Frequently Asked Questions
Get to know more about the largest industrial site of its kind in The Kingdom of Eswatini, housing factories, warehouses and shopping centres.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
1How do I obtain an Informal Trade / Vending Permit to sell in Matsapha Urban Area?
1. Fill Out the Application: Visit the Matsapha Town Council Civic Centre to collect and complete the Informal Trade Application Form. (Note: Applying is completely FREE).
2. Submit Required Documents: Bring along:
- A copy of your National ID Card.
- 1 Passport-sized photo.
3. Wait for SMS Notification: You will receive an SMS on the contact number provided in your application with the outcome of your request.
4. Food Handlers Requirement: If your business involves touching or preparing food, all food handlers must undergo medical screening once approved. You can collect the medical testing requisition forms at the Civic Centre.
5. Contact 7802 6648 / madiy@matsapha.co.sz for more information.
2. Submit Required Documents: Bring along:
- A copy of your National ID Card.
- 1 Passport-sized photo.
3. Wait for SMS Notification: You will receive an SMS on the contact number provided in your application with the outcome of your request.
4. Food Handlers Requirement: If your business involves touching or preparing food, all food handlers must undergo medical screening once approved. You can collect the medical testing requisition forms at the Civic Centre.
5. Contact 7802 6648 / madiy@matsapha.co.sz for more information.
2How do food businesses safely dispose of expired or unwholesome food?
To protect public health, unwholesome or expired food must be safely destroyed at the sanitary landfill using our official process:
1. Apply for Condemnation: Visit the Matsapha Town Council Civic Centre to complete the Food Condemnation & Destruction Application Form.
2. Inspection & Supervised Disposal: Health inspectors will inspect the items, monitor safe transportation, and supervise the final destruction at the landfill site.
3. Disposal Costs:
- E1.00 per kg (using Matsapha Town Council transport).
- E0.50 per kg (using your own transport).
4. Payment & Certification: Pay the required fee at the Civic Centre cashier’s office.
5. Condemnation & Destruction Certificate confirming the destroyed items and disposal method used will be issued thereafter.
6. Contact 78026648/madiy@matsapha.co.sz for more information.
1. Apply for Condemnation: Visit the Matsapha Town Council Civic Centre to complete the Food Condemnation & Destruction Application Form.
2. Inspection & Supervised Disposal: Health inspectors will inspect the items, monitor safe transportation, and supervise the final destruction at the landfill site.
3. Disposal Costs:
- E1.00 per kg (using Matsapha Town Council transport).
- E0.50 per kg (using your own transport).
4. Payment & Certification: Pay the required fee at the Civic Centre cashier’s office.
5. Condemnation & Destruction Certificate confirming the destroyed items and disposal method used will be issued thereafter.
6. Contact 78026648/madiy@matsapha.co.sz for more information.
3How to obtain Health Clearance Certificate?
1. Fill in application form at Matsapha Town Council Civic Centre.
2. Submit Required Documents: Bring along:
- Copy of your company trading license.
- Copy of your title deed (if premises are owned by yourself) and or copy of your lease agreement (if premises are leased out to you).
- E1,100 paid towards each application.
3. Payment may be paid through Cash or MOMO (paid at the rates hall) and EFT.
2. Submit Required Documents: Bring along:
- Copy of your company trading license.
- Copy of your title deed (if premises are owned by yourself) and or copy of your lease agreement (if premises are leased out to you).
- E1,100 paid towards each application.
3. Payment may be paid through Cash or MOMO (paid at the rates hall) and EFT.
Town Treasury - FAQs
1How do I obtain a Rates Clearance Certificate?
• To obtain a Rates Clearance Certificate, you should submit the following:
• A completed application form and a fee amount to E40.00
• A copy of your identification document.
• All outstanding rate, penalties, and any other amounts due on the property must be paid in full.
• Once all requirements have been met and the account has been verified, the Council will issue a Rates Clearance Certificate.
• A completed application form and a fee amount to E40.00
• A copy of your identification document.
• All outstanding rate, penalties, and any other amounts due on the property must be paid in full.
• Once all requirements have been met and the account has been verified, the Council will issue a Rates Clearance Certificate.
2There is an overgrown plot next to my property. Who do I contact?
Please report overgrown or neglected properties to the Environmental Health Department at Matsapha Town Council. Council will investigate the matter and engage the property owner where necessary.
3I raised a query about my Rates last year, but this year's bill is still the same. Why?
Your rates are based on the rateable value recorded in the current Valuation Roll. If the valuation has not been amended through a Supplementary Valuation Roll in accordance with the Rating Act, your property's rateable value remains unchanged, and your rates will remain the same.
