AGP Executive Report

TLC Probe: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says government is within its rights to investigate The Luke Commission after serious allegations from former employees, MPs and the public, insisting it cannot ignore claims affecting dignity and health. Street Reintegration: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla announced her Office will assess people living on the streets to reintegrate them with families, and where there’s no support, work with chiefs and communities to allocate homes. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela told Senate government spent about E147m in June to cushion fuel prices after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, warning the reserve could run out in under six months. Cyber Safety for Learners: Concerns are rising after a school-uniform online trend drew over 12,000 members, with parents fearing predators could use identifiable photos to target children. Power Sector Tension: South Africa’s NUM and TUCOSWA warn Eskom restructuring or privatisation could raise electricity costs for Eswatini, which relies heavily on Eskom supply. Sports & Youth: Eswatini National Games were officially launched, and the country will use the youth event to prepare for Region V Youth Games in Mozambique. Legal/Business: Budget Security Services sues Swaziland Milling in the High Court for E745,265.13 over alleged unpaid security services.

Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Government told senators it spent about E147 million in June to cushion emaSwati fuel costs after the Strait of Hormuz closure, with only around E860 million left in reserve—under six months at current spending—raising fresh questions on how long the support can last. Parliament Oversight on Police Conduct: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini responded to Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini’s allegations by saying “there is no smoke without fire,” as lawmakers pressed for action over claims that police links to foreign nationals and other conduct led to E15 million in civil suits. Immigration & Detention Protocols: A widely shared video from Matsapha Correctional Centre has prompted government to review protocols for third-country nationals, after concerns about what deportees are allowed to record while housed with other inmates. Child Safety Online: Parents are alarmed by an Eswatini School Uniform Challenge on Facebook, where over 12,000 pupils post identifiable photos, fearing predators may use the public trail. Youth & Sports: The inaugural Eswatini National Games officially opened in Kwaluseni, while Eswatini will use the National Youth Games to prepare for Region V in Mozambique. Public Health Warnings: A teacher flagged a “Bluetooth” trend where pupils inject each other’s blood after taking drugs, warning of potential HIV risk.

Fuel Cushion Under Pressure: Government says it spent about E147m in June to keep emaSwati fuel prices low, with only around E860m left in the reserve—roughly under six months at current spending rates. Sports & Youth: The inaugural Eswatini National Games were officially launched in Kwaluseni, with 325 athletes and 101 officials from three nations competing; Eswatini also plans to use the games to prepare for Region V Youth Games in Mozambique. Public Safety & Rights: A circulating video from Matsapha Correctional Centre has prompted government to review protocols for third-country nationals’ phone and recording use, after concerns about security and access. Children Online Risk: Parents are alarmed by an Eswatini school-uniform photo trend online, warning it could expose identifiable pupils to predators. Health & Schools: A teacher warned of a “Bluetooth” drug-related practice where pupils allegedly inject each other’s blood, raising HIV transmission fears. Governance & Accountability: Senate leaders pressed the Prime Minister to investigate alleged links between politicians, foreign nationals, and illegal online gambling, including how deportation and bail processes work. Royal Palace Spotlight: Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo met King Mswati III for dinner, reigniting attention on high-profile business visits. Local Football Shake-up: Mbabane Swallows face an exodus of key players ahead of 2026/27, with multiple transfers and PSC/free-agent clearances reported. Regional Economy: SADC performance remains mixed, with progress in security and mobility but weak growth and high youth unemployment pulling down the overall score.

Government Performance Debate: Some ministers welcomed the Prime Minister’s Annual Synopsis Performance Report 2025/26 showing overall improvement to 48%, but questioned whether ministries with very different mandates can be fairly compared; HMCS led with 75% while REPS scored 33%. Public Finance & Markets: Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi says retail bonds are set to roll out soon, aiming to broaden trusted investment options for households and deepen local money and capital markets. Energy Regulation: EEC warned owners of grid-connected solar systems to register with the Phehla Sikwati campaign or face a E15,500 penalty, citing safety and accountability concerns. Local Economy & Procurement: EWADE reports E739.2m already spent on the under-construction Mpakeni Dam with nearly 200 Eswatini firms involved, framing the project as capacity-building for local contractors. Sports & Youth: Eswatini will use the inaugural National Youth Games to prepare for Region V in Mozambique, with eight disciplines earmarked for the youth team. Football Boost: Orchard Insurance has given Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies E40,000 for their CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Gaborone. Regional Trade Talks: India and SACU signed terms of reference to begin negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, with Eswatini included in the SACU bloc. Immigration & Rights: A New York Times report says a Cuban deportee has spent over a year at Matsapha Correctional Centre without being charged, highlighting gaps in deportation handling.

