Ex-Mbabane Municipal Council CEO, Mhlongo appointed into Commission for Hlathikhulu land sale scandal
By Delisa Magagula
Former Mbabane Municipal Council Chief Executive Officer Gideon Mhlongo has been appointed into a Commission of Inquiry to investigate governance and land management concerns within the Hlathikhulu Town Board, following allegations of an irregular land sale involving one of its officials.
In a statement issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Acting Principal Secretary Amos Ngwenya, the Ministry confirmed that Minister Apollo Maphalala (MP) invoked the Commission of Enquiry Act of 1963 and the Urban Government Act No. 8 of 1969 to establish the inquiry.
Ngwenya said the move follows allegations of illegal land sales, administrative lapses, and poor oversight by the board.
A fact-finding mission and an internal audit reportedly revealed serious weaknesses in governance and land control, prompting the need for an independent probe.
The Commission, chaired by Deputy Auditor General Zandile Dlamini, includes Fikile Dlamini, Gideon Mhlongo, and Buhle Makhubu, who serves as secretary.
The inquiry will focus on the board’s governance, internal controls, building regulations, land allocation, and allegations of personal benefit by officials.
Minister Maphalala said the government aims to root out all forms of bad local governance and corruption and to restore public trust in Hlathikhulu’s administration.
“We want to unlock the town’s full potential and ensure residents receive quality services,” he said.