Manzini: The Vibrant Heart of Eswatini

• HelloSawubona
  [sah-woo-BOH-nah]
• GoodbyeHamba kahle
  [HAM-bah KAH-hleh]
• YesYebo
  [YEH-boh]
• NoCha
  [CHAH]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [ing-YAH-sheh-lah]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [ing-yah-BOHNG-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [oo-SHAW-loh]
• How are you?Unjani?
  [OON-jah-nee]
• Fine. And you?Ngiyaphila. Wena?
  [ing-yah-PEE-lah. WEH-nah]
• Do you speak English?Ukhuluma isiNgisi?
  [oo-khoo-LOO-mah ee-see-Ngee-see]
• I don't understandAngifuni kubuza
  [ahn-gee-FOO-nee koo-BOO-zah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgiyacela ukubona imenyu
  [ing-YAH-sheh-lah oo-koo-BOH-nah ee-men-YOO]
• I don't eat meatAngiyi kudla inyama
  [ahn-GEE-yee koo-DLA ee-nya-MAH]
• Cheers!Ochalaza!
  [oh-cha-LAH-zah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgiyacela ukulipha
  [ing-YAH-sheh-lah oo-koo-LEE-pah]

• Help!Siza!
  [SEE-zah]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [HAM-bah]
• Call the Police!Vula amaphoyisa!
  [VOO-lah ah-mah-poy-EE-sah]
• Call a doctor!Vula umuthi!
  [VOO-lah oo-MOO-tee]
• I'm lostNgikhohlwe
  [ing-gee-KOHL-weh]
• I'm illNgisikhohliwe
  [ing-see-si-KOH-hlee-weh]

• I'd like to buy...Ngiyacela ukuthenga...
  [ing-YAH-sheh-lah oo-koo-THEHNG-gah]
• I'm just lookingNgiyavakashela kuphela
  [ing-yah-vah-kah-SHEH-lah koo-PHEH-lah]
• How much is it?Kuyaphi?
  [koo-YAH-pee]
• That's too expensiveLokhu kungenamanje
  [lo-KOO koo-NGEH-nah-MAHN-jeh]
• Can you lower the price?Ungakufaka isilinganiso?
  [oo-ngah-koo-FAH-kah ee-see-ling-gah-NEE-so]

• What time is it?Ngubani lesikhathi?
  [ing-oo-BAH-nee le-see-KHAH-thee]
• It's one o'clockKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
• Half past (10)Ngemva kwezintathu
  [ing-EM-vah kweh-zin-TAH-thoo]
• MorningEkuseni
  [eh-koo-SEH-nee]
• AfternoonNtambama
  [in-TAHM-bah-mah]
• EveningEbusuku
  [eh-boo-SOO-koo]
• YesterdayNtfo
  [in-TOH]
• TodayNamuhla
  [nah-MOOH-slah]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [koo-SAH-sah]
• 1Kunye
  [koo-NYEH]
• 2Kubili
  [koo-BEE-lee]
• 3Kuthathu
  [koo-TAH-too]
• 4Kune
  [koo-NEH]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [koo-HLAH-noo]
• 6Kukhona
  [koo-KHOH-nah]
• 7Kukhombisa
  [koo-khom-BEE-sah]
• 8Kukhulu
  [koo-KHOO-loo]
• 9Kukhwine
  [koo-KHWEEN-eh]
• 10Kukhumi
  [koo-KHOO-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Kuyini...
  [koo-YEE-nee]
• What's the address?Kuyini indawo?
  [koo-YEE-nee een-DAW-woh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unganginika (kuhamba ngendlela)?
  [oo-ngah-ngi-NEE-kah (koo-HAHM-bah ngen-DLEH-lah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kusasa kuyini (ibusi)?
  [koo-SAH-sah koo-YEE-nee (ee-BOO-see)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ikhetha (kusuka ku....)
  [ee-KHEH-thah (koo-SOO-kah koo)]

Manzini, originally known as Bremersdorp, was founded in 1887. It was named after a white trader, Albert Bremer, who established a trading post in the area. The town quickly became a key commercial hub due to its strategic location.

During the British colonial period, Bremersdorp served as the first administrative center of Swaziland from 1890 until 1902, when the capital was moved to Mbabane. In 1960, the town was renamed Manzini, reflecting its African roots.

Swaziland gained independence from British rule in 1968. Manzini played a crucial role in the nation’s post-independence era, becoming an economic and cultural center. The town saw significant growth and development during this period.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Manzini experienced rapid urbanization and economic expansion. Key industries include agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The city is known for its vibrant markets, bustling streets, and robust infrastructure.

Manzini is often referred to as the 'Hub of Eswatini' due to its central role in the country's cultural and social life. The city hosts a variety of cultural events, including traditional Swazi ceremonies, music festivals, and art exhibitions.

Manzini is home to several prominent educational institutions, including the University of Eswatini’s Kwaluseni campus. These institutions play a vital role in the intellectual and cultural development of the region.

The city boasts several historic landmarks, such as the Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, which was built in the early 20th century. Another notable site is the Manzini Market, a bustling hub that has been central to local commerce for decades.

Manzini is located in the central region of Eswatini. The nearest international airport is King Mswati III International Airport, approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service directly to Manzini, which typically takes about 40-50 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport for more flexibility during your stay. There are also bus services connecting Manzini with other major cities in Eswatini.

Within Manzini, you can get around using local minibus taxis, which are the most common form of public transport. These minibuses operate on fixed routes and are relatively inexpensive. For more comfort or direct routes, you can use metered taxis. Car rentals are available and provide the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the city. Walking is also an option for short distances within the city center.

The official currency in Eswatini is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL), but South African Rand (ZAR) is also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Manzini, but make sure to withdraw enough cash if you plan to travel to more remote areas.

Manzini is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less crowded areas. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded places like markets and bus terminals. Certain neighborhoods such as Ngwane Park and Fairview can have higher crime rates, so it's advisable to stay vigilant and avoid these areas after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, 977 for medical emergencies, and 933 for fire services. Manzini has several hospitals and clinics where you can seek medical assistance. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before taking photos in religious places. Public Transport: Do be respectful and considerate to other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Introducing yourself and saying 'hello' in SiSwati ('Sawubona') is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Manzini like a local, visit the Manzini Market where you can buy fresh produce, crafts, and traditional Swazi goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss out on attending a local cultural event or festival, such as the Umhlanga Reed Dance if you are visiting in August/September. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Mkhaya Game Reserve for wildlife viewing.