AGP Executive Report

Reed Dance safety & culture: A Pongola driver was arrested after allegedly hitting a 17-year-old maiden outside eMashobeni Royal Palace; the breathalyser reading was reportedly over the legal limit, while thousands of maidens from across SA and eSwatini attended the ceremony. Royal appreciation at Umhlanga: At Mbangweni Royal Residence, His Majesty King Mswati III appreciated maidens during Umhlanga, with thousands arriving for the second leg and strict guidance on conduct and safety. Identity & inclusion in tradition: uMkhosi woMhlanga welcomed women from diverse backgrounds, showing the Reed Dance’s growing reach beyond its usual communities. Judiciary in mourning: Eswatini’s Law Society said it had hoped to engage late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala on justice and legal profession issues before his death. Health access milestone: The King officially opened and renamed Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it brings care within five kilometres of Nyonyane and supports universal health coverage goals. Education & youth sport: Eswatini joined Dakar 2026 Flame celebrations with a “We Run for Africa” 5km walk for pupils, building excitement for the Youth Olympic Games. Regional leadership prep: PM Russell Dlamini met SADC officials ahead of Eswatini’s chairship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Local culture calendar: Mbabane launched the October International Theatre Festival, aiming to keep Mbabane vibrant as a “24-hour living city.” Creative economy opportunities: The EU opened a new Africa-Europe culture grants round for mobility and collaboration for artists and culture professionals.

Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Flame: Eswatini joined the continent-wide “We Run for Africa” launch as the EOCGA staged a 5km walk in Lobamba, with pupils helping build a collective 30,500km target ahead of the Youth Olympics (Oct 31–Nov 13, 2026). SADC Chairship Prep: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met SADC Organ officials to kick off induction for Eswatini’s chairship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, including work across foreign affairs, defence, policing, immigration and corrections. UNESWA Student Carnival (MTN): UNESWA’s inaugural Kick-Off Carnival at Kwaluseni, powered by MTN Pulse, brought first-years together with games, food, lifestyle stalls and a full music line-up. Environment & Health: The Phophonyane River faces alleged pollution from zama zamas using mercury to process gold, raising serious risks for communities that rely on the water. Royal Culture Spotlight: Umhlanga’s second leg drew thousands to Mbangweni, with strict guidance for maidens and a public moment as His Majesty appreciated the Imbali. Local Culture & Lifestyle: Nominations open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, while the Mbabane Marathon registration is now live and the Eswatini Comedy Festival returns on Sept 25. Healthcare Access: King Mswati III officially opened and renamed the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it surpasses targets by bringing care within five kilometres of Nyonyane.

SADC Chairship Prep: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation officials as Eswatini gears up for the regional chairship, with focus on foreign affairs, defence, security, policing, immigration and corrections. UNESWA Campus Life: MTN powered UNESWA’s inaugural Kick-Off Carnival at Kwaluseni, packed with games, food and local music, plus MoMo-only stalls and free data bundles for ticket holders. Health & Community Access: His Majesty King Mswati III opened and renamed the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it now brings care within five kilometres of Nyonyane and surpasses healthcare access targets. Environment & Public Safety: Eswatini Environment Authority warns that zama zamas are polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury, putting communities’ water at serious risk. Culture Spotlight: Umhlanga continues in Shiselweni with thousands of Imbali arriving at Mbangweni, while logistics include 50 buses and support teams to keep the ceremony running smoothly. Local Business & Lifestyle: Nominations are open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, celebrating entrepreneurs and cultural icons ahead of the next stage of voting.

Reed Dance, identity & inclusion: At eMashobeni Royal Palace, uMkhosi woMhlanga drew thousands of maidens, including Anastasia Fourie (Eshowe) and 18-year-old Kelly Kleinbooi (Greytown), both from non-Zulu backgrounds—proof the ceremony’s reach keeps widening across communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Shiselweni Umhlanga logistics: Thousands of Imbali flooded Mbangweni Royal Residence for Umhlanga’s second leg, with strict guidance on discipline and safety, plus major transport planning for maidens and reeds. Local culture on stage: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition on Sept 25 at SibaneSami Hotel with a cross-border line-up of regional comedians alongside Eswatini talent. Arts & city life: Mbabane launched a 24-hour city vision and the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3), aiming to keep culture driving the economy beyond daytime. Health & community access: King Mswati III opened the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, renamed from an E50m facility, saying it surpasses targets by bringing care within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Education & opportunity: Three Emaswati students secured SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and energy studies in Azerbaijan, with leaders urging them to represent Eswatini responsibly. Disability inclusion push: Eswatini is urged to turn its disability action plan into real budgeting and institutional action, with communications officers playing a key role. Lifestyle & entrepreneurship: Nominations open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, celebrating local cultural icons and entrepreneurs ahead of the Sept 17 ceremony. Sports calendar: Mbabane Marathon registration opened for the Nov 21 race, with fees set for local and international runners. Immigration control debate: A proposed Immigration Bill would screen foreigners entering Eswatini using an information system to prevent entry for those deemed risky or without a valid purpose.

