THE MANZINI REGION


This region covers the mid-western and central areas of Swaziland. It is home to Matsapha, the country’s largest industrial area, and encompasses the vast Usuthu Forest, one of the largest man-made forests in the world. This region is the most densely populated in the country.

MANZINI, THE CAPITAL CITY
The region’s main city, also called Manzini and known as The Hub Manzini Manzini of Swaziland, was previously named Bremersdorp after the entrepreneur Albert Bremer, who arrived in the area in the 1880s during the concessions period. Because he operated his farm and trading store near the river, the Swazis, with typical humour, dubbed his place kaManzini (at the water). Bremersdorp was the country’s capital under the Transvaal Administration, which was superseded by British rule in 1903 at the end of the Boer War, when the capital was moved to Mbabane. The reason given is its preferred cooler climate - and probably the fact that Bremersdorp had, in any case, been looted and burned to the ground! The name Manzini was officially adopted during the 1960s. The city, together with the nearby industrial area of Matsapha, comprises the country’s largest urban population. Modern day Manzini serves as a dormitory for Mataspha and is characterised by both formal and informal trade. This bustling James Hall as:

"…. a city, but with a languorous small town feel. A brisk walk from one end of downtown to the other, from the traffic circle opposite the golf course to the bridges spanning the river, takes all of fifteen minutes. The city’s first traffic light at Ngwane and Sandlane Streets was not even there until 1983. Sidewalk vendors, whose proliferation was a phenomenon of the 1990s, sell fruits and vegetables. Boys blare announcements of sales through loudspeakers before chain stores. People congregate in pairs or small groups, passing the time of day in a city that appears to be in no hurry to get to where it is going. …. Each season brings a new blossoming of colour-coordinated flowers along the paths of Jubilee Park and the knoll of grass beside City Council Chambers. Prominent marriages and funerals are held in the cathedral where the red flowers of coral trees in December contrast with the lavender profusion of the streets’ jacarandas in October. … The city captures the essence of Swazi life in its casual pace and informal, friendly attitude. And in this way the years of change have not altered (it) at all: it is still a place, as it was in the beginning, where everybody knows your name.”

Manzini is home to the Mavuso Trade Centre, where the International Trade Fair and other major promotional events take place.
The city offers excellent shopping in two large malls and has a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, including the Tums George Hotel near the city centre, which has undergone extensive renovations in recent years and now offers excellent facilities, for both business and pleasure. Umtfunti Guest House (a place where you can rest) is also located near the city centre. Global Village is a luxurious guest house set in the tranquil suburb of Madonsa near the Manzini golf course. Just past the Manzini Clinic is a gravel road to the left. Five kilometers further on is Gibela Getaway which comprises affordable accommodation with wonderful riverine walks and prolific bird life.

                King Bhunu.
The Bhunu Mall in Manzini is named after King Bhunu, who occupies a colourful place in Swaziland's history. Following the murder of Bhunu's chief indvuna and his two attendants in 1898, the Transvaal government investigated his role in the killings and demanded that he come to Bremersdorp for a hearing. Bhunu arrived on 21 May 1899 - accompanied by 2000 weapon-bearing warriors singing praises to Bhunu with such vigour, the people of the town thought they were hearing war cries. Bhunu subsequently fled to the British in Natal for protection. On returning he was acquitted but heavily fined for allowing public violence, and had to pay the trial's costs!
A plinth and plaque on the City Council side of the Mall form a national monument that marks the site of the trial and an adjacent tree is said have provided shade for the prosecution.

MATSAPHA AREA
The route from Manzini to Matsapha is along the MR3 highway. You cannot miss the vast industrial area on the left with its factories, warehouses and shopping centres. Leave the highway at the industrial site (do not take the flyover) and at the roundabout, branch to the left and travel along the old road until you reach the quarry. There is a turning to the left and signage will take you to the Summerfield Botanical Garden and Resort. This comprises a restaurant and luxurious accommodation set in amazing grounds with water features, lifelike model animals and a profusion of exotic and indigenous trees and shrubs, including protected ancient cycads.

MALKERNS
Continuing along the old main road from Matsapha, you will arrive at Mahlanya, a huge fruit and vegetable market on the right. The Malkerns, Malkerns, road to the left leads to the rural town of Malkerns, which lies in a Malkerns, Malkerns, lush and beautiful valley of fertile farmland where sugarcane and pineapples grow, with views of distant mountains. This seemingly sleepy area belies its vibrancy and there is much to attract both tourists and local residents.
There are wonderful craft shops, including outlets selling locally made decorative candles, basket ware and batik work. The funky House on Fire provides the night life with a diversity of entertainment in theatre and music and there are several quality guest houses if you want to stay in the area and drink in the atmosphere.

