Manzini
Manzini
Manzini City is the largest urban center and commercial hub of Eswatini (Swaziland)
Introduction
The Municipal Council of Manzini, located in the heart of Eswatini, serves as the nation’s commercial and industrial hub. Strategically positioned along major road and rail networks, the city connects Eswatini to regional markets and neighboring countries. Known as “The Hub of Eswatini,” Manzini is a leader in municipal governance and sustainable urban management, committed to delivering quality services and fostering community development.
The Council prioritizes innovation, accountability, and inclusive service delivery, ensuring that residents and stakeholders benefit from efficient and transparent governance. As Eswatini’s second-largest urban center, Manzini plays a key role in economic growth, providing a stable environment that attracts business, investment, and trade.
Manzini has an estimated population of around 110 137 people (2025), with an average household size of 3.7 persons. The Council continues to strengthen its capacity as a central urban authority, mentoring surrounding communities and driving regional development through effective planning and service excellence.
Stories of change
Sithembile Ndlangamandla - Swaziland
Sithembile attended all of the stages of the entrepreneurship programme and was one of the most active participants during the training. She shared her "IÀ story with the group and had a small business of her own, operating it from her house. When she spoke she emphasised the tendency of women to be financially dependent on their spouses and this perpetuates gender violence at household level. She stresses that women should be empowered to be their own bosses.Go to: Find out moreElderness Ntshalintshali - Swaziland
Make Elderness (affectionately known as Make E) is a farmer from Mancubeni area in Mankayane which is in the Manzini region. Mancubeni is in the Highveld which boasts mountains and rivers and rich fertile soils. The climate also favours crop production and animal husbandry because there is plenty of rainfall in the region in summer. Her land is situated next to a stream which she uses to draw water for watering her farm during the winter season. Make E plants her vegetables and crops throughout the year. Her farm is easily accessible by foot or by vehicleGo to: Find out moreManzini leads by Example in Gender Programming
The Municipal Council of Manziniâ??s gender mainstreaming programme is still at its formative years. Most activities done are towards changing the mindsets of Council as a whole and this is because the issue of Gender Equity is relatively a new concept for the Swazi nation as it a patriarchy. A majority of people still hold the view that gender equity is both Unswazi and against biblical teachings. Council, with technical assistance from Gender Links Swaziland has done a lot of education to leaders, management and the general public residing within the urban residents. This has helped in introducing a different perceptions of men and women as well as gender roles. It is difficult to measure how far the people are applying the information, but I can safely say that it will take some time to unlearn all the former ideas about men and women. What is an advantage is that we have women at the helm of the institution, the CEO, the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and City Treasurer are all women.Go to: Find out more
Summit case studies