Parliament Oversight: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini was pressed to investigate allegations that some Royal Eswatini Police Service officers may be linked to illegal online gambling and to clarify the legal process for foreign nationals granted bail before repatriation. Energy Regulation: Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says Eswatini Electricity Company is within its rights to apply for electricity tariff reviews every two years, noting heavy reliance on imported power and a push to raise local generation. Financial Inclusion: Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi announced plans to roll out retail bonds, aiming to broaden trusted investment options for the public. Local Economy & Infrastructure: EWADE reports over E739.2m already spent on the under-construction Mpakeni Dam with nearly 200 local firms benefiting. Social Protection & Climate Shock: A cold snap in Hawane killed cattle, with losses topping E60,000, while authorities moved over 100 vulnerable residents to safety. Regional Politics & Integration: A SADC assessment says the bloc is improving on stability and mobility but still falls short on jobs, growth and youth unemployment ahead of the Durban summit. Trade & Jobs: Eswatini’s 58th International Trade Fair is projected to draw 70,000+ attendees, with organisers pitching it as a green-economy business platform. Sports & Governance: Senate also raised concerns about politicians potentially housing foreign nationals tied to illegal gambling, urging stronger enforcement through the Immigration Bill.

SADC Summit Watch: South Africa will host the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in Durban on 17 August, kicking off its SADC chair tenure and pushing regional goals around resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation, infrastructure and agricultural transformation. Police Accountability: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini responded to Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini’s serious claims about alleged Royal Eswatini Police Service misconduct, saying “there is no smoke without fire” while stressing allegations must be investigated and action taken where warranted. Energy Governance: Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela told senators EEC can legally apply for electricity tariff adjustments every two years, with reviews tied to costs and ESERA arrangements, as EEC signals another application before year-end. Trade Diplomacy: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to restart negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, covering trade in goods and customs rules, with India seeking tariff relief on items including automobiles, pharmaceuticals and machinery. Food & Livestock Shock: A freezing cold snap in Hawane killed cattle and left smallholder farmers facing losses above E60,000, while EEC warned solar owners to register or face penalties. Public Finance & Oversight: Government performance rose to 48% in 2025/26 but still fell short of Nkwe Programme targets, with HMCS, Health and the PM’s Office among the top performers.

Electricity Tariffs & Regulation: Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) says it can legally apply for tariff reviews every two years, and the Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela insists the utility is within its rights to seek another adjustment before year-end; EEC also warned any application does not automatically mean higher bills, as ESERA will decide what can be recovered. Food Imports & Levies: NAMBoard will enforce a 24% levy on imported edible oils from September 1, saying it’s the minimum rate under existing law to close compliance gaps and protect local production. Trade Policy: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to restart talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to conclude negotiations within a year and focusing first on “low-hanging fruits,” with Eswatini among the SACU members. Government Performance: The Prime Minister presented a Government Performance Report showing overall implementation improved to 48% in 2025/26, up from 22% in the first quarter, though still below Nkwe Programme targets. Public Safety & Welfare: After a severe cold front, government relocated 114 street children and vulnerable people to temporary shelters, with food and warm clothing supplied while assessments continue. Legal/Justice Signals: The Prime Minister told journalists police must be left to do their job without political interference amid illegal gambling arrests. Health Oversight: Government ordered regulators to investigate allegations against The Luke Commission raised by former employees, including labour and clinical practice concerns.

