Newly elected mayors from across the country gathered this week for an orientation meeting convened by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala.
Held as a strategic engagement, the session introduced the municipal leaders to the expectations of their office, with a focus on governance, financial discipline, and urban development.
Minister Maphalala congratulated the new mayors and urged them to lead with integrity, stressing the importance of being well-versed in council standing orders to ensure orderly operations. 
He raised concern over the growing backlog of unpaid municipal rates and debts older than two years, calling for urgent action and tighter financial control.
The Minister also spoke about the significant economic value of Eswatini’s declared urban areas, warning that governance and decision-making must reflect that status.
Mayors were urged to steer their municipalities towards transparency, sustainable development, and efficient service delivery.
