Lubombo Regional Administrator, Mr. Themba Msibi, and Siteki Town Council CEO, Ms. Sithembile Simelane, convened a second high-level stakeholder engagement meeting on Monday, 23 June 2025, at Espinho Restaurant in Siteki, to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors in promoting tourism and investment in the Lubombo Region.
Building on the momentum of the inaugural meeting held in May, the gathering brought together influential business leaders, government representatives, and civil society actors united by a shared commitment to transform the region into a thriving destination for visitors and investors alike. Among the participants were Mr. Samson Sithole, CEO of Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE); renowned business leader Mr. Moses Motsa; Mr. Celani Shongwe, a respected voice in regional enterprise development; Mr. Leonard Ndzimandze, Commercial Affairs Director at Ubombo Sugar Ltd; and Mr. John Creamer from USA Distillers. Their presence underscored the growing interest and support from high-level stakeholders for the Lubombo development agenda.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Simelane highlighted the importance of local ownership and coordinated action. “We are laying the foundation for a new narrative — one of prosperity, pride, and opportunity,” she said. “Through consistent engagement and public-private collaboration, we can activate our region’s full potential.”
Discussions focused on practical and inclusive initiatives to boost regional tourism and investment. The meeting endorsed the immediate rollout of the Lubombo 7-Aside Football League, envisioned as a catalytic community event to mobilize youth, enhance visibility, and draw visitors into the region. Stakeholders also proposed reviving popular events such as the Simunye Fun Fair, scaling up marketing for Mlawula Nature Reserve, and positioning Tambankulu and Mpaka Museums as cornerstone attractions within heritage tourism circuits.
Participants introduced fresh ideas including the establishment of a Lubombo Trade Fair, a Family Fun Park with panoramic views, and a Lubombo History and Heritage Day to be hosted in Siteki. These initiatives aim to enhance the region’s cultural profile while generating new business opportunities. Discussions also addressed barriers to development, including livestock on major highways (MR7 and MR16) and the urgent need for improved town cleanliness and infrastructure maintenance.
There was strong consensus on the need for structured branding, cohesive marketing of the region’s unique assets, and active youth participation through initiatives such as the proposed Lubombo Youth Empowerment Summit.
To coordinate follow-up actions, monitor progress, and engage national development institutions, a joint Secretariat—comprising the Regional Administrator’s Office and Siteki Town Council—has been mandated to lead implementation and communication efforts.
Closing the meeting, Mr. Msibi expressed his appreciation for the spirit of collaboration: “Each voice in this room contributes to a bigger dream — a Lubombo that is not left behind, but that leads with innovation, inclusion, and investment.”
The next stakeholder meeting will be announced in due course, accompanied by a roadmap of priority initiatives and outreach to national institutions such as the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA).
