MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE HRH PRINCE SIMELANE, MP, MINISTER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY INTO THE AFFAIRS OF THE MATSAPHA TOWN COUNCIL, JANUARY 11, 2019.
- Members of the media, good afternoon.
- My Ministry, amongst other responsibilities, is conferred with the power to oversee the operation of Urban Local Authorities. It is common cause that there are thirteen (13) Urban Local Authorities in Eswatini. These local authorities are autonomous bodies which manage their own affairs without the interference of the central government unless such intervention is authorised by law.
- It is almost two months since governance challenges emerged at the Matsapha Town Council. Over these months, the Ministry has been quietly following these challenges, hoping the Council would amicably resolve them.
- However, recent developments taking place at the Council have shown that an amicable settlement at the Local level was not forthcoming.
- Therefore, having had recourse to the complexity of the challenges that have engulfed this local authority, I have found it proper to institute a Commission of Enquiry into the affairs of the Matsapha Town Council affairs, in terms of Section 107 of the Urban Government Act of 1969.
- In the intervening period, as is the norm, Council and its committees’ normal business meetings, including Special Meetings, are put on hold until after the conclusion of the commission whereat I will give further direction.
- The office of the CEO is hereby directed to ensure that the Commission receives all the necessary support for the proper execution of this assignment.
- In addition, the CEO to ensure smooth operations of the administrative arm of the local authority.
- I thank you.