Security concerns in Matsapha have emerged as a key issue in the town’s preparations for the 2027/28 financial year, with a call for CCTV cameras to be installed across the town to strengthen crime prevention and monitoring.
The call was made by Officer Bheki Masilela during the Matsapha Town Council’s FY2027/28 Budget Stakeholder Engagement Meeting held on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Masilela said CCTV cameras could provide authorities with greater visibility of activity in public spaces and assist in responding to criminal incidents.
“We need CCTV cameras installed across Matsapha to strengthen crime prevention and monitoring,” Masilela said.
He raised concern over the reported increase in criminal activity in the town, saying improved surveillance could support efforts to monitor key areas and strengthen crime-prevention measures.
The proposal was made as the council brought together residents, businesses, the media, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, Kwaluseni Inkhundla and other stakeholders to discuss service-delivery priorities ahead of the new financial year. 
Matsapha Town Council Treasurer Gugu Msibi took stakeholders through the budget process for the 2027/28 Annual Financial Year, which will run from April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028.
Msibi explained the budget process and created an opportunity for stakeholders to provide input on service-delivery requirements that could be considered in the annual budget.
Security and street lighting were among the concerns raised during the engagement, alongside other community needs.
The CCTV proposal therefore places public safety among the priorities requiring consideration as the council works towards finalising its budget for the coming financial year.
Masilela said CCTV cameras could complement existing security measures by allowing authorities to monitor activity in areas where increased surveillance may be required.
If adopted and implemented, the proposed system could provide authorities with an additional mechanism for observing public spaces and supporting responses to reported incidents.
The issue is particularly relevant to Matsapha, where residents, workers, businesses and visitors interact daily, making security an important part of the town’s service-delivery environment.
The engagement was also aimed at strengthening communication between the council and the community by allowing stakeholders to raise concerns directly with the local authority.
Mayor Councillor Lindiwe Dlamini welcomed the stakeholders, while Chief Executive Officer Sizwe Dlamini encouraged participants to engage openly and meaningfully on the town’s needs.
The council said stakeholder input was important in shaping responsive service delivery and informing its priorities for the future.
As the 2027/28 budget process continues, the proposed installation of CCTV cameras will be among the security interventions requiring consideration alongside other priorities raised during the stakeholder engagement.
