AGP Executive Report

ENPF Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala says his ministry followed the law in nominating Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba to the Eswatini National Provident Fund board, defending the appointment amid a seven-month impasse. Water & Health: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked. Children’s Rights & WASH: Eswatini officially launches Children’s Month, calling for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene to protect children’s health and schooling. Digital Skills for Tax Work: Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Women, Farming & Empowerment: The WIFE festival spotlights women farmers and entrepreneurship, using performances and community engagement to push food security and economic empowerment. Creative Industries: ESWACOS opens applications for a fund supporting local creators with up to E5,000 per project to develop and market original works. Local Justice & Immigration: Court reports allege immigration officials issued invalid/forged documents, while another case involves an online gambling kingpin withdrawing bail ahead of trial.

Immigration Reality Check: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration push is raising fears of a foreign-national exodus, but IOM and UNHCR say there’s been no surge in requests for assisted voluntary returns. Water & Health: Eswatini officially marks Children’s Month with a call for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child, linking safe WASH to dignity, learning, and fewer preventable illnesses. Digital Skills for Tax Staff: The Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Women in Sport: Eswatini’s participation is highlighted at the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, focusing on leadership, safeguarding, and tackling online abuse. Creative Industries Boost: ESWACOS opens applications for a fund supporting local creators, offering up to E5,000 per project to help turn ideas into publishable, market-ready work. Local Justice & Migration Scrutiny: A court case alleges immigration officials issued forged documents, while another report notes bail withdrawal by an alleged online gambling kingpin facing trial in Mbabane. Culture & Community: A winter relief drive in Dalimpofu pairs soup-kitchen support with donated jackets to restore dignity and strengthen community ties. International Spotlight: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists from Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa visit Zimbabwe’s Baradzanwa Cultural Village, underscoring regional cultural exchange.

Miss Universe cultural exchange: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates from Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa visited Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Zimbabwe, spotlighting traditions, food and women’s empowerment ahead of the 2027 pageant. Women in farming spotlight: Zimbabwe’s WIFE festival used performances and Forum Theatre to highlight women farmers’ real hurdles—land, markets and economic opportunities—framing agriculture as empowerment. Eswatini tech for culture and services: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 staff in AI literacy, aiming to modernize how the institution works. Children’s health push: Government launched Children’s Month with a strong WASH message—safe water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Local creative funding: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to help creators produce and promote copyright works. Integrity in public services: A new managing director was appointed to restore integrity and financial sustainability at EPTC, with a clear warning to resist illegal pressure. Immigration and documents: Court reports allege forged immigration documents and bribery attempts, with arrests tied to suspected fraud networks.

Children’s Month Launch: Eswatini officially kicked off Children’s Month with a push for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene, linking poor WASH to preventable illness, school absenteeism, and barriers to girls’ dignity. Digital Skills for Tax Work: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS staff in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy, aiming for responsible use and better readiness for digital change. Integrity at EPTC: A new managing director for the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation was unveiled with a clear mandate: restore integrity, professionalism, and financial sustainability—plus cut waste and hold stakeholders accountable. Creative Industries Support: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for creators and rights holders to produce, market, and distribute new copyright works. Women in Parliament, Online Safety: The Shura Council joined a Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Belgrade, focusing on breaking stereotypes and tackling violence and disinformation in digital spaces. Community Relief: Dalimpofu families received winter jackets and food support through a joint outreach that combines a soup kitchen with clothing donations. Justice & Immigration Scrutiny: Police and courts continued to handle sensitive cases, including arrests tied to alleged forged immigration documents and a separate immigration fraud case involving offloaded travellers and arrested agents.

Women’s Rights & Parliament: Eswatini’s Shura Council Deputy Speaker Dr. Hamda Al Sulaiti attended the Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Belgrade, focusing on breaking stereotypes, tackling violence and misinformation, and improving digital safety for women in politics. Digital Skills for Public Service: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme, aiming to build practical, responsible AI capacity. Children’s Health & Dignity: Government launched Eswatini’s 2026 Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access, linking WASH to school attendance, health, and girls’ dignity. Culture & Creativity: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering grants up to E5,000 to help creators produce and promote new copyright works. Community Relief: Dalimpofu families received winter jackets and food through a joint outreach involving Yarona Community Foundation, Kganya Lesedi Foundation and Black Centenary Diamond Nonprofit Company. Justice & Safety: Police arrested a woman and her daughter over the murder of a retired officer in Manzini, while separate court matters continued to spotlight immigration document fraud and online gambling prosecutions.

