‘Public service is a marathon, not a race’

By Kwanele Dhladhla 

Astute Municipal Council of Manzini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lungile Dlamini has expressed a strong sense of belief that collaboration remains key to success in developing a city to the First-World status that His Majesty King Mswati III envisions for the nation.

Hence the instruction to strive towards this vision – from the residents to stakeholders, from parastatals to national government. 

The Master of Science in Planning Studies (Oxford Brookes University- UK) holder, who has been CEO at Eswatini’s hub since 2012, advised that no one person has all the answers, and to achieve a successful outcome it was fundamental that different groups come together with their specialized skillset to see the vision come to life. 

“I have learned that being a public servant means you work towards building a long-term impact for the people you are serving and putting together initiatives that will ensure a better quality of life for our citizens. Public service is a marathon and not a race,” passionately said Dlamini. 

She went on to confide that what has kept her going in the diverse and complex corporate streets was always finding time to take care of herself. 

“I never take for granted the importance of self-care. I cannot be my best self to my family, friends or colleagues if I do not prioritize my well-being and pour back into myself when I am overwhelmed and need a mental break. I actively and intentionally carve out time for the family,” Dlamini confided.

Growth and Transformation

When recounting how she eventually ended up at the helm of Eswatini’s hub, the soft-spoken Dlamini divulged that her professional journey had been defined by continuous growth and a deep commitment to community transformation. 

Dlamini began her career with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban & Regional Planning from the National University of Lesotho (1995) and then later acquired a Master of Science in Planning Studies from Oxford Brookes University in 2002.

She mentioned that this strong academic foundation fueled her passion for urban development, a pursuit she augmented with ongoing studies for a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration 2025 – at Edinburg Business School / Heriot-Watt University, and an MBA from Regent Business School, South Africa (2022) and executive programs at Gordon Institute of Business Science and REDI Consulting (2016).

Dlamini’s career reflects a trajectory of increasing leadership and impact. 

She honed her skills at the Municipal Council of Manzini, progressing from Assistant City Planner (1999-2002), where she shaped the city’s physical development, to Acting Executive Assistant to the CEO (2002-2003), where she once again influenced policy and programme development. 

Her experience expanded to the Municipal Council of Mbabane (2003-2004), where she was instrumental in the Eswatini Urban Development Project, and to Ezulwini Town Board (2004-2006), which developed its first strategic plan during her tenure. 

Dlamini further broadened her expertise in urban planning as an Infrastructure Planning Consultant (2006-2009), pioneering a Geographic Information System (GIS) for the Physical Planning Department.

Accolades

“In 2012, I assumed the pivotal role of CEO at the Municipal Council of Manzini, where I launched transformative Strategic Planning and Integrated Development Planning Frameworks and implemented a crucial turn-around strategy/restructuring. I also spearheaded the municipality’s alignment with global standards, achieving ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17025:2017, and ISO 14001:2015 certifications,” she said. 

Dlamini’s leadership has been decorated with numerous accolades for the Municipal Council of Manzini, including Company of the Year (2020-2022), Local Conformity Body of the Year (2021-2022), and Local Authority of the Year (2023) at the Eswatini Quality and Customer Service Excellence Awards.

The conscientious Dlamini was also honoured with His Majesty King Mswati III’s 45th Anniversary Independence Award and previously received the British Chevening Scholarship in 2001.

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Beyond her executive role, Dlamini contributes to the broader professional landscape as Vice President (International Region) of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), President of the Eswatini Local Authorities Managers Association (ELAMA), and board member of Business Eswatini, Sectional Titles, and AMICAALL – Eswatini. 

“My commitment to thought leadership is evident in my publications and presentations, including at the 2023 ICMA Conference in Texas, USA. My career is a testament to continuous growth, strategic leadership, and a dedication to transforming communities and advancing local governance,” Dlamini explained.

 In planning and implementing developmental programmes for the city, Dlamini said the municipality utilises a participatory approach guided by the Integrated Development Planning Framework. 

Through this framework, she said the municipality engages with communities and collects service delivery and city development needs; which forms a basis for the development of the five-year strategy/Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

The Municipality further facilitates stakeholder feedback meetings to provide updates on the progress of submitted projects and programmes. 

“This approach to city development has yielded numerous positive outcomes in the livelihoods of city residents through the creation of job and entrepreneurship opportunities,” Dlamini noted. 

She pointed out that the organisation successfully facilitated the participation of a total of 2,800 residents in various Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives. She said these initiatives included the involvement of 1,700 local and international visitors in two tourism promotional campaigns, 30 vendors at township flea markets, and 277 exhibitors at Inner City Flea Markets.

Additionally, Dlamini stated that the municipality played a key role in coordinating the attendance of 600 youths at the International Youth Day, career expo, and youth Indaba events.

Innovation

She went on to mention that five youths were enrolled in the Out-of-School Youth Vocational Training Programme. 

Presently, she said there were just over 200 employees at the Manzini municipality with 70 per cent being males and 30 per cent being females across all departments. 

In terms of how the Manzini municipality aligns with the vision of His Majesty the King for Eswatini to be a first-world country against all odds, she explained that one of their values as a municipality was innovation. 