4When is the Flea Market open?
The Matsapha Flea Market operates on dates determined by Council.
Any changes to the trading schedule will also be communicated through Council's official communication channels.
5How are Rates calculated?
Property rates are calculated using the property's rateable value as determined in the Municipal Valuation Roll and the annual rate approved by Council.
The basic formula is:
Property Rates = Rateable Value × Rate in the Emalangeni
The rateable value is determined by a qualified valuer and adopted through the Valuation Roll in accordance with the Rating Act, 1995.
If you disagree with your property's valuation, you may lodge an objection during the legally prescribed objection period following publication of the Valuation Roll.
The basic formula is:
Property Rates = Rateable Value × Rate in the Emalangeni
The rateable value is determined by a qualified valuer and adopted through the Valuation Roll in accordance with the Rating Act, 1995.
If you disagree with your property's valuation, you may lodge an objection during the legally prescribed objection period following publication of the Valuation Roll.
6How can I check my Rates account balance?
You can obtain your account balance by: Visiting or Contacting the Treasurer department at Matsapha Town Council.
Emails are sent to all customers monthly to obtain balances.
Emails are sent to all customers monthly to obtain balances.
7When are Rates due?
The rates are due and payable on the 30th of April, and rates bills (assessments) shall be mailed to property owners before this date.
Section 30 of the Rating Act of 1995 provides for a penalty at the rate of 15% per annum to be charged for each month or part of a month on rates remaining unpaid after the elapse of two (2) months from the date on which the rates become due and payable.
Section 30 of the Rating Act of 1995 provides for a penalty at the rate of 15% per annum to be charged for each month or part of a month on rates remaining unpaid after the elapse of two (2) months from the date on which the rates become due and payable.
Engineering & Town Planning - FAQs
1How many units can I develop on my property?
The permissible number of dwellings is according to its zoning category. Find schedule Development Control
2Can I subdivide my plot?
Property can only be subdivided according to its zoning category.
Find schedule 2: Development Control
Find schedule 2: Development Control
3Does Council have land for sale?
Council has three different types of land:
1. Industrial land is under the Government requests for land are done through Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and allocations are approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
2. Residential and Commercial properties are primarily private property and the buying and selling happens privately without Council involvement
1. Industrial land is under the Government requests for land are done through Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and allocations are approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.
2. Residential and Commercial properties are primarily private property and the buying and selling happens privately without Council involvement
4What are building lines
Building lines restrict where structures can be built on a property, while servitudes reserve land for services such as water, electricity, sewer, drainage, or public access.
5I want to change my plot from residential to a business plot.
The number change in land use is according to its zoning category. Find schedule 2: Development Control
6How do you calculate building application fee?
Estimated Construction cost x 0.1%: E1 000 000 = E1000 Applications
7How long does it take to process a building application?
It takes 4 weeks to process an application. Council will respond within the 4 weeks of submission.
8Does council lease out brush cutters?
No Council does not lease equipment
9Does Council cut grass in private property?
No Council does not.
Environment Management - FAQs
1Where is the location of the Matsapha Sanitary landfill?
The Matsapha Sanitary Landfill is located along Ingaja Street on the Matsapha Industrial Site.
Coordinates: -26.519680549885386, 31.29772602791988.
Coordinates: -26.519680549885386, 31.29772602791988.
2How do I dispose of hazardous waste?
In Matsapha there is no facility that dispose of hazardous waste; however, the town refers all companies who generate hazardous waste to private companies who are licensed to managed and dispose of hazardous waste in South Africa. The town also ensures that all waste managed within business premises is managed as required by environmental legislation.
3What time does the nursery operate?
The nursery is open from 07:30am till 03:30 pm, on weekdays only.
4What plants are available at the Matsapha nursery?
The nursery sells exotic plants which are mostly for landscaping and greening purposes, and some plants are for medical. Indigenous and fruit trees are also available at the Matsapha nursery.
5Is the Silent Park open for public?
Currently the park is under development, and it will be open for public use after its official launch.
6What is the process of applying for the use of Matsapha incinerator?
The applicant approaches the Office Administrator and requests for the use of the incinerator.
The applicant is given a Contract for filling in and signing.
The applicant then submits the signed Contract and pays an administration fee of E100.00.
The Contract is then processed within the Council.
After full processing, the applicant is then given a copy of the Contract and an agreement on which days to collect the HCRW is concluded.
The applicant is given a Contract for filling in and signing.
The applicant then submits the signed Contract and pays an administration fee of E100.00.