Malkerns Meander It is well worth setting a few hours aside to explore the Malkerns area.  A few hundred metres along the road from Mahlanyha to Malkerns is the distinctive Malandela's Centre. Within this complex a wealth of attractions await you:

  • Gone Rural is a community based project that was started by the late Jenny Thorne in 1988 in an effort to empower rural women by providing sustainable incomes, utilising their traditional artistic hand skills. The products created are world-class items made from natural grass, including place mats, tableware, home accessories and baskets, all in lovely colours to complement any décor scheme. These goods are exported internationally but visitors to Swaziland may purchase them from the showroom at Malandela’s at the best possible price. At present, 13 communities and 740 women are benefiting from the project and in addition, there arethe micro businesses that have emerged as an offshoot, including food and clothing sellers who serve the communities. Another branch of the project is Gone Rural boMake (the women), a registered NGO that has been established with funding from various donors, including a minimum of 20% of Gone Rural profits. It provides various services, including a mobile clinic that presently serves 250 women and their families. In addition, there are sexual health and breast examination facilities and HIV/AIDS testing. The women also receive training in constitutional issues and women’s rights to further empower them and through an education fund, children of Gone Rural weavers have access to school bursaries. Thus the benefits are wide-reaching and long-term. Every Gone Rural purchase contributes to rural development in Swaziland!
  • BaoBab Batik Sells handmade cushion covers, hangings, table linen and accessories depicting Swazi life and scenes, is also located Zoggs at Malandelas, together with Zoggs arty and original little boutique Zoggs where you can find unique colourful gift items.
  • House on Fire, with its fantasy architecture, amazing sculptures and split levels, is a funky, fun performance arena and art gallery where the annual Bush Fire Festival takes place.
    Setting the House Alight:
    House on Fire’s fourth annual Bush Fire Festival will take place in July/ August 2010 to heat up the southern hemisphere’s mid-winter. This highly successful event features international and local live bands, theatre, film, story telling, sound and light, exhibitors and vendors and workshops. The three day event takes place in the theatre and on Malandela’s extensive lawns. Dynamic entertainment from top world artists is just part of the lineup in this eclectic, magical environment. The Bushfire Festival is not only a platform for the development of the arts: it also highlights and raises funds for critical social needs in Swaziland. The main beneficiary is Young Heroes (www.youngheroes.org.sz), an Internet- based initiative against HIV/ AIDS, which receives a percentage of profits for orphans and child- headed homes.The totem pole has become an integral theme of the Festival as a reminder to value the past, appreciate the present and reach out to an inspiring future.
  • Malendela's Farmhouse Restaurant and Pub provide a very special and unique ambience overlooking the sugar cane fields with mountains in the distance. Thursday night is "prawns special"- booking essential.
  • Spend a night at the adjacent B&B to fully absorb the unique atmosphere of this inspiring destination.
  • Keep in touch at Malandela’s Internet Café or book a tour with All Out Africa Adventure Tours - both are located at the All Out Africa Adventure TAll Out Africa at the information office.

Continue past the Swazican fruit canning factory and you will eventually arrive at the actual village of Malkerns. Travel on to the T-junction, turn left and continue for a few kilometres to Swazi Candles on the right where there is another delightful centre fo the visitor comprising a variety of crafts within shops and a vibrant market, as well as a
restaurant.

Further along the road, going towards Manzini, is Brookside Lodge, which offers B&B and self-catering facilities. It is set within lovely gardens and features water birds, a permanent marquee for events such as weddings, and other attractions. It is located opposite Phondo Royal Residence, the home of one of King Mswati’s wives.

  • Here you will find highly trained and skilled craftsmen at work making decorative candles of all shapes and sizes. These may be purchased at the showroom and shop, where stylish African candleholders are also available.
  • Relax at the Sambane Tea Garden within this lovely setting and enjoy a wide variety of refreshments and snacks as you watch the interesting and diverse people, both local and tourists, while enjoying the ambience.
  • Wonder around the charming craft market with its colourful wares and fun, friendly vendors and pick up more souvenirs to treasure.
  • The Rosecraft shop offers hand knitted or woven soft furnishing and clothing created from hand spun pure mohair yarn. Visitors are invited to the workshops by appointment from Monday to Saturday. These are set in beautiful indigenous surroundings at Egebeni about 18 kilometres away. Ask for directions at the shop.
  • Boabab Batik sells original hand painted batik work depicting Swazi life and scenes on cushions, wall-hangings, napery and clothing.

 

Further along the road, going back towards Manzini, is Brookside Lodge, set within lovely gardens and featuring water birds and other attractions. It is located opposite Phondo Royal Residence, the home of one of King Mswati's wives.

MHLAMBANYATSI
The charming "English" village of Mhlambanyatsi lies to the west of the Hhohho region. It was founded during the mid-1950's following the establishment of the Usuthu Forest, which is one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Nearby Bhunya to the south is the site of the mill which processes the pine trees into kraft pulp. Be warned that you will probably smell the kraft mill before you see it!

The main hotel in the area is the Foresters Arms, which offers a wonderful and unique  "Olde English" ambience together with excellent food, including the famous Sunday buffet, and personal, friendly service.