Mbabane: The Heartbeat of Eswatini

• HelloSawubona
  [sa-wu-bo-na]
• GoodbyeSala kahle
  [sa-la ka-le]
• YesYebo
  [ye-bo]
• NoCha
  [cha]
• Please/You're welcomeNgiyacela
  [ngi-ya-ce-la]
• Thank youNgiyabonga
  [ngi-ya-bon-ga]
• Excuse me/SorryUxolo
  [u-xo-lo]
• How are you?Kunjani?
  [kun-ja-ni]
• Fine. And you?Ngiyaphila. Wena?
  [ngi-ya-phi-la. we-na]
• Do you speak English?Ukhuluma isiNgisi?
  [u-khu-lu-ma i-si-ngi-si]
• I don't understandAngazi
  [an-ga-zi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNgicela ukubona imenyu
  [ngi-ce-la u-ku-bo-na i-me-nyu]
• I don't eat meatAngishiya inhloko
  [an-gi-shi-ya in-hlo-ko]
• Cheers!Ophumile!
  [o-pu-mi-le]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNgicela ukulipha
  [ngi-ce-la u-ku-li-pha]

• Help!Usizo!
  [u-si-zo]
• Go away!Hamba!
  [ham-ba]
• Call the Police!Vula amaphoyisa!
  [vu-la a-ma-pho-yi-sa]
• Call a doctor!Vula udokotela!
  [vu-la u-do-ko-te-la]
• I'm lostNgikhohlwa
  [ngi-kho-lu-wa]
• I'm illNgilambile
  [ngi-lam-bi-le]

• I'd like to buy...Ngicela ukuthenga...
  [ngi-ce-la u-ku-the-nga]
• I'm just lookingNgikhuluma kuphi
  [ngi-khu-lu-ma ku-phi]
• How much is it?Kuyafika kakhulu?
  [ku-ya-fi-ka ka-khu-lu]
• That's too expensiveKuyadlula kakhulu
  [ku-ya-dlu-la ka-khu-lu]
• Can you lower the price?Ungathatha imali?
  [un-ga-tha-tha i-ma-li]

• What time is it?Ngubani inyanga lena?
  [ngu-ba-ni i-nya-n-ga le-na]
• It's one o'clockKuyahamba
  [ku-ya-ham-ba]
• Half past (10)Ngo-ndlunkulu
  [ngo-n-dlu-nku-lu]
• MorningEkuseni
  [e-ku-se-ni]
• AfternoonEmini
  [e-mi-ni]
• EveningSisuka
  [si-su-ka]
• YesterdayIzolo
  [i-zo-lo]
• TodayNamuhla
  [na-mu-hla]
• TomorrowKusasa
  [ku-sa-sa]
• 1Kunye
  [ku-nye]
• 2Kubili
  [ku-bi-li]
• 3Kuthathu
  [ku-tha-thu]
• 4Kune
  [ku-ne]
• 5Kuhlanu
  [ku-hla-nu]
• 6Kukhomisana
  [ku-kho-mi-sa-na]
• 7Kusithandathu
  [ku-si-than-da-thu]
• 8Kukhwalisini
  [ku-khwa-li-si-ni]
• 9Kuseminyakeni
  [ku-se-mi-nya-ke-ni]
• 10Kulishumi
  [ku-li-shu-mi]

• Where's a/the...?Lapho kungase...
  [la-pho kun-ga-se]
• What's the address?Sicela indawo yokwazi?
  [si-ce-la in-da-wo yo-kwa-zi]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Ungangithola (emephu)?
  [un-ga-ngi-tho-la e-me-phu]
• When's the next (bus)?Kudinga nini (ibhasi) elandelayo?
  [ku-din-ga ni-ni i-bha-si e-lan-de-la-yo]
• A ticket (to ....)Ithikithi (kwiswa....)
  [i-thi-ki-thi kwi-swa]

Mbabane, now the capital of Eswatini, was established in 1902. The town was named after Chief Mbabane Kunene, who lived in the area when British settlers arrived.

During the early 20th century, Mbabane grew as a colonial administrative center. British settlers established infrastructure, including roads and administrative buildings, which laid the foundation for the town's future development.

Eswatini gained independence from British colonial rule on September 6, 1968. Mbabane, as the capital, became the political hub of the newly independent nation, hosting government offices and diplomatic missions.

Over the years, Mbabane has developed into a vibrant city, blending modernity with traditional Swazi culture. The city hosts various cultural festivals and markets, showcasing local crafts, music, and dance. Economic development has also seen the rise of commercial centers, making Mbabane a key economic node in Eswatini.

Mbabane is home to several educational institutions, including the University of Eswatini and various international schools. These institutions have played a significant role in the educational advancement of the nation, attracting students from across the region.

Mbabane has also become a center for health and social services in Eswatini. The Mbabane Government Hospital and other health facilities provide essential services to the population, addressing public health challenges and improving overall healthcare standards.

As the administrative capital, Mbabane houses key government buildings, including the Prime Minister's residence and various ministries. The city's political significance is underscored by its role in national decision-making and policy formulation.

Mbabane, the capital city of Eswatini, is accessible via King Mswati III International Airport located approximately 90 kilometers away in Manzini. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle service to reach Mbabane. Alternatively, if you are traveling from South Africa, you can drive or take a bus from Johannesburg or Durban, which are both about a 4-5 hour drive away.

Mbabane is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer distances, you can use the local minibus taxis, which are the most common form of public transport. Private taxis are also available, and car rental services can be found in the city if you prefer to drive yourself. Note that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.

The official currency of Eswatini is the Swazi Lilangeni (SZL), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Both currencies are accepted interchangeably. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, particularly for use in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available throughout Mbabane.

Mbabane is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in poorly lit areas and unfamiliar neighborhoods. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. Areas with higher crime rates include the Manzini region, so exercise caution if traveling there.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 977 for an ambulance, and 933 for fire services. Mbabane has several medical facilities, including the Mbabane Government Hospital and private clinics. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always seek permission before taking photographs in religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's customary to greet elders first as a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mbabane like a local, visit the Mbabane Market where you can buy traditional crafts and fresh produce. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share stories about their culture. Don't miss visiting the Sibebe Rock, one of the largest exposed granite plutons in the world. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Swazi cultural event, such as the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) or Incwala (King's Ceremony).