Deportation Fallout: A new wave of US deportees is landing in African “third countries” with little notice or legal say, leaving people in limbo and raising fresh questions about agreements and human impact. Royal Health Milestone: His Majesty renamed and opened the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it beats the healthcare access target by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Reed Dance Logistics: Shiselweni’s Umhlanga second leg is underway, with thousands of maidens arriving by bus and plans laid out for safe transport, water support and tight ceremony discipline. Local Consumer Power: The MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 date is set for September 17, with digital MTN MoMo voting (E1 per vote) pushing the final nominations into high gear. Sports & Culture Calendar: Mbabane Marathon registration opens for the November 21 race, while the October International Theatre Festival is launched as Mbabane aims to keep culture alive into a 24-hour city rhythm. Education & Inclusion: Eswatini is urged to fund disability inclusion through its costed action plan, and Injini’s AI for Education venture builder is accepting teams from Eswatini and the region.

Consumer Culture: MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 confirms Sept 17 at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, with public voting closing Sept 16 via MTN MoMo (E1 per vote) under the “Imagine the Impact” theme. Sports & Community: Mbabane Marathon registration opens for the Nov 21 race, with local runners using phased sign-ups and international entries set for set fees. Royal Health & Access: His Majesty King Mswati III officially opens and renames the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it surpasses healthcare access targets by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Judiciary Milestone: Eswatini’s first liSwati Chief Justice, Bheki Maphalala, dies after a short illness, ending a landmark legal career. Campus Lifestyle: UNESWA Kick-Off Carnival returns to Kwaluseni this Friday, powered by MTN Pulse, with music, food and lifestyle stalls plus MoMo-only payments. Arts & Entertainment: Mbabane launches the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3), while the Eswatini Comedy Festival gears up for its third edition on Sept 25. Migration & Borders: A proposed Immigration Bill would screen foreign entrants using an up-to-date information system to prevent entry for those deemed risky or without valid purpose. Culture & Inclusion: Eswatini is urged to turn disability inclusion commitments into funded action through the Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028). Entrepreneurship & Learning: Injini’s $125,000 AI EdTech venture builder targets early-stage teams across Southern Africa, including Eswatini.

Healthcare & Community Access: His Majesty King Mswati III officially opened and renamed the E50m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it beats the healthcare access target by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Arts & Night-Time Culture: Mbabane unveiled a 24-hour city vision as the October International Theatre Festival returns, aiming to revive theatre and keep culture driving the economy after dark. Student Life & Music: UNESWA’s Kick-Off Carnival hits Kwaluseni this Friday, powered by MTN Pulse, with a full day of performances, food and lifestyle stalls, plus MoMo-only payments. Disability Inclusion in Practice: Eswatini is urged to turn its disability inclusion commitments into budgeted action under the Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028). Entrepreneurship & Lifestyle Recognition: Nominations open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, spotlighting entrepreneurs and cultural icons shaping the country’s creative economy. Education & Innovation: Injini launches an AI EdTech venture builder for Southern Africa, selecting teams from Eswatini among other countries. Culture Calendar: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition, bringing regional stand-up heavyweights to SibaneSami Hotel on 25 September. Immigration Policy: Parliament consults on an Immigration Bill proposal to screen foreign entrants and block those deemed risky or without valid purpose. Regional Opportunity: Three Emaswati students secure SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and energy studies in Azerbaijan. Migration Human Stories: A report highlights US deportees in limbo in Cameroon, with Eswatini listed among countries accepting “third-country” deportations.

SADC Youth Spotlight: A KwaZulu-Natal learner, Siyambonga Makhoba, grabbed third place in the 2026 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, with the theme focused on industrialisation, agriculture transformation and energy transition. Eswatini Education Abroad: Three Emaswati students—Brilliance and Junior Dlamini (petroleum engineering) and Temabhele Shabangu (oil and gas chemical engineering)—head to Azerbaijan on SOCAR scholarships after a King Mswati III visit to Baku. Disability Inclusion Push: Eswatini is being urged to turn its disability inclusion plans into real budgeting action, with communications officers asked to help drive the Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028). Culture & Entertainment: Nominations are now open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, while the Eswatini Comedy Festival returns on September 25 for its third edition. Immigration Tensions: US deportees in “third countries” are drawing fresh scrutiny, and Eswatini says deported nationals are not prisoners and may move under supervision. Tech for Learning: Injini launched a $125,000 AI EdTech venture builder across Southern Africa, selecting teams including from Eswatini. Women’s Rights at Home: Sessions on gender equity and widows’ protections highlighted how family structures can either protect or harm women’s rights. Sports & Community: Plans are underway for 50 buses to transport maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance, and the October International Theatre Festival is set to revive Eswatini’s stage scene.