The Contract is then processed within the Council.
After full processing, the applicant is then given a copy of the Contract and an agreement on which days to collect the HCRW is concluded.
Community Services - FAQs
1What is the Matsapha Town Council Health & Wellness Programme?
The Matsapha Town Council Health & Wellness Programme is an initiative aimed at promoting the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of employees, youth, and community members through health education, disease prevention, health promotion, youth development, counseling, and psychosocial support services.
2Who is eligible to participate in the programme?
All Matsapha Town Council employees, interns, youth, Peer Educators, community groups, and residents of Matsapha are encouraged to participate in Health & Wellness activities and initiatives.
3What services are offered under the programme?
• Health screenings
• HIV/AIDS and TB awareness
• Mental health support
• Free counseling services
• Youth engagement programmes
• Peer education services
• Physical fitness and wellness activities
• Nutrition education
• Substance abuse prevention initiatives
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness
• Occupational health and safety education
• Community outreach programmes
• Referrals to specialized healthcare and social services
• HIV/AIDS and TB awareness
• Mental health support
• Free counseling services
• Youth engagement programmes
• Peer education services
• Physical fitness and wellness activities
• Nutrition education
• Substance abuse prevention initiatives
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness
• Occupational health and safety education
• Community outreach programmes
• Referrals to specialized healthcare and social services
4Why is participation important?
Participation helps individuals:
• Detect illnesses early
• Improve physical and mental health
• Reduce stress
• Improve productivity
• Promote healthy lifestyles
• Strengthen community well-being
• Detect illnesses early
• Improve physical and mental health
• Reduce stress
• Improve productivity
• Promote healthy lifestyles
• Strengthen community well-being
5Are health screenings confidential?
Yes. All information collected during screenings, counseling sessions, and referrals is kept strictly confidential.
6How often are health screenings conducted?
Health screenings are conducted quarterly, during wellness campaigns, and whenever special health initiatives are organized.
7What should I do if my results indicate a health concern?
You will receive guidance and may be referred to an appropriate health facility, clinic, hospital, or specialist for further assistance.
8Does the programme address mental health?
Yes. The programme promotes mental wellness through:
• Mental health awareness campaigns
• Stress management sessions
• Counseling support
• Referrals to psychologists and mental health professionals
• Mental health awareness campaigns
• Stress management sessions
• Counseling support
• Referrals to psychologists and mental health professionals
9What should I do if I am experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulties?
You are encouraged to seek assistance from:
• A Ward Peer Educator
• The Youth Mentor
• The Health & Wellness Coordinator
• Professional counselors through referral services
• A Ward Peer Educator
• The Youth Mentor
• The Health & Wellness Coordinator
• Professional counselors through referral services
10Does the programme address HIV/AIDS, TB and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)?
Yes. The programme supports prevention, screening, awareness, stigma reduction, treatment adherence, and referrals relating to:
• HIV/AIDS
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Other chronic illnesses
• HIV/AIDS
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Other chronic illnesses
Counseling & Referral Services - FAQs
1Does Matsapha Town Council provide counseling services?
Yes. The Municipality offers free counseling sessions through the Health & Wellness Programme for employees, youth, and community members.
These sessions may address:
• Workplace stress
• Family and relationship challenges
• Bereavement and grief
• Mental health concerns
• Substance abuse
• HIV-related psychosocial support
• Personal wellness challenges
These sessions may address:
• Workplace stress
• Family and relationship challenges
• Bereavement and grief
• Mental health concerns
• Substance abuse
• HIV-related psychosocial support
• Personal wellness challenges
2Are counseling sessions confidential?
Yes. All counselling sessions are conducted in a safe, confidential, and supportive environment.
3What if specialized assistance is required?
Where specialized care is needed, referrals may be made to:
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Medical doctors
• Health facilities
• Rehabilitation services
• Hospitals
• Specialized clinics
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Medical doctors
• Health facilities
• Rehabilitation services
• Hospitals
• Specialized clinics
4Who can refer a resident for assistance?
Referrals may come through:
• Ward Peer Educators
• Youth Mentor
• Health & Wellness Coordinator
• Community Development Officers
• Healthcare providers
• Ward Peer Educators
• Youth Mentor
• Health & Wellness Coordinator
• Community Development Officers
• Healthcare providers
Youth Engagement Programme - FAQs
1What is the Youth Engagement Programme?
The Youth Engagement Programme empowers young people with knowledge, leadership skills, health information, and opportunities that promote positive development and responsible citizenship.
2What are the objectives of the Youth Engagement Programme?
