cThose selling expired goods should be exposed, not hidden.\u201d The council promised to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to restore safety and accountability in the area. Participants also called for the construction of a multi-purpose community hall that could host educational workshops, youth activities, and cultural events.<\/p>\n Mayor and council officials pledged to review the proposals and intensify cooperation between local government and citizens. Council officials said feedback from the public would guide future planning, budgeting, and urban development priorities aimed at making Manzini a safer, cleaner, and more inclusive city.<\/p>\n \u201cOur vision is a responsive city that listens,\u201d said a council spokesperson. \u201cThe AGM is not just a formality it is where residents shape the future of Manzini with their voices.\u201d<\/p>\n As the meeting concluded, one sentiment echoed among attendees: Her Majesty Indlovukazi\u2019s compassion continues to inspire civic responsibility and unity, reminding Eswatini\u2019s citizens that nation-building begins with love for one another.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Thokozani Mazibuko Her Majesty Indlovukazi has been lauded by Manzini residents and market vendors for her enduring…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5539,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,22,24,25,26],"tags":[46,73,49,58],"class_list":["post-5534","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-africa","category-eswatini-daily-news","category-future","category-national","category-swaziland","tag-africa","tag-eswatini","tag-human-interest","tag-national","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/genesisekucalenimedia.com\/edn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/PAGE-3-Her-Majesty-the-Indlovukazi.jpg\")
Public health and infrastructure under scrutiny<\/strong>
Participants also pointed to worsening road conditions, potholes, and neglected parks as indicators of infrastructural decline. Some residents said abandoned public spaces had become gathering spots for vandals and illegal dumpers.<\/p>\n
Golf course turns crime hotspot<\/strong>
One recurring complaint involved the Manzini golf course area, which residents described as a growing hotspot for criminal activities, including robberies and the illegal slaughter of livestock.<\/p>\n
Progress recognised amid challenges<\/strong>
Despite the grievances, residents commended the council for positive community-oriented initiatives, particularly the Mayor\u2019s Cup, a local football tournament credited with reducing youth idleness and promoting unity.<\/p>\n
A spirit of dialogue and accountability<\/strong>
The AGM showed a renewed commitment to transparency, with the Municipal Council emphasizing its goal to maintain open channels of communication with residents.<\/p>\n