AGP Executive Report

Monetary Policy Watch: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it will stick to a cautious approach as global inflation shocks bite, keeping the discount rate unchanged and using other tools to protect households. Court Orders Accountability: A High Court ruling found two police officers liable for unlawfully arresting, detaining and torturing a Lubombo mechanic to force a confession, with damages to be determined. Regional Trade & Health Security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at Busia border, working with ECSA-HC to tighten screening and standard procedures. ENPF Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defended the appointment of ENPF board chair Derrick Shiba, arguing his ministry followed the law amid a seven-month impasse. Water & Development: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister stressed that shared river cooperation under INMACOM is key for food security, energy and climate resilience. Sports & Talent: Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs’ players were snapped up by Zimbabwe’s Hardrock FC, while Cape Verde’s World Cup debut story continues to draw attention. Gold Reserves: The CBE says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million as part of efforts to strengthen reserves and external stability.

ENPF Deadlock: Housing and Urban Development Minister Apollo Maphalala defended the appointment of Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba to the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) board, saying his ministry followed the law and consulted relevant legal experts, as the board’s seven-month impasse continues. Water Security: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela said shared rivers are now a key economic and development issue for Southern Africa, urging stronger cooperation under the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) linking Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. AI Skills for Government: UNESWA and the Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme, warning that AI must be matched with staff training and governance to avoid poor decisions and public mistrust. Regional Migration Watch: Reports from South Africa suggest foreign nationals are not fleeing en masse despite rising tensions, with IOM and UNHCR saying they have not seen a surge in return requests. Economy & Reserves: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, aimed at strengthening its portfolio and protecting national assets amid global risks. World Cup Buzz: Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup appearance is making headlines, with the Blue Sharks drawn in Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Immigration Reality Check: Despite anti-illegal immigration pressure in South Africa, IOM and UNHCR say there’s been no surge in requests for assisted voluntary returns—suggesting a mass exodus is not materialising. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing over alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing pressure on flight clearances. Water & Health: Government launched Eswatini’s Children’s Month with a push for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable illness and school absenteeism. Economy & Reserves: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, as reserves management aims to buffer global risks. Digital Skills: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy and responsible use. Justice Update: An Eswatini man accused of Umgababa woman’s murder was granted R3000 bail and returns to court in August. Regional Trade: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed SACU’s role as a key regional customs pillar, with Eswatini among members.

Central Banking: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, bought to diversify and protect national assets, with gross official reserves averaging E11.5 billion in 2025 and standing at E8.8 billion as of May 29. Public Health & Water: Government has launched Eswatini’s 2026 Children’s Month, pushing universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene to cut preventable illness and improve school attendance. Tax & Skills: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Governance & State Firms: A new managing director was appointed for EPTC with a clear mandate to restore integrity and financial sustainability, including cutting waste and following the law. Justice: A man accused of torturing robbery victims with a hot iron appeared in court and was remanded until June 17. Regional Politics: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit.

Central Banking: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it has boosted gold reserves to about E195 million, aiming to strengthen its reserve portfolio and protect the economy from global shocks. Cost of Living: Tiger Brands warns some food prices may rise as fuel, logistics and raw material costs keep squeezing manufacturers, with certain categories expected to pass on more of the pressure. Public Health: South Africa’s HIV prevention rollout is set to include Lenacapavir at hundreds of clinics, with Eswatini named among the first countries to benefit. Governance & Integrity: A new managing director for EPTC has been tasked with restoring integrity and financial sustainability, with the minister urging staff to resist illegal pressure. Tax & Skills: ERS signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through UNESWA’s AI Academy. Justice: A man accused of torturing a robbery victim with a hot iron appeared in court and was remanded in custody. Children’s Rights: Government launched Children’s Month, stressing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s legislature condemned China’s pressure that led to the cancellation of President Lai’s planned Eswatini visit. Sports: Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe unveiled two Eswatini players, continuing a mid-season raid from Nsingizini Hotspurs.

AI & Tax Administration: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme, aiming to build practical skills for responsible use in daily work. Public Health & Children: Government officially launched 2026 Children’s Month, calling for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to protect children’s health and keep girls in school. Justice & Crime: A man accused of torturing robbery victims with a hot iron appeared in Pigg’s Peak Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody as prosecutors indicated more charges may follow. Governance & Integrity: The new managing director of EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Creative Sector Funding: ESWACOS launched a creativity and artist development fund under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants up to E5,000, drawing mixed reactions from creatives. Sports & Talent: Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe unveiled Eswatini players Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo after raids on Nsingizini Hotspurs. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s planned visit to Eswatini was condemned by Taiwan’s legislature after it was cancelled amid claims of China-linked pressure on flight clearances.

