The Matsapha Town Council in Eswatini is prioritizing security concerns as it prepares for the 2027/28 financial year. Officer Bheki Masilela raised the issue during the council's budget stakeholder engagement meeting on September 25, 2026. He emphasized the need for CCTV cameras to strengthen crime prevention and monitoring in the town. Masilela expressed concern over the reported increase in criminal activity in Matsapha. The council is considering various proposals to address security and other community needs.
The proposed installation of CCTV cameras aims to provide authorities with greater visibility of activity in public spaces. This would enable them to respond more effectively to criminal incidents. Masilela believes that improved surveillance would support efforts to monitor key areas and strengthen crime-prevention measures. The council is bringing together residents, businesses, and stakeholders to discuss service-delivery priorities ahead of the new financial year. This engagement is crucial in shaping responsive service delivery and informing the council's priorities.
The Matsapha Town Council's budget process for the 2027/28 Annual Financial Year is underway. Treasurer Gugu Msibi explained the budget process and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to offer input on service-delivery requirements. Security and street lighting were among the concerns raised during the engagement. Other community needs were also discussed, and the council is working to finalize its budget for the coming financial year. The 2027/28 financial year will run from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2028.
The stakeholder engagement was also aimed at strengthening communication between the council and the community. Mayor Councillor Lindiwe Dlamini welcomed the stakeholders, while Chief Executive Officer Sizwe Dlamini encouraged open and meaningful engagement on the town's needs. The council values stakeholder input in shaping its priorities for the future. By engaging with the community, the council can ensure that its service-delivery environment meets the needs of residents, workers, businesses, and visitors.
The proposed CCTV camera system would complement existing security measures in Matsapha. Authorities would be able to monitor activity in areas where increased surveillance is required. If adopted and implemented, the system would provide an additional mechanism for observing public spaces and supporting responses to reported incidents. This is particularly relevant in Matsapha, where daily interactions between residents, workers, businesses, and visitors make security a top priority.
The Matsapha Town Council's consideration of CCTV cameras reflects the town's commitment to public safety. The council is working to address security concerns and ensure that the town's service-delivery environment is responsive to community needs. As the 2027/28 budget process continues, the proposed installation of CCTV cameras will be among the security interventions requiring consideration. The council will weigh this proposal alongside other priorities raised during the stakeholder engagement.
The engagement meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, the media, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, and Kwaluseni Inkhundla. The council's efforts to engage with the community and prioritize public safety are crucial in maintaining a secure and responsive service-delivery environment in Matsapha.
Key points
- The Matsapha Town Council considers CCTV cameras to boost security.
- The proposed CCTV camera system aims to provide authorities with greater visibility of activity in public spaces.
- The council values stakeholder input in shaping its priorities for the future.
