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KING HANDS OVER E15M WORTH OF IMPLEMENTS TO MADLANGEMPISI COOPERATIVES

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi | 2025-02-27

IN a significant boost to local enterprises, His Majesty King Mswati III has handed over projects worth E15 million to 12 cooperatives under Madlangempisi Inkhundla, funded through the Regional Development Fund (RDF).

The initiative, which includes trucks, tractors, a feedlot, and an animal feed, is set to benefit approximately 1 600 Emaswati.

His Majesty commended the cooperatives for their professionalism and efficiency in accounting, highlighting one that disburses E44 million in annual dividends. “Emaswati are hardworking people, and I am pleased to see them making productive use of the RDF,” the king said.

He appreciated that other cooperatives from neighbouring constituencies decided to seize the opportunity and came to Madlangempisi to showcase some of the projects they have engaged in.

His Majesty said it was clear that Emaswati were taking advantage of the RDF. He said previously a lot of Emaswati relied on banks to kick-start their projects and that put them at a disadvantage because they had to pay back the money they borrowed with interest since banks are commercial entities.

He said unlike government, banks want their money back and a lot of Emaswati faced challenges where they had to repay these funds. He said a lot of people had been asking him for funding and that is when he decided thatthe RDF should be set up to assist Emaswati.

His Majesty said he was pleased that the RDF was changing the lives of Emaswati.
He said he hoped that the implements, which included trucks and tractors, would go a long way in changing the lives of the people of Madlangempisi and surrounding areas.

His Majesty stated that a lot of developed countries made it through the agro industry and was hoping that the same will happen in Eswatini. He said the first world countries started in agro industry and pushed for self-sufficiency.

His Majesty said as first world countries move from high tech to artificial intelligence, Eswatini must not be left behind.

The recipients expressed gratitude for the support, saying the equipment would improve their productivity and expand their businesses. One of the cooperative members Mduduzi Mdluli, stated, “This is a game-changer for us.

“The tractors will help us transport our produce more efficiently, reducing operational costs.”
His Majesty emphasised that the success of the fund depends on proper management and transparency.

“The ability of cooperatives to produce substantial dividends proves that with discipline and accountability, development projects can succeed,” he noted.

...launches elderly housing initiative

His Majesty King Mswati III has unveiled an ambitious plan to build decent homes for the elderly across Eswatini, starting with the construction of 10 houses in Madlangempisi.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve the living conditions of senior citizens, many of whom lack adequate shelter.

Speaking at Madlangempisi Inkhundla, the king emphasised the importance of ensuring that the elderly Emaswati live dignified lives. “We must take care of our elders and provide them with comfortable homes. This project will begin here in Madlangempisi and expand across all the country’s constituencies,” he said.

While the first phase is focused on Madlangempisi, plans are already in motion to identify and assist vulnerable elderly citizens in other constituencies. His Majesty urged local leaders to ensure that the programme reaches those most in need.

“We need the cooperation of community leaders to identify deserving beneficiaries so that this programme has the greatest impact,” he said.

His Majesty stated that the elderly sometimes find themselves staying in dilapidated structures, which expose them to many different illnesses. He said it was for that reason that there should be start-ups whereby the elderly would be taken care of through getting houses where they can stay.

He said life was tough and some people needed assistance, hence it was important to come up with plans to assist them.

His Majesty said this project would cover the country’s different constituencies.
He said elders from the different chiefdoms would be responsible for identifying those in need.

Multimillion Buhleni Fun City a game changer

The Hhohho region is set to be a game changer for domestic and international tourism.
This is because a fun city which will have all amenities for a getaway holiday or fun time is near completion.

The project which started a few years ago, boasts chalets, a campsite, conference room and restaurant, among other amenities.

The city which not only promises to boost tourism and put Eswatini on the world map but will also provide employment opportunities for Emaswati is located on the outskirts of the fast growing Buhleni town. His Majesty was taken on a tour of the place yesterday.

He was told the place had already created employment opportunities for over 80 people and the number is growing to over 310.

Buhleni town has been designed to blend with the environment, offering tranquillity for visitors.
blending the place with the environment was disclosed by His Majesty during an earlier tour.
The idea has also enabled local women to get employment opportunities as they offered their skills in thatching grass.

The king was informed that Buhleni Fun City is about supporting locals. The management of the place disclosed that so far E15 million had been spent on material which was mostly procured from locals.

Let us be self employed

His Majesty King Mswati III has encouraged Emaswati not to depend on looking for employment but learn to be self-employed as he knew Emaswati to be hard working people.

His Majesty stated that it is clear that the set up cooperatives are doing well as it can be seen through the dividends. He said if in the rural areas there were cooperatives that have made dividends of E44 million and paid taxes of E6 million, it was clear that Eswatini was headed for the first world.

He said he was glad the youth would learn that the work done by co-operatives could change their lives.

His Majesty also assured the people of Madlangempisi that government will work hard to ensure that they have access to clean water.

New Buhleni complex coming

His Majesty king Mswati III also visited Buhleni, where he toured the site of a new shopping complex, set to feature major retailers like Boxer and KFC.

The project, spearheaded by former Shiselweni regional administrator Peter Mamba, has already created 42 jobs, with an expected workforce of over 80 upon completion.

His Majesty praised Mamba’s entrepreneurial journey, stating, “I have seen him grow from trucking businesses to large-scale commercial project. “I wish him continued success.” The king urged other entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities that come with urbaniSation. “As

Madlangempisi becomes a town, we need more local businesses to step up and contribute to its development,” he said.

Madlangempisi declared a town

In a historic declaration, His Majesty King Mswati III has officially proclaimed Madlangempisi as a town, marking a new era of urban growth and economic opportunities for the area.

The announcement made during his visit to the Inkhundla, was met with excitement from local residents and leaders.

“Madlangempisi has shown remarkable development over the years and this transformation into a town will accelerate further progress,” His Majesty said.

He emphasised that the move would attract more investment and improve service delivery.
His Majesty reminisced that not so long ago Madlangempisi was just a dusty road and remarked how the town had developed with a lot of infrastructure taking shape and offering a lot of services.

“It is clear that Madlangempisi is now a town.
We can now declare Madlangempisi a town,” His Majesty stated, to loud cheers from the crowd.
He said as towns grew, they needed planners who would ensure the infrastructure was up to international standards.

He said even in developed countries, they started small and now they had skyscrapers.
The king said the same would happen with Eswatini.

The king said he believed in Emaswati and had confidence that Madlangempisi would one day have skyscrapers.

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