LANDLORD THREATENS EVICTION OF LOGOBA HIGHWAY INFORMAL BUSINESS OPERATORS

Florah Mndzebele-Dlamini, the alleged owner of the land hosting an informal business settlement near the Logoba Highway in Matsapha, has issued an eviction warning to tenants who fail to comply with her rules. In a letter dated 22nd September 2023, which is in possession of Swaziland News, the landlord warned tenants to vacate the premises if they are unable to adhere to her conditions or if they feel uncomfortable staying on the property.

The letter stated: “Dear tenant, you are kindly requested to vacate the premises if there is anything that makes you feel uncomfortable to stay in the houses. The landlord has received more complaints from the tenants and she finds it fit for everyone that whosoever feels uncomfortable must vacate the premises as soon as they receive the letter.”

The informal settlement, located along the busy Logoba Highway, is home to numerous small businesses and traders who rely on the location for their livelihoods. The letter has sparked concern among the tenants, many of whom fear losing their businesses and sources of income.

Tenants at the site claim the landlord’s decision came without prior consultations, leaving them uncertain about their future. Some expressed frustration over the lack of clarity on what constitutes non-compliance or discomfort, arguing that the sudden notice was unfair and lacked transparency.

The informal business settlement plays a significant role in the local economy, providing goods and services to commuters and nearby residents. The potential evictions could displace many families and disrupt business operations in an already challenging economic environment.

Efforts to contact Florah Mndzebele-Dlamini for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The situation has raised questions about the rights of tenants and the accountability of landlords in such informal arrangements.

This development highlights the precarious nature of informal business setups in Eswatini, where operators often lack formal protections or security of tenure. The tenants are calling for intervention from relevant authorities to address the issue and ensure their livelihoods are not disrupted without due process. Whether these calls will be heeded remains uncertain as tensions continue to simmer at the settlement.