Deportation in the spotlight: A US deportee, Ayana, described life in limbo after being sent to Cameroon—an outcome tied to “third-country” removals that now include Eswatini. Immigration policy update: Eswatini is moving toward a law to screen foreign entrants and block those deemed risky, using a new information system. Culture calendar: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on Sept 25, with regional headliners and local comics. Reed Dance logistics: 50 prepaid buses and a full support fleet are lined up to move maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance. Theatre revival: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) aims to revive Eswatini theatre with performances, murals, school events, workshops and a street festival. EdTech push: Injini is launching a $125,000 AI venture builder for African classrooms, selecting teams including those based in Eswatini. Women’s rights: Community sessions on gender equity and widows’ protections highlight inheritance and marital rights issues. Health outreach: Taiwan’s medical mission provided free care to 377 people in Mhlangatane, plus wheelchairs, mobility aids and food support. Sports & business: The PLE says it doesn’t want “big three” clubs to die off, while the ESE opens a new SME path for raising capital.

Shiselweni Reed Dance logistics: Eswatini’s Home Affairs says 50 prepaid buses (plus 83 trucks for luggage and reeds) are ready across 18 pickup points to move thousands of maidens smoothly to the royal event. Rights & culture at the centre: Government insists deported third-country nationals attending Umhlanga Reed Dance are not prisoners and may move under supervision, while women’s rights groups highlight widows’ protections and inheritance abuses in family-level dialogues. Sports & community spirit: The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) says it doesn’t want the “big three” clubs to die off, even as licensing and relegation rules complicate Wanderers’ status. Arts calendar: Eswatini’s October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) returns with theatre, murals, school shows, workshops and street festival pillars. Business & youth opportunity: The Eswatini Stock Exchange opens an SME capital route—raising E50,000 to E5m by offering just 5% shares to the public. Entertainment update: Ocean Summer Vibes is postponed to Oct 24 due to unfavourable weather. Health & safety: Parents are warned to watch for vape devices disguised as everyday gadgets entering schools. Tech & learning: Injini launches an AI for Education venture builder across Southern Africa, testing AI tools built for African classrooms.

SADC Chairmanship Prep: Eswatini has kicked off a government-wide induction on its SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chair responsibilities, with Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu meeting SADC Secretariat officials to set the framework for the Sept 8–10 programme. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee condemned sporadic violence at Che Guevara in KwaZulu-Natal, stressing immigration management and law enforcement are government duties while monitoring continues. EdTech & AI for Classrooms: Injini launched an eight-month AI for Education venture builder and incubation programme for 12 pre-formed teams across Southern Africa, aiming to test AI tools built for African classroom realities. Theatre Revival: Eswatini’s October International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set to revive the local stage from Oct 1–3 with theatre, murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival. Local Business Growth: The Eswatini Stock Exchange opened a capital-raising path for SMEs, letting firms offer 5% of shares to the public to raise between E50,000 and E5 million, as it pushes its SME board to life. Health Outreach: Taiwan’s medical mission provided free screenings, consultations and medication to 377 people in Mhlangatane, plus wheelchairs, mobility aids and rice support. Culture & Fashion: DJ Zinhle’s ERA pop-up is coming to Eswatini at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on Sept 25–26, bringing high-end accessories to local fashion fans. Trade Fair Energy: Eemoh lit up Day 7 of the Eswatini International Trade Fair in Manzini, with fans of all ages singing along.

Migration Management Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says it has condemned sporadic violence at Che Guevara in KwaZulu-Natal and insists immigration control and law enforcement remain government’s job, with UNHCR support for affected people exploring voluntary reintegration. Border Pressure Numbers: The same migration push reports 86,596 foreign nationals processed for deportation and repatriation between June and August, while 4,200+ undocumented entrants were intercepted at the SA border from April to July. Deportees at Cultural Events: Eswatini’s government says US-deported third-country nationals are not prisoners and may move around under supervision, after their presence at the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance sparked questions. Youth & Health Watch: Parents are warned to check for discreet vaping devices entering schools, as officials urge vigilance ahead of school reopening. Arts & Culture: Mbabane is set to host the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) with theatre, murals, school shows, workshops and a street festival to revive Eswatini’s stage scene. Local Business & Money: The Eswatini Stock Exchange launches “Kwakhanya 2030” and opens an ESE SME capital window, letting SMEs raise up to E5m by offering just 5% shares to the public. Fashion Moment: DJ Zinhle’s ERA pop-up lands in Eswatini (Sept 25–26) at Happy Valley Hotel, bringing high-end accessories to local fans. Sports Culture: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with coach Mandla Qhogi citing travel and match-prep disruptions.

