EZULWINI:Apollo Maphalala, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development has welcomed the International City/County Management Association(ICMA) delegation to the Kingdom of eSwatini during a dinner held at the Royal Villas-Ezulwini.
Government online platforms reported that, this marks the ICMA’s first-ever visit to the African continent, with Eswatini being the host of the 2025 ICMA Global Exchange Programme.
It has been reported that, a week-long programme brings together leaders in local governance, fostering knowledge exchange, dialogue, and collaboration to strengthen municipalities and urban governance.
“This programme is a beacon of collaboration.Its central mission to create and sustain thriving communities by advancing local government resonates profoundly with our national aspirations. Local government, often described as the sphere of government closest to the people, bears the daily responsibility of addressing ever-evolving service needs and expectations.This calls for a unique blend of leadership, technical skill, and innovation competencies that cannot be acquired overnight, but rather through deliberate, life-long investment in learning,” said the Urban Development Minister.
Senate President Lindiwe Gwebu-Dlamini, a former Minister of Housing and Urban Development and other local Government leaders were present during the dinner.
Urban Development Minister Apollo Maphalala(right) welcomes International City/County Management Association(ICMA) delegation to Eswatini.