Matsapha Town Council has engaged residents of Likhwane in Ward 1 on the informal settlement upgrading process and land allocation procedures.
The community engagement meeting was held under the theme ‘Leave No One Behind: Building Sustainable Settlements,’ in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The engagement was led by Her Worship the Mayor, Councillor Lindiwe Dlamini and focused on unpacking the different stages involved in informal settlement upgrading while providing clarity on land 
allocation processes and creating a platform for open dialogue between Council and the community.
Also in attendance were officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the Chief Executive Officer of Matsapha Town Council and Council management.
Councillor Dlamini said the meeting forms part of Council’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development in Matsapha, ensuring that all communities, including those in informal settlements, are part of the town’s development agenda.
She said Council recognises that informal settlements face unique challenges relating to land tenure, access to basic services and long-term planning and that meaningful engagement with residents is critical in finding sustainable solutions.
Dlamini said Council is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in its development programmes and that residents of Likhwane are included in processes that affect their daily lives and future.
She said the upgrading of informal settlements is guided by national legislation, town planning standards and government policy, and involves several regulated stages that must be followed to ensure orderly and sustainable development.
According to the Mayor, the process includes community consultations, planning and surveying, infrastructure assessments and formal land allocation procedures undertaken in collaboration with relevant ministries.
She said Council understands the concerns raised by residents regarding delays in land allocation, security of tenure and access to services, and is working with stakeholders to address these issues transparently and systematically.
Dlamini mentioned that the Council values open communication and will continue to provide information to communities to ensure that residents understand the procedures and requirements involved in settlement upgrading.
She said sustainable human settlements can only be achieved through collaboration between Council, central government, development partners and the community.
Dlamini urged residents to participate actively in Council programmes and to use established community structures to raise concerns and seek clarity on development issues.
Residents were allowed to raise concerns, ask questions and share experiences regarding the realities of living in Likhwane and their expectations of the upgrading exercise.
Issues raised included land allocation procedures, security of tenure, access to water, sanitation and roads and timelines for the implementation of upgrading plans.
Council officials responded to questions raised and provided clarity on the roles of different stakeholders in the upgrading process.
In his closing remarks, the Chief Executive Officer Sizwe Dlamini outlined the path forward, emphasising the need for collaboration,
adherence to clear processes and continuous community participation as Council progresses with the upgrading programme.
He said Council is working closely with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Commerce,
Industry and Trade to ensure that informal settlement upgrading is implemented in compliance with legislation and in line with sustainable urban development principles.
He also said that the Council recognises that upgrading requires patience, proper planning and coordination, and appealed to residents to continue working with Council structures.
Matsapha Town Council said it remains committed to advancing inclusive development, sustainable human settlements and meaningful community engagement across Matsapha.
The Council said it will continue, in partnership with stakeholders and communities, to work towards solutions that ensure no one is left behind in the town’s development trajectory.