ASCON & Skills: The African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) is adding four new member bodies ahead of its 2026 conference in Livingstone, Zambia (23–25 Sept), with Eswatini among the founding partners and sponsors backing training and professional growth. Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s theatre scene gets a boost with the October International Theatre Festival (OITF) in Mbabane (1–3 Oct), featuring multiple pillars from productions to murals, school events, and workshops. Music & Youth Energy: At the Eswatini International Trade Fair, vocalist Eemoh lit up Mavuso Exhibition Centre on Day 7, with kids and older fans singing along and turning the show into a family affair. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Harare, with coach Mandla Qhogi pointing to the bigger pitch and match intensity as key challenges. Health Outreach: Taiwan’s Medical Mission delivered free care to 377 people in Malibeni, including screenings, consultations, medication, and mobility support like wheelchairs and walking sticks. Local Economy: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030,” aiming to reposition the bourse as a national engine for wealth creation and business growth. Child Protection: The DPM’s office is pushing stronger awareness after court cases involving child neglect, including mothers sentenced for leaving babies unattended while socialising.

Theatre & Youth Culture: Eswatini’s International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set to revive the local stage in Mbabane from Oct 1–3, with 15+ productions, murals, school shows, masterclasses and a street festival—bringing artists from across Southern Africa. Creative Entrepreneurship: Injini has opened applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder across nine Southern African countries, aiming to build classroom-informed AI products with seed funding for selected teams. Sports & Identity: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Harare, with coach Mandla Qhogi adjusting tactics for the bigger pitch. Music & Community: Eemoh lit up Day 7 of the Eswatini International Trade Fair with a crowd-pleasing set that drew in both kids and older fans. Local Economy & Culture: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030,” positioning the bourse as a national engine for wealth creation and business growth. Governance & Daily Life: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and communities waiting on schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks.

Deportation Shock: A Venezuelan man says he learned hours before a US charter flight that he was being sent to Liberia—then faced a “third-country” deportation system that leaves people with almost no chance to challenge decisions. Regional Diplomacy: Eswatini backed the UN “Correct the Map” push to redraw Africa’s world map size, voting with 163 countries against the US. Sports & Culture: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League in Harare, with coach Mandla Qhogi joking about church services disrupting sleep before the big match. Community Support: Mercy Mission is urgently appealing for public and business backing to save its Orphan 7 and Imam Development Program across 14 African countries. Youth & Family Rights: The DPM’s office says it’s stepping up awareness after child neglect cases, including mothers charged for leaving babies while they went out drinking. Economy & Daily Life: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, hitting schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks. Capital Markets: The Eswatini Stock Exchange launched “Kwakhanya 2030” to reposition the exchange as a national engine for wealth creation. Cultural Calendar: His Majesty summoned Imbali for the final segment of the Umhlanga Ceremony, with reeds and chastity displays scheduled for mid-September.

Women’s Rights Under Pressure: A new SHE & Rights session warns that “anti-rights” campaigns are using “family values” and “culture” to roll back women’s bodily autonomy and health rights. Child Protection Watch: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister’s office says it’s intensifying awareness after cases of mothers charged for child neglect, including infants left while mothers went out drinking. SADC Regional Security: SADC Troika is set to consider Zambia’s post-election crisis after allegations of vote manipulation and a deadly raid during the vote count. Eswatini Sports & Culture: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League, with coach Mandla Qhogi adjusting tactics for Harare’s bigger pitch. Local Economy & Services: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, hitting schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks. Capital Markets Push: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030” to reposition the bourse as a driver of wealth creation and business growth. Youth Leadership: ENYC launches a nationwide drive to strengthen youth representation through training for 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla. Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Sawubona Gogo” is getting major recognition on South Africa’s Music Pulse podcast, after his own depression-era support from MacG’s channel. Gospel Talent Hunt: Eswatini Praise kicks off with over 100 digital auditions in hours for a new gospel voice search. Cultural Tradition: King Mswati III summons maidens for the final segment of the Umhlanga ceremony, with reeds delivery and chastity displays scheduled for September.