Transport shut down halts business in Mbabane

By Sifiso Sibandze

Following the bold statements issued by Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku on Friday and Monday, one would have thought it would be business as usual, with people walking and driving to work, but that was not the case.

By 6:15 am, one could hardly see public transport on the Mbabane streets. The few people who were spotted on the streets were forced to hitchhike to their different destinations. A look at the different shopping precincts in town did not show any signs of activity.

The parking lots around the shopping complexes and office parks were empty as well as the parking lots along the streets were almost all empty. Notably, the main entrances to Mbabane Plaza and Corporate Place were all closed, which is an indicator that the dozens of shops and corporate businesses located both at the Plaza and Corporate were forced not to operate.

Most of the retail shops and eateries were closed and only a few were open. Build it Plus, Nandos, and KFC were all closed. 

No activity at the DPMs Office

Notwithstanding issuing a strong statement assuring emaSwati that it would be business as usual and further urging them to go to work, there was little, or no activity noticed at the DPM’s office. When Eswatini Daily News visited the DPMs Offices by 6:45 am, there were a few cars spotted
on the premises and there were no people seen there.