CAF Football Logistics: Scottland submitted Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium as the primary venue for Nsingizini Hotspurs’ CAF Champions League preliminary tie, but Harare hosting hinges on a late CAF compliance push since the stadium has been closed to international football since 2020. Trade & Diplomacy: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to launch negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to conclude within a year and covering goods, customs, SPS, remedies, TBT, rules of origin and dispute settlement—Eswatini included in the SACU bloc. Public Safety & Governance: Prime Minister Mmiso Dlamini told police to be left to do their job without political interference after illegal gambling arrests; he also said drought preparations fall under the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and NDRMA. Court & Immigration: Government says 25 Chinese nationals were re-arrested after allegedly trying to leave with revoked passports, as the High Court release bid awaits appeal. Energy Costs: Eswatini Electricity Company reported E231.1m losses and signalled a likely tariff increase, with the 2027 application expected mid-October to early November. Social Protection: After a severe cold front, 114 street children and vulnerable people were relocated to temporary shelters with food and warm clothing. Labour Oversight: Government ordered probes into allegations against The Luke Commission after former employees raised claims on labour practices, governance and clinical operations.

Trade Diplomacy: India and SACU (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini) have agreed the terms of reference for a preferential trade agreement, with talks due to start within a month (after the ToR signing on Aug 12) and aimed to finish within one year—Eswatini will need a common SACU position before any tariff concessions. Energy Costs: The Eswatini Electricity Company says it will file for a 2027 tariff review in mid-October to early November, but any increase depends on ESERA’s regulator process. Labour Oversight: Government has ordered investigations into allegations against the Luke Commission, including labour-law breaches, unlawful termination claims, discrimination and governance/clinical practice concerns. Provident Fund Governance: The ENPF board is expected to be fully constituted by end of September after a board dissolution and vetting process. Public Procurement Integrity: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy warns of a fraudulent tender circulating online and urges people to use authorised channels only. Regional Tourism: Eswatini’s events calendar was launched in Mozambique to boost cross-border tourism and promote the Triland route. Youth & Skills: Government’s EYEOP targets 30,000 young people (with at least 50% women) for skills, apprenticeships and jobs, with rollout planned through chiefdom structures. Data Protection: ESCCOM says most reported personal data breaches come from the financial sector and calls for stronger compliance with the Data Protection Act.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Kuwait and Eswatini officials met in Kuwait to review relations and explore fresh cooperation across multiple sectors. Public Integrity: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy warned residents about a fraudulent tender circulating by email, saying it was not authorised and urging people to use official procurement channels. Youth & Jobs: Government’s EYEOP youth empowerment project targets 30,000 young people over five years, with at least 15,000 young women and about 1,500 young people with disabilities. Agriculture Digitisation: EWADE handed over over E300,000 in tablets and laptops to support farm monitoring under SAPEMP, aiming for real-time data from extension officers. Climate Finance: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund team as Eswatini studies a Namibia model to scale its own mega environmental fund. Regional Tourism: Mozambique and Eswatini agreed to boost cross-border tourism by improving travel links and promoting shared event calendars. Governance & Justice: Justice Minister Prince Simelane said the Judicial Commission of Inquiry report on the Master’s Office should be presented to Parliament, but he believes it should also be tabled at Sibaya. Elections Watch: The EBC urged voters to be alert to food parcels being used to influence choices ahead of a by-election. Data Protection: ESCCOM reported that most personal data breaches in Eswatini come from the financial sector, highlighting weak handling and security controls. Creative Sector: The Shiselweni NACA Regional Festival drew over 3,000 attendees and offered mentorship pathways for emerging artists.

Master’s Office Probe: Justice Minister Prince Simelane says the 487-page Judicial Commission report on allegations at the Office of the Master should be presented to Parliament via Sibaya, as the Law Society renews its push that the inquiry was unlawfully set up. Data Protection: ESCCOM reports most Eswatini personal data breaches come from the financial sector, with wrong disclosures and weak controls flagged during a Data Protection Act compliance workshop. Cold-Weather Safety: The DPM’s office urges municipalities and town boards to shelter street dwellers and check on elderly people and persons with disabilities living alone during extreme cold. Trade & Customs: SACU expands its AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa from 18 August, while Eswatini also joins SADC efforts to simplify border procedures for small traders. Regional Deals: India and the SACU bloc are set to sign terms of reference on 12 August to start talks on a preferential trade agreement. Tourism Push: Mozambique and Eswatini agree to coordinate to boost cross-border tourism, including joint event calendars and investment-linked travel strategies. Governance & Economy: A World Bank-linked agriculture review warns fragmented spending is holding back value-chain growth, calling for more targeted, market-driven investment. Sports & Culture: Ace Julz brings Eswatini hip hop to Botswana’s EU-backed festival, while the King’s Cup Golf 2026 announces a E600,000 hole-in-one prize.

