By Phiwa Sikhondze
Over the past month, Eswatini has witnessed several significant appointments in local government, parastatals, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and government, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to key roles.
The most recent appointment is that of Lungile Dlamini, the CEO of the Municipal Council of Manzini. Dlamini has been appointed as the Vice President of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) of the Southern Hemisphere.
Lungile Dlamini is an experienced leader with over 20 years of experience in local and national government. She has served as CEO in three municipalities in Eswatini, where she championed the conceptualization and implementation of transformation initiatives.
Her leadership has been instrumental in driving sustainable development and improving service delivery in these municipalities. She is an established Urban Planner with a Master’s Degree in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning.
Nixon Dlamini, the CEO of Eswatini Railways, has been elected as the new Vice President of the Southern African Railways Association (SARA). As Dlamini steps into this new role, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to ensuring that rail transport remains a cornerstone of regional trade and economic growth.
Appointed as CEO of Eswatini Railways in December 2019, Nixon Dlamini previously worked as a Chief Civil Engineer at Eswatini Railways from 1997 to 2001. He later moved into the private sector, gaining international experience in the rail and engineering sectors. Before returning to Eswatini Railways, he was a lead consultant with 2N Services (PTY) LTD in the UK.
Dlamini has also served as Associate Director and Rail Business Leader for Arup and as Principal Rail/Civil Engineer and Permanent Way Lead for Mott Macdonald. His qualifications include BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering, BSc in Mathematics and Physics, CSCS Black Managers Card, and ICE Supervising Engineer.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has appointed Victor Lusekwane Mahlalela as the new CEO of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA). Mahlalela possesses extensive experience in disaster management and strategic planning and has previously held senior positions in national disaster response organizations.
He has been pivotal in formulating disaster preparedness and response strategies. He replaces Prime Minister, Russell Dlamini, who served as CEO for several years before being appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III in November 2023.
Mahlalela has vast international experience in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management following work stints in Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo under World Vision.
Mahlalela is also experienced in project management and resource mobilization and has a passion for humanitarian work, which has been the driving force throughout his service within NDMA in various capacities since the agency was established in 2015. Before his appointment, Mahlaleal served as Director of Operations.
The Ministry of Finance also announced a key appointment in one of its parastatals – the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CFI). The Ministry announced the secondment of Sizakele Dlamini to the role of CEO. Dlamini has over a decade of experience in the Ministry of Finance, including roles as Director of Corporate Services and Supply Chain, Head of Policy & Planning, and most recently, Principal Secretary.
Her expertise in financial management and policy development is expected to drive the organization’s mission of promoting financial inclusion in Eswatini.
Some local governments have seen some major appointments in their leadership, with Mbabane City Council being the first one. Gciniwe Fakudze was confirmed as the new CEO of Mbabane City Council by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Apollo Maphalala.
Fakudze brings extensive experience in urban management and public administration. Her leadership is expected to enhance the city’s development and service delivery.
She is a respected long-serving local government practitioner, having previously served as the Matsapha Municipality CEO and as Siteki Town Clerk. She is also a highly skilled executive in customer acquisitions, customer retention, customer service, and customer relationships, having worked for both MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile in that space. Fakudze holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Witwatersrand.
Meanwhile, Cinisela Dlamini has been appointed as the new CEO of the Malkerns Town Board. Dlamini brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the council. He is not a new candidate in local governance as he has previously served as the CEO of Siteki Town Board. Before assuming this role, Dlamini was the Pioneer and Executive Director of Auk Hills Academy in the Shiselweni Region.
Coming to NGOs, Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, has unveiled Dr. Nondumiso Ginindza-Ncube as the new National Executive Director of the National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA).
Dr. Ginindza-Ncube replaces Khanya Mabuza and has a distinguished background in public health. She has worked as a senior health advisor for international health organizations and has led numerous health initiatives aimed at combating HIV/AIDS. Dr. Ginindza-Ncube has over 18 years of experience in health.
She holds a PhD in Public Health, a Master’s degree in Clinical Epidemiology, a Bachelor of Pharmacy Honours, and a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Biology and Chemistry.
This week, the Prime Minister also announced a reshuffle of some Principal Secretaries in a few government ministries, to strengthen the administrative framework. Vusi Dlamini, previously the Director of Budget and Economic Affairs, has been appointed as the new Principal Secretary under the Ministry of Finance. Dorcas Dlamini is the new PS of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, having been moved from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy.
Lindiwe Mbingo has been appointed as PS in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. She previously served as PS in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Melusi Masuku has been redeployed to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, as PS and has been moved from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
Siboniso Nkambule has been appointed to the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, transitioning from the role of Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Trade.