China–Taiwan Tensions: China has imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs after their May visit to Taiwan, with officials saying the ban could be lifted if an apology is made—while the MPs reject the demand as foreign interference. Digital Life & Culture: Communications minister Samuel Nartey George warns that social media’s addictive feeds are replacing real community ties, leaving people with huge followings but shallow face-to-face relationships. Women in Politics: Eswatini’s Shura Council took part in a global conference of women parliamentarians in Belgrade, focusing on breaking stereotypes and improving digital safety for women in politics. Justice & Safety: A woman and her 25-year-old daughter were arrested in connection with a police officer’s murder in Manzini, while separate court reporting alleges immigration officials issued invalid documents. Sports & Gender: ZOC leads an ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, pushing safer sport, women’s leadership, and funding for women athletes. Creative Economy: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to help creators produce and promote new copyright works. Culture Spotlight: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up in Malkerns, with calls to double its economic impact by 2027.

Digital Culture & Youth Safety: Communications minister Samuel Nartey George warned that social media “communities of following” are replacing face-to-face ties, leaving people with huge follower counts but weak real relationships—especially worrying for children exposed to addictive content. Women in Politics & Online Safety: Eswatini’s Shura Council joined the Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Belgrade, focusing on breaking stereotypes and tackling violence and misinformation against women in politics, including digital safety efforts. Gender Equality in Sport: ZOC is leading the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Eswatini among 10 countries discussing women’s leadership, safeguarding, funding, and online abuse in sport. Creatives & Copyright: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering grants up to E5,000 for recording, publishing, music videos, marketing, and digital distribution by registered creators. Justice & Community Impact: A woman and her daughter were arrested over the murder of a retired police officer in Manzini, while separate court reporting highlights ongoing immigration document fraud concerns. Culture & Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up in Malkerns, with FNB pushing cashless payments on-site and organisers accepting a prime minister’s challenge to double the festival’s economic impact by 2027. Family & Faith: A Shembe leader praised King Mswati III’s 40/58 celebrations and marvelled at Ezulwini Palazzo, urging similar grandeur for the church’s South Africa headquarters.

Gender & Sport: ZOC leads Eswatini’s participation in the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, pushing safer sport, women’s leadership, coaching roles, financing, and digital safety. Women & Food Security: A new gender-responsive push argues that when women farmers are supported, Eswatini’s food system improves. Creative Economy: ESWACOS has opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for music, books, videos, digital distribution, marketing, and professional growth. Culture & Community: MTN Bushfire Festival wraps up in Malkerns, with FNB backing cashless payments and the festival director accepting a call to double its economic impact by 2027. Governance & Rights: A fresh legal dispute clouds the ENPF board leadership, while a separate report highlights fear and silence around eSwatini’s politics. Migration & Safety: Allegations of forged immigration documents surface in court, and officials also report a bail withdrawal in an alleged online gambling case tied to immigration offences. Health & Families: UNFPA calls for urgent investment in midwives to cut preventable maternal deaths, and police stress that people who can’t love children should not have them.

Creative Industries: ESWACOS has opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to help Swazi creators record music, publish books, produce videos, market works and cover digital distribution. Digital Safety & Youth Online Life: TikTok says it removed millions of unsafe videos across Sub-Saharan Africa and ran media literacy sessions, including child online safety discussions with leaders visiting Kenya’s State House. Culture & Community: The MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up with standout performances and fashion, while organisers say they’re ready to double the event’s economic impact by 2027. Border & Festival Flow: Ngwenya Border Post saw steady arrivals ahead of Bushfire, with queues and heavy movement as travellers poured in for the weekend. Health & Families: UNFPA marked International Day of the Midwife, urging urgent investment in midwives as a key way to cut preventable maternal deaths in Eswatini. Politics & Power: China renewed accusations of “greed and graft” around Taiwan’s spending in Eswatini, as the Taiwan–China diplomatic fight continues to spill into local headlines.

Creative Economy: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Siswati stories and music is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing operations began in January and music tariffs were approved in late 2025. Arts & Culture: The MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up with standout performances and a big community vibe at House on Fire in Malkerns, while organisers say Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has challenged them to double the festival’s economic impact by 2027. Festival Tourism: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy traffic and steady arrivals ahead of Bushfire, with travellers streaming in from South Africa and beyond. Local Governance & Money: A legal opinion has challenged the ENPF board appointment process, leaving the fund’s board effectively paralysed as employer and employee reps boycott activities. Health & Women’s Rights: UNFPA marked the International Day of the Midwife, urging investment in midwives as a key way to cut preventable maternal deaths. Policy & Safety: South Africa’s new traveller rule requires foreign-registered vehicles (including Eswatini) to declare details via SARS systems or at borders. Culture & Heritage: The KwaMagogo story is set to be brought to life again through a stage production ahead of the 1976 youth uprising anniversary.

