Mbabane
Swaziland’s administrative capital was founded at the beginning of the 20th century when Britain became a protectorate following the Boer War. Its actual origins, however, date back to 1887 when Bombardier Mickey Wells opened a somewhat primitive hotel and restaurant in the dusty hollow. The city of Mbabane is named after Chief Mbabane Kunene who lived in the area, which is known as Dalriach. The name means ‘small and bitter’, possibly after a plant which grows in the region. Mbabane is set among the scenic Dlangeni Hills at an altitude of 1,200 metres with magnificent views of the surrounding valleys. It is home to all the government ministries and departments, most of the diplomatic missions and all the local media houses. The well-developed city offers a high standard of modern office accommodation with excellent shopping facilities in two large complexes. Also of note are the colourful street vendors selling craft, fruit and vegetables. The residential suburbs reach well beyond the city centre into pleasant, scenic rural surroundings. Housing varies from basic accommodation to modern apartments, town houses and large detached residences. The main roads, typical of Swaziland’s system, are of a high standard and nearly all the residential and access roads are tarred. Private clubs and the City Council provide a diversity of sporting, cultural and other social amenities. Mbabane’s population is estimated at over
58,000 people.
Manzini
Swaziland’s industrial capital achieved its centenary in 1990. Known as the Hub of Swaziland, the city has a picturesque history. Manzini was originally called Bremersdorp after a local trader and hotelier named Alfred Bremer who operated near the river and the local people, with typical Swazi humour, dubbed him KaManzini, or “at the water”. It was the administrative capital of Swaziland under the Boer administration but at the end of the Boer War at the turn of the last century, the country became a British protectorate and the capital moved to Mbabane. The name Manzini was officially adopted during the 1960s. Significant residential and commercial construction activity has taken place, particularly since the opening of Manzini’s first shopping complexes in the early 1990’s - the Bhunu Mall and the Hub. These centres serve populations from the sugar belt and other rural areas, as well as Manzini itself and preclude the need for people from the large agricultural estates to shop in South Africa. The bypass road serves the Mavusu Exhibition Centre and the new soccer arena and sports centre, which are under construction. Other projects in the pipeline include upgrading certain residential roads, street lights in residential areas and parking. Manzini’s communal facilities are good with various social and sporting amenities available. The population is estimated at about 65,000 people.
Rural Towns
Nhlangano, with a small population estimated at about 6,000, is the main town in southern Swaziland and is known as “the hub of the south”. It has a shopping centre, a c c o m m o d a t i o n establishments and a number of agricultural and industrial projects. Two large textile concerns have been established in recent years, creating significant employment opportunities in the area. The historic northern town of Piggs Peak, which is similar in size to Nhlangano, was originally a gold mining centre and is named after the prospector William Pigg. Today, the main activity in the area is forestry. The Maguga Dam project on the Komati river a few kilometres from the town centre has increased the town’s population by about 2,000 and has provided many employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, as well as at the various tourism attractions that have been developed. The small, mountainous town of Siteki is the administrative centre of the Lubombo region. The town has a new multipurpose market comprising 28 units to be used for different businesses. On a clear day, the Indian ocean in Mozambique is visible. Ezulwini, Valley of Heaven, although not strictly a town, is also managed by a board. This area, which comprises the main tourist route, lies in a scenic sub-tropical valley about 12 km east of Mbabane. A major shopping centre, serves this continually growing area and the surrounding communities. The small town of Malkerns, which is set in the heart of agricultural country not far from Matsapha, may be declared an urban area based on popular demand by residents. Malkerns is a popular tourist destination. Lobamba, situated between Mbabane and Manzini, is regarded as the kingdom’s spiritual capital and is home of the parliament building. It is also the site of the national stadium, the national archives and museum, the National Trust Commission as well as the King Sobhuza II Memorial Centre, the state house and the Queen Mother’s residence.
Matsapha Industrial Site
Matsapha, which is near Manzini, is the kingdom’s major industrial site and the largest, most active development of its kind in Swaziland. As an entity it is the largest employer and a popular choice of location with investors. It also houses the country’s inland container depot. Over several years, the area has undergone continued and substantial upgrading, expansion and rehabilitation to its primary infrastructure, including replacing sewerage and drainage pipes. Ongoing developments include the construction of factory shells to house new manufacturing industries. Altogether, about 600 businesses of diverse types and sizes operate from Matsapha and the value of the property there amounts to in excess of E450 million. The area previously fell under the Manzini City Council but is now administered by the Matsapha Town Board.
Other Industrial Sites