• Promote youth leadership
• Build life skills
• Encourage healthy lifestyles
• Improve access to health information
• Support positive behavioral change
• Increase youth participation in community development
• Build life skills
• Encourage healthy lifestyles
• Improve access to health information
• Support positive behavioral change
• Increase youth participation in community development
3What topics are covered?
• Leadership development
• Mental health awareness
• HIV/AIDS and TB prevention
• Substance abuse prevention
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Entrepreneurship
• Life skills development
• Career guidance
• Gender equality
• Gender-Based Violence prevention
• Civic responsibility
• Mental health awareness
• HIV/AIDS and TB prevention
• Substance abuse prevention
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Entrepreneurship
• Life skills development
• Career guidance
• Gender equality
• Gender-Based Violence prevention
• Civic responsibility
4How can young people get involved?
They may:
• Attend training programmes
• Participate in awareness campaigns
• Join youth forums
• Volunteer for community projects
• Become Peer Educators
• Attend training programmes
• Participate in awareness campaigns
• Join youth forums
• Volunteer for community projects
• Become Peer Educators
Peer Education Programme - FAQs
1What is a Peer Educator?
A Peer Educator is a trained volunteer who shares health information, promotes healthy lifestyles, provides support, and links community members to appropriate services.
2What is the purpose of the Peer Education Programme?
The programme aims to:
• Promote healthy behaviour
• Increase awareness on health issues
• Reduce stigma and discrimination
• Improve access to health services
• Strengthen community participation
• Promote healthy behaviour
• Increase awareness on health issues
• Reduce stigma and discrimination
• Improve access to health services
• Strengthen community participation
3Who can become a Peer Educator?
Any committed youth or community member who demonstrates leadership, integrity, communication skills, and a passion for community service may be trained as a Peer Educator.
4What training do Peer Educators receive?
Training includes:
• HIV/AIDS and TB
• Mental health awareness
• NCD prevention
• Communication skills
• Basic counseling
• Substance abuse prevention
• GBV awareness
• Community mobilization
• Leadership and advocacy
• HIV/AIDS and TB
• Mental health awareness
• NCD prevention
• Communication skills
• Basic counseling
• Substance abuse prevention
• GBV awareness
• Community mobilization
• Leadership and advocacy
5Are Peer Educators professional counselors?
No. They provide information, basic support, and referrals but do not replace qualified healthcare professionals.
6Is information shared with Peer Educators confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is one of the key principles of Peer Education.
7What issues can residents discuss with Peer Educators?
• Mental health concerns
• HIV/AIDS and TB
• Stress management
• Substance abuse
• Healthy lifestyles
• Social and personal challenges
• Accessing healthcare services
• HIV/AIDS and TB
• Stress management
• Substance abuse
• Healthy lifestyles
• Social and personal challenges
• Accessing healthcare services
8How is the Peer Education Programme structured?
The programme is coordinated under the Health & Wellness Programme and is supervised by a Youth Mentor who oversees ward-based activities and supports all Peer Educators.
9How many Peer Educators are deployed?
Matsapha Town Council has deployed six (6) Peer Educators, with one Peer Educator assigned to each of the six wards of Matsapha.
10Why is each ward assigned a Peer Educator?
The ward-based approach ensures:
• Equal access to services
• Strong community outreach
• Better health promotion
• Timely referrals
• Improved youth engagement
• Community participation in wellness initiatives
• Equal access to services
• Strong community outreach
• Better health promotion
• Timely referrals
• Improved youth engagement
• Community participation in wellness initiatives
11What is the role of the Youth Mentor?
The Youth Mentor:
• Guides Peer Educators
• Coordinates ward activities
• Organizes capacity-building sessions
• Monitors programme implementation
• Supports awareness campaigns
• Facilitates referrals
• Guides Peer Educators
• Coordinates ward activities
• Organizes capacity-building sessions
• Monitors programme implementation
• Supports awareness campaigns
• Facilitates referrals
12What activities do Peer Educators conduct?
• Community outreach
• Household visits
• Health education sessions
• Youth engagement activities
• Awareness campaigns
• Wellness events
• Referral and support services
• Health promotion programmes
• Household visits
• Health education sessions
• Youth engagement activities
• Awareness campaigns
• Wellness events
• Referral and support services
• Health promotion programmes
13How can residents identify or contact their ward Peer Educator?
Residents may connect with their Peer Educator through:
• Community meetings
• Ward activities
• Youth programmes
• Community Development Office
• Health & Wellness Office
• Community meetings
• Ward activities
• Youth programmes
• Community Development Office
• Health & Wellness Office
Health Care Service Providers - FAQs
1Which healthcare service providers are available in Matsapha?
