BY ANDREW DLAMINI
MANZINI – The George Hotel was abuzz with intellectual fervor today as professionals from the Eswatini Town Planners Association (ETPA) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development gathered to commemorate World Town Planning Day.
The event, hosted under the theme ‘Learning Globally and Applying Locally,’ served as a platform for experts to deliberate on innovative, sustainable, and equitable solutions aimed at tackling global challenges in urban planning.
The day, celebrated annually, showcased the pivotal role of well-thought-out planning in enhancing people’s rights and social well-being. Rooted in a tradition dating back to 1949, the Ministry of Housing in Urban Development joined the celebration three years ago, amplifying the impact of this global initiative.
During inauguration, Manzini Municipal Director Community Services Zweli Maphanga, expressed his pleasure and honor at being part of this global gathering. He was representing the CEO.
“This is the third annual event hosted by the Ministry of housing in collaboration with the newly formed ETPA,” he said, setting the tone for the day’s discussions.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development Simon Zwane, said the event’s focus on learning from global planning practices and fostering innovation to address pressing global issues in town planning and development.
Meanwhile, an international perspective was brought to the event by Chartered Town Planner Olafiyin Taiwo, who joined the discussion online from the United Kingdom.
Taiwo explained the importance of cross-sectoral, interdisciplinary, and multidisciplinary approaches in addressing urban challenges. “Learning globally fosters innovation and creativity, leading to opportunities and resource harnessing beyond regional boundaries,” she explained, urging attendees to take pragmatic, thoughtful actions to ensure the application of learned policies and ideas doesn’t create additional problems in the future.
Following Taiwo’s insightful presentation, guest speakers Zwakele, Sihle, and Nomvuyo expressed their appreciation for her ideas, highlighting the achievements and challenges discussed. They extended their gratitude for her valuable insights and time.
Fana Sihlongonyane, a professor from the University of Wits, also shed light on the achievements and challenges in urban planning. He outlined the impact of coordinated development across various disciplines, the influence of urban planning on economic growth, and its significance in shaping the urban landscape of the country.
The World Town Planning Day Commemoration provided a platform for experts to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and work collaboratively towards creating sustainable and inclusive urban spaces. As the event concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to applying innovative solutions in their local contexts, thereby contributing to the global discourse on urban development.