Creative Economy: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering up to E5,000 per project for music, film, literature and related copyright work—welcomed by many creatives but questioned over whether the amounts are enough to finish productions. UN & Governance: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, with an estimated E51.84 billion investment aimed at jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, while the UN Resident Coordinator praised King Mswati III’s push for UN reform and the Ezulwini Consensus. Public Safety & Justice: Police arrested a woman and her daughter over the murder of a retired officer, and separate court reporting points to allegations of invalid or forged immigration documents leading to arrests at KMIII International Airport. Regional Cooperation: Eswatini joined a regional forum in Nairobi on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, and also took part in an ICAO aviation standards workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings. Sports & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival drove 26,774 arrivals last week, with Ngwenya Border Post handling the most traffic, while Eswatini’s creative sector and international visitors continue to spotlight the kingdom.

UN Development Push: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, targeting human capital, jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84bn investment to support SDG delivery. Diplomacy Watch: China warned Eswatini against aligning with “Taiwan independence” forces, while also accusing Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” tied to alleged NT$25bn funding claims. Regional Safety & Aviation: Eswatini joined a regional ICAO workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to strengthen harmonised air safety standards. Justice & Immigration: Two women were arrested after alleged forged documents and bribery attempts linked to illegal entry and travel arrangements, with immigration officials facing allegations of issuing invalid documents. Local Economy & Jobs: Formalising informal businesses is highlighted as a route to unlock more than 20,000 jobs. Community & Culture: ESWACOS opened applications for a creativity and artist development fund offering up to E5,000 per project for local creators.

Police & Courts: A 48-year-old woman and her 25-year-old daughter were arrested in Manzini over the murder of retired Hlatikulu Police inspector Celani Vincent Motsa, allegedly killed at a rented home in the presence of the woman and her daughters. Justice & Immigration: A Pakistani man at Siteki Magistrate’s Court pleaded guilty after claims that immigration officials processed “forged” entry documents used to arrest him at KMIII International Airport. Online Gambling Case: Alleged online gambling kingpin Lyu Tao withdrew his bail bid as his money laundering, illegal gambling and immigration-related trial is set to start soon. Regional Sports & Equality: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 National Olympic Committees to push women’s leadership, safe sport and funding for women in sport. Creative Economy: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for registered local creators. Land Governance Links: Eswatini’s delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms to support drafting a National Land Policy, focusing on decentralisation and digital land records. Aviation & Trade: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, stressing modern air infrastructure for trade and growth.

Taiwan–China Tensions: China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned that betting on “Taiwan independence” will only cost Eswatini development opportunities, citing alleged NT$25 billion funding around Lai Ching-te’s visit and calling it “dollar diplomacy” tied to greed and graft. Aviation & Trade: ICAO regional workshop in Eswatini and SADC partners focused on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating standards, with ICAO stressing modern air infrastructure for trade and growth. Land Governance: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, including decentralised land services and digital land records, to support Eswatini’s National Land Policy. Creative Sector: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for creators and rights holders. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the fisheries monitoring board, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso among board members. Public Safety: Police urged people to seek help and avoid drastic decisions after a father killed his children, as the case highlights the need for support structures.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: Stanley Ndara has been reappointed chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, as ministers in Victoria Falls backed continued action against illegal fishing and pushed for better vessel registers and funding. Land Governance Watch: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, focusing on decentralised land services, digital land records, and how statutory and customary systems can work together to cut disputes. Creative Industry Support: ESWACOS has opened an application for its creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works, including music, books, videos, promotion, and related professional development. Border and Travel Rules: South Africa’s new traveller declaration requirement for foreign-registered vehicles takes effect, and it explicitly covers vehicles from SACU countries including eSwatini. Public Safety & Justice: Police reported a major dagga bust near Hoedspruit linked to Eswatini, with three suspects expected in court. Community & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 wrapped up, with Eswatini-born Uncle Waffles among standout acts.