Residents may access healthcare services through:
• Matsapha Health Centre
• AHF Eswatini Matsapha Clinic
• MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic
• Matsapha Healthcare Centre
• Garrison Clinic
• Police College Clinic
• Industrial workplace clinics
• Private clinics
• Pharmacies and laboratories
• Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital
• Mbabane Government Hospital
• Other Ministry of Health facilities and outreach programmes
• Matsapha Health Centre
• AHF Eswatini Matsapha Clinic
• MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic
• Matsapha Healthcare Centre
• Garrison Clinic
• Police College Clinic
• Industrial workplace clinics
• Private clinics
• Pharmacies and laboratories
• Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital
• Mbabane Government Hospital
• Other Ministry of Health facilities and outreach programmes
2What services are provided by AHF Eswatini Matsapha Clinic?
AHF Eswatini provides:
• Free HIV testing and counseling
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
• STI screening and treatment
• TB screening and treatment
• Family planning
• Sexual and reproductive health services
• Cervical cancer screening
• Free condom distribution
• HIV prevention services and referrals
• Free HIV testing and counseling
• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)
• STI screening and treatment
• TB screening and treatment
• Family planning
• Sexual and reproductive health services
• Cervical cancer screening
• Free condom distribution
• HIV prevention services and referrals
3What services are offered by MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic?
The MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic provides:
• Sexual and reproductive health services
• STI diagnosis and treatment
• HIV testing and treatment
• Family planning
• Mental health services
• Youth-friendly services
• Services for factory workers and vulnerable populations
• Health education and counselling
• Sexual and reproductive health services
• STI diagnosis and treatment
• HIV testing and treatment
• Family planning
• Mental health services
• Youth-friendly services
• Services for factory workers and vulnerable populations
• Health education and counselling
4What services does Matsapha Healthcare Centre offer?
Services include:
• General medical consultations
• Emergency care
• Occupational health services
• Laboratory services
• Pharmacy services
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition and dietetics
• Psychology services
• Corporate wellness services
• Specialized medical consultations.
• General medical consultations
• Emergency care
• Occupational health services
• Laboratory services
• Pharmacy services
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition and dietetics
• Psychology services
• Corporate wellness services
• Specialized medical consultations.
5What services does Garrison Clinic provide?
Garrison Clinic primarily serves members of the security services and their eligible dependents, providing primary healthcare, preventive services, occupational health support, and referrals where necessary.
6What services does Police College Clinic provide?
Police College Clinic provides primary healthcare, routine medical consultations, preventive care, occupational health services, and referral support for police trainees, officers, and eligible beneficiaries.
7Where can residents’ access free HIV testing and counseling?
Free HIV testing and counseling services are available at:
• AHF Eswatini Clinic
• Matsapha Health Centre
• MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic
• Community outreach programmes
• Health and wellness campaigns.
• AHF Eswatini Clinic
• Matsapha Health Centre
• MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic
• Community outreach programmes
• Health and wellness campaigns.
8Where can residents’ access mental health support?
Mental health support can be accessed through:
• Municipal counseling services
• MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic
• Matsapha Healthcare Centre
• Referral psychologists
• Social workers
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals
• Municipal counseling services
• MSF Sitsandziwe Clinic
• Matsapha Healthcare Centre
• Referral psychologists
• Social workers
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals
9What should I bring when visiting a healthcare facility?
Bring:
• National ID
• Medical records (if available)
• Referral letter (if applicable)
• Medical aid information (if applicable)
• Any current medication information
• National ID
• Medical records (if available)
• Referral letter (if applicable)
• Medical aid information (if applicable)
• Any current medication information
Health Care Access - FAQs
1How do Peer Educators support healthcare access?
Peer Educators:
• Share health information
• Conduct awareness campaigns
• Encourage health-seeking behaviour
• Facilitate referrals
• Support treatment adherence
• Link residents to services
• Share health information
• Conduct awareness campaigns
• Encourage health-seeking behaviour
• Facilitate referrals
• Support treatment adherence
• Link residents to services
2Can residents be referred by a Peer Educator or Youth Mentor?
Yes. Residents requiring healthcare, counseling, psychosocial support, or social services may be referred through the ward-based support network.
3What is the goal of the Matsapha Health & Wellness Programme?
The goal is to improve the quality of life of employees, youth, and residents by promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening access to healthcare, empowering communities through Peer Education, and ensuring timely support through counseling and referral services.