By Sizwe Dlamini
Gciniwe Fakudze has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Municipal Council of Mbabane, succeeding Gideon Mhlongo.
The appointment was made by the Minister of Housing & Urban Development Appolo Maphalala, at the Ministry’s conference room earlier today.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Gciniwe Fakudze as the new CEO of the Municipal Council of Mbabane, effective from the 19th of August 2024 under a five-year performance-based contract that will undergo continuous assessment by the Municipality.”
“Fakudze brings a wealth of experience in public governance, and we are confident in her ability to elevate the Municipality to new heights. She will collaborate closely with elected councillors, administrators, and stakeholders to enhance the city’s operations and services,” the Minister noted.
Maphalala further noted that Mbabane holds a special place in the kingdom’s focus as it is the capital city. He added that Fakudze’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture as local government faces many financial challenges.
“There is also a clear call from the Royal Kraal for diligent leadership that will drive progress across the kingdom. We see this appointment as a noble step towards achieving meaningful advancements in the city of Mbabane,” he said.
Following the announcement during a media briefing, Fakudze who is recognized for her public sector experience, expressed readiness and willingness to work collaboratively with elected officials.
“No CEO achieves success alone, hence I will rely on my team, I genuinely believe in teamwork,” she emphasized.
“I place my trust in the existing team of elected Mbabane City Councillors and Mbabane City Council staff. Together, we will strive to diligently serve the hundreds of residents and stakeholders who call Mbabane home. This is a challenge and I hope me and my team will rise to meet this challenge head-on,” she said.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Fakudze is a respected long-serving local government practitioner, a highly skilled executive on customer acquisitions, customer retention, customer service, and customer relationships, a highly sought-after public speaker, and an award-winning inspirational woman of note.
Her profile further states that she previously served as the Matsapha Municipality CEO and as Siteki Town Clerk. Fakudze holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Town and Regional Planning from the University of Witwatersrand.