Creative Funding Call: ESWACOS has opened an application for its creative industries development fund, offering grants of up to E5,000 for new copyright works, including music, books, videos, promotion and digital distribution. Land Governance Cooperation: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, including decentralised land services, digital land records and steps to cut land disputes, to support Eswatini’s National Land Policy. Border Rules for Travellers: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system now requires foreign-registered vehicles (including those from eSwatini) to be declared to SARS before crossing, with details like passport, vehicle registration and VIN submitted online or via border QR codes. Tax Compliance Push: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example in paying taxes as SOEs begin a six-month salary review exercise at the Eswatini Revenue Service headquarters. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m Southern Africa initiative will back locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through community organisations and farmer groups, running from early 2027 to 2032. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index flags worsening worker rights globally, listing Eswatini among countries with the lowest guarantees.

Border & Customs: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system starts today, requiring Eswatini travellers in foreign-registered vehicles (including SACU neighbours like Eswatini) to submit vehicle and trip details via SARS’ Traveller Management System before crossing, with a Temporary Import Permit issued for up to six months. Regional Fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, based in Maputo, to keep pressure on illegal fishing across member states. Workers’ Rights: The ITUC Global Rights Index ranks Eswatini among the world’s 10 worst countries for workers’ rights (category 5), alongside Argentina, Panama and others, citing shrinking civic space and weakened protections. Drug Bust (Cross-border): Limpopo police seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m in an operation near Hoedspruit; investigations say the consignment originated in Eswatini. Business & Energy: Eswatini’s Taiwan-backed Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve deal is framed as energy security, but questions remain over affordability and who benefits. Culture & Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up, with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini challenging organisers to double the event’s economic impact by 2027.

Workers’ Rights Under Pressure: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index says 72% of countries deny workers access to justice, with the right to strike violated in 87% and collective bargaining restricted in 80%—and it lists Eswatini among the worst. Drug Bust Links to Eswatini: Limpopo police seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m near Hoedspruit; three suspects (aged 34–35) are expected in court, with preliminary reports saying the consignment originated in Eswatini. Border Changes for Travellers: South Africa’s mandatory traveller declaration system starts today for people entering or leaving the country, with declarations submitted via SARS’s Traveller Management System. Regional Travel Push: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to advance the Draft SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for tourism and transit across member states. Politics and Governance: The National Assembly resumes its fourth session on 2 June after a recess focused on oversight and engagements. Eswatini in the Spotlight: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini congratulated Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Independence Day, while King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE with investment and cooperation talks. Local Life: A 24-year-old woman was jailed for four years for emotional abuse and damaging property against her father and stepmother. Sports/Community: Mbabane Swallows supporters demand the club be reclaimed from current management, citing instability and unpaid salaries. Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up, with organisers and the PM pushing for bigger economic impact by 2027.

Bushfire Festival Build-Up: Thousands of travellers flooded Ngwenya Border Post as the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival kicks off at House on Fire, with long queues, heavy traffic and vendors selling SIM cards to help visitors stay connected. Royal & Diplomacy: His Majesty King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE, with the UAE visit leading to a visa waiver agreement; separately, the kingdom also signed a mutual visa exemption MoU with the UAE. Regional Culture & Youth: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with over 600 pupils, guided by cultural expert Allington Ndlovu, showcasing youth creativity under “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” Health Focus: UNFPA urged urgent investment in midwives, citing progress in Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths while warning preventable deaths remain a concern. Local Economy & Jobs: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini challenged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection for next year, aiming for at least E242 million. Copyright & Creatives: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariff approvals. Governance Watch: The ENPF board crisis deepened as a law firm opinion challenges the minister’s defence of Derrick Shiba’s appointment, leaving the board effectively paralysed.

KwaMagogo Legacy in the Spotlight: Eswatini’s Number 43 KwaMagogo story—once a refuge for South African students fleeing apartheid—has been brought to life through a new stage production, with the 18th Annual Number 43 Legacy Event set to feature lectures, performances and the theatrical piece “Magogo Courage” ahead of the 1976 youth uprising anniversary. Maternal Health Push: UNFPA calls for urgent investment in midwives, saying strengthening the midwifery workforce is key to ending preventable maternal deaths; it notes Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). ENPF Board Crisis: A confidential legal opinion challenges Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of the ENPF board chair appointment, saying parts of the process were legally and factually incorrect; employer and employee representatives have boycotted board activities, leaving the fund effectively paralysed. Travel Deal with UAE: The UAE and Eswatini sign a mutual visa exemption MoU to ease travel for citizens and boost people-to-people ties and business cooperation. Bushfire Festival Build-Up: Ngwenya Border Post sees heavy traffic as thousands cross for the MTN Bushfire Festival, while the PM urges MTN Bushfire to double its economic impact next year. Copyright Royalties: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariffs were approved and operations began in January.