Origin of Siteki Town
Siteki, a town in eastern Eswatini, has a rich history that dates back to the reign of King Mbandzeni in the late 19th century. The town derives its name from the Swati word “Siteki,” meaning “marrying place,” as it was where the king permitted his soldiers to take wives.
During the colonial era, Siteki was known as “Stegi” and functioned as the administrative capital of the Lubombo region. Its elevated location on the Lubombo Plateau, offering cool breezes and scenic views, made it an appealing site for settlers. By the 1950s and 1960s, it had a small but growing population and played a strategic role in regional governance.
RECOGNITION OF SITEKI AS A TOWN COUNCIL
Siteki Town is a declared urban area that was upgraded from being a Town Board to the status of being a Town Council on the 5th of March 1993, in terms of Section 3, of the Urban Government Act of 1969. The beautiful town of Siteki is found in the Eastern part of the Kingdom of Eswatini. It lies West of the Lubombo mountains on -26.450 latitude and 31.950 longitudes. The Siteki town is located approximately 61 kilometers to the East of Manzini, 30 kilometers to the South East of the King Mswati III International Airport and approximately 27 kilometers South West of the Mhlumeni Boarder post that leads to Mozambique. Siteki is the Administrative Capital of the Lubombo region and is about a two-hour drive from Mbabane the Capital City of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Here below is the geographic map of Eswatini, showing the location of Siteki town and other major towns of the country.
The official Siteki Town Council was Established in 1995, marking a significant step in the town’s local governance. This milestone laid the foundation for structured municipal development, service delivery and community engagement in Siteki.
The photograph was taken in April 1997, showcases a significant moment in Siteki’s history: a visit by His Majesty King Mswati III with the 1995–1998 Siteki Town Board Councillors. This moment symbolizes the town’s close connection to the royal leadership and its integral role in local governance. The image captures a blend of tradition and administration, with councillors donning both traditional and formal attire, a testament to the town’s cultural richness
Development of Siteki Town
Since 1968, Siteki has grown from a small administrative settlement to a robust urban town with structured governance, improved infrastructure, community services, and enhanced transport and financial integration. While challenges remain especially in rural-urban integration and service delivery the town has steadily advanced its role as a regional hub in the Lubombo district.
SITEKI TODAY
Economic Development
Siteki has evolved as the commercial and administrative heart of the Lubombo Region, strategically located on major transport corridors linking rural communities to urban centres and the Mozambique border. The town’s economy is anchored in agriculture with farmers from surrounding areas bringing maize, vegetables, and livestock to local markets and is increasingly supported by small-scale enterprises in retail, tailoring, craft production, and mobile services. Financial access has also improved: Eswatini Bank’s Siteki branch now facilitates SMEs with dedicated financing programs (including the “ShareSha” digital wallet), and national-level investment pledges such as E150 million in local projects underscore growing confidence in regional development.
Meanwhile, national initiatives like the newly launched factory shell in Lubombo Region reflect a commitment to industrial expansion and job creation, catalyzing opportunities for Siteki residents. Guided by the Siteki Town Council’s vision, these combined efforts are strengthening the local business environment and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Social Development
Siteki has made notable progress in social welfare through community programs and enhanced healthcare services. Since 2009, the SOS Children’s Village in Ka’Langa has supported hundreds of children and adults with family care, education, health, and vocational training. The town’s healthcare has also improved significantly, especially with the expansion of Good Shepherd Hospital, which provides essential medical services and training to the region, contributing to better overall community well-being. The Town Council actively engages in social well‑being initiatives such as hosting the Lubombo Mental Health Awareness Day in May 2024 to promote worker wellness and childhood mental health across the region.
For youth, the Council Hall recently hosted the March 2025 Youth Empowerment Seminar, featuring sessions on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and support from agencies like SEDCO and Eswatini National Youth Council a testament to growing investment in youth-centric social development. Collaboration between civic authorities, NGOs, and the private sector is creating a stronger social support ecosystem, addressing challenges like poverty, HIV/AIDS impact, and youth unemployment while building community cohesion and capacity.
Education
Siteki offers a well-rounded education system that includes early childhood, primary, secondary, and vocational learning. Institutions like the SOS Kindergarten, Siteki School for the Deaf, and various high schools provide inclusive and accessible education. The Good Shepherd College of Nursing equips students with essential healthcare skills, while vocational training programs support youth with practical skills. Community-based initiatives also play a vital role in promoting literacy, scholarships, and family support, making education a central pillar of Siteki’s social development.
