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Legislative Framework

The Siteki Town Council is governed by the Urban Government Act of 1969 and other pieces of legislation, policies and circulars. Reports to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which is responsible for the general governance of urban areas in Eswatini.

The Town has six wards with each ward being represented by one Councilor in Council. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development appoints an additional two members into Council, bringing the total number of Councilors to eight. The Councilors exercise its authority to govern the Town to the CEO and her Executive team.  The CEO reports directly to the Council and in certain instances to the Minister.

Siteki Town Council is responsible for the good governance and administration of the town’s development and welfare of its citizens. 

Building Forms Regulations, 1969

Under Section 37 of the Building Act, 1968

The Building Forms Regulations provide the official procedures and prescribed forms required under the Building Act No. 34 of 1968. Key provisions include:

  • Application for Building Permits (Form A)  

  • Permit to Construct/Change Use (Form B)  

  • Permit to Occupy (Form C) 

  • Certificate of Plumbing & Sewerage Approval (Form D)  Regulations.

Building Operations Regulations, 1969

(Under Section 37 of the Building Act, 1968)

The Building Operations Regulations set out rules for the safe, orderly and responsible execution of all building, excavation, maintenance and demolition works in Eswatini. They ensure the safety of workers, the public, and surrounding property.

Key Provisions

  • General Application

  • Use of Public Places

  • Demolition

  • Lifting Gear & Chutes

  • Worker Welfare & Safety

  • Public Protection

  • Penalties (E1,000 (repeat offences) or imprisonment up to 12 months. Continuing offences may lead to further daily fines or jail terms.)

Human Settlements Authority Act, 1988

(Commenced 1 March 1988)

The Human Settlements Authority Act establishes the Human Settlements Authority (HSA) to oversee the orderly development of housing and settlements in Eswatini.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of Authority

  • Functions of the Authority

  • Approval of Settlements

  • Oversight & Compliance Minister’s Powers

  • Repeals & Continuity

Crown Lands Act, 1949

(Commenced 25 March 1949)

The Crown Lands Act, No. 9 of 1949 proclaims specific areas of land in Eswatini as Crown Land, officially placing them under Government ownership and management.

Key Provisions

  • Crown Land Declaration

  • Protected

  • Registration

Rating Regulations, 1997

(Commenced 1 April 1996, under the Rating Act, 1995)

The Rating Regulations, 1997 set out the procedures, records, forms, and fees governing property valuation and rating in Eswatini.

Key Provisions

  • Valuer’s Records

  • Prescribed Forms

  • Objections & Hearings

  • Fees & Allowances

Standard Building Regulations, 1969

(Commenced 1 August 1969, under Section 37 of the Building Act)

The Standard Building Regulations, 1969 provide the legal framework for construction, use, and safety of buildings in Eswatini. They establish requirements for planning, design, construction methods, public health, safety, and urban development.

Key Provisions

  • Administration & Permits

  • Structural Standards

  • Health, Safety & Environment

  • Urban Planning & Siting

  • Drainage & Sewerage

  • Special Provisions

Tinkhundla and Regional Administration Bill, 2014

The Tinkhundla and Regional Administration Bill, 2014 seeks to modernize governance in Eswatini by aligning the Tinkhundla system with the Constitution and promoting decentralization. It establishes the legal framework for transferring power, resources, and responsibilities from central government to local authorities and regions.

Key Provisions

  • Decentralization

  • Tinkhundla Authorities

  • Regional Administration

  • Traditional Structures

  • Development Planning

  • Finance and Accountability

  • Oversight and Dispute Resolution

  • Repeals and Replacements

Urban Government Financial Regulations, 1969

(Commenced 20 June 1969, under Section 93 of the Urban Government Act)

The Urban Government Financial Regulations, 1969 provide the framework for financial management, accountability, and control within Eswatini’s urban councils.

Key Provisions

  • Financial Governance

  • Cash & Asset Management

  • Reserves & Funds

  • Annual Estimates & Expenditure

  • Accounts & Records

  • Contracts & Tenders

  • Procurement & Stores

Building Act, 1968

(Assented 29 October 1968, Commenced 14 May 1969)

The Building Act, 1968 provides the legal foundation for the control, safety, and regulation of building construction in Eswatini. It ensures that all buildings meet standards for health, safety, durability, and orderly urban development.

Key Provisions

  • Scope & Application

  • Permits & Inspections

  • Standards & Safety

  • Temporary & Mixed-Use Buildings

  • Fire Protection & Public Health

  • Appeals & Oversight

  • Regulations & Codes of Practice

  • Penalties

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