On strategic vision, Dlamini said she continuously envisions transforming the City of Manzini into a leading smart and green city. 

The CEO acknowledged that this demands digital transformation for efficiency and a green economy for sustainability.

“Innovation is our driving force,” she emphasised. 

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In terms of digital transformation, she said; “We’re leveraging technology for better city life, enhancing online services, using data for decisions, and investing in smart infrastructure for a more connected, efficient, and responsive city.”

Dlamini explained that Manzini’s smart city path includes building digital infrastructure, implementing smart urban management solutions, and fostering a culture of innovation using the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics.  

When it comes to a green economy, Dlamini says that they prioritise environmental sustainability through a green economy approach, promoting renewable energy, sustainable transport, enhanced waste management, and green spaces to reduce our carbon footprint and build a resilient Manzini city. 

“I cultivate a culture of innovation and continuous improvement; encouraging new ideas, embracing technology, and valuing adaptability to ensure we move with the times,” said the CEO when unpacking her organizational culture. 

In terms of how she empowers staff to ensure that with intent to ultimately ensure that the organisation achieves its objectives, Dlamini mentioned that she continues to be part of a Global Network of City Managers where she sits as Regional Vice President. 

Global Trends

In that forum, she disclosed that she became able to engage in global new trends and navigate challenges. 

Dlamini explained that being part of a global network offers significant benefits to the staff of the Municipal Council of Manzini, fostering an environment of growth, development, and enhanced capacity through gaining access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and innovative strategies employed by municipalities worldwide. 

“This access translates into opportunities for staff to learn and adopt cutting-edge approaches to service delivery, urban planning, and community engagement. Staff members can benefit from training programs, conferences, and workshops facilitated by global networks, enhancing their professional skills and expanding their knowledge base, while fostering a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and alignment with the United Nations (UN) environmental agenda,” she added. 

A special message to the youth:

“Young females and males that aspire to be leaders within the municipal space must be problem-solvers. You always have to consider how you can add value to an organisation or what you can do differently and implement it. There is no idea too small, if you believe it can be implemented with clear steps and a clear outcome, you are already halfway there. To truly make a difference, focus on identifying challenges and then building solutions, this is a formula for creating lasting value. Additionally, my leadership style is adaptable; I lead from the front to inspire and guide, and from the back to empower and support, depending on what the situation demands.” 

Inspirational quotes from the CEO’s desk: 

• With God Nothing is impossible- Luke 1:37
• A life spent making mistakes is not only more Honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing- George Bernard Shaw
• The only way to do great work is to love what you do – Steve Jobs

A MUNICIPALITY WITH A CARING HEART FOR THE PEOPLE;

Autism Centre

As our community of Eswatini and the world are facing a generational and rising mental neurodevelopmental disability – autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the Autism Centre, an initiative of the Manzini City Council was established with a vision to provide early therapeutic intervention programs, medications to help manage symptoms and complications, and supportive environments that can foster a promising future for people with ASD. The Autism Centre welcomes all autistic clients aged between three to 13 years old, clients with comorbid conditions like communication challenges, physical disabilities, mental development and learning problems.

Social Centres

The City of Manzini currently operates eight social centres, often referred to as soup kitchens, which are strategically located throughout the city. These centres are situated in Zakhele, Old Zakhele, Ngwane Park Extension, Ticancweni, Masekweni, Moneni, Mangwaneni, and Murray Camp. The social centres play a crucial role in the lives of nearly 2,000 underprivileged children, offering them one meal per day, Mondays to Fridays. In addition to providing nourishment, the centres offer Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services, also known as preschool education. This initiative ensures that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive free preschool education, which equips them with essential skills for their future educational journeys. Beyond education and nutrition, the centres also provide critical services such as healthcare, toiletries, school uniforms and spiritual guidance through Bible studies.

Out-of-School Youth Programme

To empower youth in Manzini who have not had the opportunity to obtain adequate formal education, the office facilitated the development of the Out-of-School Youth Vocational Programme in partnership with the Bosco Skills Centre. The programme, which commenced in April 2024, offers training in various disciplines which include plumbing, auto electrical work, catering, and decoration.

The training period was set for one year for three students and two years for the remaining two students, based on the requirements of their respective courses. The programme benefitted communities such as Mangwaneni, Moneni, and Old Zakhele Townships. The first group of students completed their training and passed the necessary assessments, marking a significant achievement in the programme’s implementation. Notably, one of the female students, Temalungelo Magongo, was awarded a certificate for being the best student in plumbing for the year 2024.

Coordination of Knitting and Crocheting Project

As part of the municipality’s social responsibility programme, the Council continued with the implementation of the knitting and crocheting project aimed at involving community members in producing clothing material for the underprivileged residents in the city. During the reporting period, the council managed to continue with the project and the following products were produced by the knitting and crocheting team; hats, pairs of child boots, scarves, skirts, jerseys and caps among others. 

Coordination of Job Shadow Programme

As part of the Municipality’s corporate social responsibility, the office planned and implemented the Job Shadow Programme which is an initiative that exposes High School students to the corporate world environment to enhance their career path decision process. As part of the programme, the office facilitated the placing of 10 students from various schools within the city in three organisations around the city including the Municipality for a three-day period.