Bushfire Festival momentum at Ngwenya Border: Thousands poured into Eswatini as Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues ahead of MTN Bushfire, with travellers snapping photos and telecom vendors selling SIMs to keep people connected. Creative rights & royalties: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariffs were approved and licensing began in January. Local culture on stage: The KwaMagogo “Number 43” story is being brought to life through a musical stage production ahead of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprising, keeping exile history alive for younger audiences. Music festival business push: MTN Bushfire wrapped up with calls to double its economic impact by 2027, while FNB used the festival to drive digital banking and cashless payments. Regional health & wellbeing: WHO data puts Eswatini among Africa’s higher suicide-rate countries, underscoring the mental health burden. Politics, policy & people: A South African border-control change now requires foreign-registered vehicles (including from Eswatini) to be declared before entry, and UNFPA urged investment in midwives to cut preventable maternal deaths.

Bushfire Festival buzz: MTN Bushfire wrapped up at House on Fire in Malkerns, with organisers and Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini pushing for bigger economic impact next year after strong attendance and packed stages. Digital culture & rights: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, as the country marks World Book and Copyright Day under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age.” Border and tourism momentum: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues as festival-goers poured in, while telecom vendors sold SIM cards to help visitors stay connected. Local governance spotlight: Jozini Mayor Nkosinathi Myeni outlined recovery steps after Auditor General findings of major irregular and wasteful spending, alongside ongoing cross-border crime concerns. Family justice case: A 24-year-old woman was jailed for four years for emotional abuse and damaging property against her father and stepmother. Regional health concern: WHO data puts Eswatini among Africa’s highest suicide-rate countries, with South Africa also ranking high.

Culture & Tourism: MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 wrapped up after three days at House on Fire, with standout sets including Eswatini-born Uncle Waffles and a packed mix of music, fashion and community energy. Local Economy: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini challenged Bushfire organisers to double the festival’s economic impact by 2027, as the event’s growth continues. Cross-Border Life: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues and lively arrivals as thousands poured in for Bushfire, turning the border into part of the festival experience. Youth & Heritage: The KwaMagogo story (Number 43) is being brought to life through a musical stage production ahead of the 1976 youth uprising anniversary, keeping exile history alive for younger generations. Health & Care: UNFPA urged urgent investment in midwives, citing progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths and calling for stronger midwifery support. Justice & Family: A 24-year-old woman was jailed for four years for emotional abuse and damaging property against her father and stepmother. Governance & Rights: Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society says the first royalty distribution for creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year. Regional Mental Health: WHO data places Eswatini among Africa’s highest suicide-rate countries, underscoring a growing mental health burden.

Bushfire Festival build-up: Ngwenya Border Post is packed as thousands pour in for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with long queues, busy passport counters, and travellers snapping photos on arrival. Prime Minister’s push for impact: PM Russell Dlamini urged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection for next year—aiming for at least E242 million—while noting visitor numbers have already surged past one million. Youth & culture in motion: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with over 600 pupils and cultural performances led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu, putting young voices front and centre. Creative economy milestone: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing systems and music tariffs were approved. Health focus: UNFPA called for urgent investment in midwives, linking stronger midwifery to cutting preventable maternal deaths. Governance & rights: A legal opinion challenges the ENPF board chair appointment, while a teacher was fired over a knife attack on a headteacher.

KwaMagogo Legacy in the Spotlight: As Eswatini marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprising, the Number 43 KwaMagogo story is being reimagined again—this time through a musical stage production called Magogo Courage, keeping exile history alive for younger audiences. Maternal Health Focus: UNFPA calls for urgent investment in midwives, saying strengthening the midwifery workforce is key to ending preventable maternal deaths, with Eswatini reporting declines in institutional maternal deaths. ENPF Board Crisis: A confidential law firm opinion challenges Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of the ENPF chair appointment, with the board effectively paralysed after employer and employee representatives suspended participation. Royal & Faith Celebrations: A Shembe leader congratulates King Mswati III on 40/58 and praises the beauty of Ezulwini Palazzo, linking church ties and national pride. Bushfire Festival Build-Up: Ngwenya Border Post is packed as thousands pour in for the MTN Bushfire Festival, while PM Russell Dlamini urges the event to double its economic impact next year. Creative Economy Payback: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for creators is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariffs were put in place.

Bushfire Festival build-up: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection for next year, after last year’s E121.2 million impact, as House on Fire gears up for a packed weekend. Ngwenya Border rush: Thousands of travellers poured into Eswatini through Ngwenya Border Post ahead of the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with long queues, heavy traffic and vendors selling SIM cards to keep visitors connected. Youth culture spotlight: Zimbabwean cultural expert Allington Ndlovu opened the EU Bushfire Schools Festival at House on Fire, guiding over 600 pupils from 42 schools through music, dance, poetry and storytelling under “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” Creative rights in focus: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariffs were approved and licensing began in January. UAE–Eswatini ties: Eswatini and the UAE finalised a mutual visa waiver agreement aimed at boosting travel, business and cultural exchange. Taiwan–Eswatini diplomacy debate: A new survey shows strong Taiwanese rejection of China’s “one country, two systems,” while commentary continues to frame Lai’s Eswatini visit as political theatre amid Beijing pressure.