By Lwazi Dlamini
In a Croydon area in the Manzini region, Hlobisile Mabuza, an elderly woman recently stepped into her new home, a modest but sturdy two-room house built with support from the government.
For the first time in decades, she no longer worries about leaking roofs or sleeping on a damp floor.
Her story is just one of many that reflect a growing reality under His Majesty King Mswati III’s leadership, that every liSwati, regardless of age or income, deserves the dignity of a safe and secure home.
As Eswatini celebrates His Majesty’s 57th birthday, the nation reflects not only on his leadership, but on the deeply rooted values that have shaped his reign.
Chief among them is a heartfelt commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens through decent, accessible housing.
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His Majesty has consistently championed the belief that housing is not a privilege for the few, it is a basic human right and an essential foundation for building a stronger, more inclusive society.
“Every liSwati deserves a proper place to call home,” His Majesty once declared in a public address. “Housing is about dignity, safety, and a better quality of life.”
For His Majesty, housing is more than just brick and mortar. It is about creating human settlements that support families, build communities, and foster national pride.
Over the years, he has championed policies and initiatives that promote inclusive human settlements, rural development, and housing programmes aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable.
Through his guidance, the Government has prioritised the development of integrated housing projects that go beyond shelter, encompassing roads, water supply, electricity, sanitation, and community facilities.
His Majesty’s vision encourages planners and developers to think holistically, ensuring that housing developments are sustainable and contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of emaSwati.
The importance of decent housing became even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when homes were not only places of rest, but spaces of safety, healing, and resilience.
His Majesty has acknowledged this reality and continues to advocate for the acceleration of programmes that provide affordable housing, particularly for those in rural and peri-urban areas.
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A flagship initiative that reflects this commitment is the policy that mandates each Inkhundla to construct houses for vulnerable elderly people and child-headed households.
His Majesty personally launched this call to action, urging communities to rally together in building stronger, more compassionate societies.
His leadership in this regard is both practical and symbolic — a reminder that the strength of the nation lies in how it treats its most vulnerable.
Through His Majesty’s visionary leadership, Eswatini is taking bold steps towards the future, one where modern infrastructure, clean water, electricity, and dignified homes are within reach for all citizens.
His continued emphasis on safe and secure shelter echoes the global Sustainable Development Goal of “leaving no one behind.”
