Matsapha Town Council’s town planner, Thulani Maphalala, served as a panel member at a symposium on climate-resilient urban planning and affordable housing held at the University of Eswatini’s Sports Emporium.
The event, organised by UNIGEPS (the University of Eswatini Geography, Environmental Science and Planning Society), brought together government officials, academics, local authority representatives and students to discuss the country’s urban future.
Panel discussions covered urban, peri-urban and rural development, land tenure systems, affordable housing, integrated spatial planning, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. 
Minister for Housing and Urban Development Apollo Maphalala delivered an address to the gathering, telling delegates that “housing is not merely shelter, but dignity.” He also outlined the Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which aims to use innovative planning to deliver a safe and sustainable future for Emaswati.
“The future is urban,” the minister told stakeholders.
Among those present were the Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary for Schools Management, Lungelo J. Nhlengetfwa, who represented his minister; University of Eswatini Vice Chancellor Professor J.M. Thwala; National Disaster Risk Management Authority CEO Victor Mahlalela; and Eswatini Environment Authority Executive Director Isaac Dladla.
Representatives from the Municipal Council of Manzini, Matsapha Town Council, and Malkerns Town Council also attended, alongside university lecturers, ministry officials, and students drawn from the university and selected high schools.