Deportation Dispute: Airlines have flagged 36 foreign nationals deported over an alleged online gambling syndicate, adding a new hurdle for Eswatini’s exit arrangements after a court order and appeals. Elections Integrity: The EBC warned voters against using food parcels to influence choices during the by-election period. Agriculture Reform: A World Bank-backed Eswatini Agriculture Sector Review urges shifting from fragmented spending to market-focused investment that strengthens value chains and smallholder support. Governance Watch: The Law Society says the Master’s Office inquiry was unlawfully set up and insists the proper authority must establish a new commission. Regional Trade Push: Eswatini and partners are moving under SADC’s Simplified Trade Regime to cut border red tape and costs for small-scale traders. Energy & Investment: PM Russell Dlamini returned from Taiwan with renewed energy and investment talks, including visits to major renewable projects. Women’s Leadership & GBV: Inkhosikati LaMatsebula called for prayers and collective action against GBV, linking it to women’s economic participation. Cross-Border Wildlife: Eswatini joined regional talks on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling to manage human-wildlife conflict. Sports: Hardrock FC reached the Munhumutapa Cup Last 16 as Neliswa “Tiger” Dlamini scored in 20 seconds; King’s Cup Golf announced a E600,000 hole-in-one prize.

AI & Public Services: The Eswatini Library Association, with UNESWA’s Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, trained librarians on practical AI uses for cataloguing, information retrieval, data management and user services, while stressing ethical and responsible tech use. Diplomacy & Energy/Investment: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini returned from Taiwan after talks aimed at deepening ties, attracting investment and pushing renewable energy projects, including visits to major solar firms in Tainan. Governance & Finance: The ENPF CEO told delegates that the fund operated for months without a functioning board, after employer and employee representatives withdrew and quorum collapsed—raising questions about oversight and governance. Rule of Law in Courts: The Law Society of Eswatini says the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Master’s Office was unlawfully established and insists a proper authority must set up a new commission. Local Power & Rights: A chief allegedly demolished a Zion church under armed intimidation, with congregants claiming no court order was obtained. Trade & Regional Integration: SADC partners, including Eswatini, moved to simplify border procedures under the Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small-scale traders. Public Health & Safety: Police are investigating a poisoning case after a woman allegedly left poison-laced emahewu at an inyanga’s home, killing a 3-year-old and hospitalising two others. Sports & Continental Readiness: CAF is set to restructure participation fee disbursements so qualifying clubs receive solidarity money upfront, easing cash pressure for Eswatini’s Green Mamba and Nsingizini Hotspurs.

US Deportation Deal Scrutiny: Convicted rapists, murderers and robbers transferred from the US to Eswatini under a 2025 “third-country” arrangement were photographed shopping freely in Matsapha, prompting South Africans to question border security and detention conditions. Public Health & Justice: A woman linked to a poison-laced emahewu case has been located; a three-year-old died and two others were hospitalised, with police saying no arrests have been made yet. Education Watch: The World Bank warns Eswatini faces a reading crisis, with many children failing to master foundational literacy in early primary years. Debt Debate: A new analysis asks whether Eswatini’s debt is truly a problem, noting the debt-to-GDP ratio looks moderate but servicing costs and revenue risks are rising. Women’s Safety & Leadership: Inkhosikati LaMatsebula urged collective action and prayers against GBV during Women’s Month programming, while also highlighting women’s leadership gains. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: AfDB road upgrades are set to cut transport costs and boost trade with South Africa and Mozambique by 5%. Investment Push (Taiwan): Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met Taiwanese partners on packaging manufacturing and renewable energy investment, aiming to deepen industrialisation and power capacity. Sports & Governance: EFA president “Samora” Simelane backed referees after a FIFA course, while CAF Champions League clubs Green Mamba and Nsingizini Hotspurs are set for earlier participation payments worth about E1.6m.

Debt Watch: A new analysis asks whether Eswatini’s public debt is truly a problem, noting the debt-to-GDP figure sits around 40% but warning that the real pressure is rising interest costs and refinancing risks. Public Health & Safety: Police say a woman of interest has been found after a poison-laced emahewu incident in Mbabane left a 3-year-old dead, with the mother and brother still hospitalised; no arrests or charges yet. Education Crisis: The World Bank flags a reading crisis, with many children moving through early primary without basic literacy, and points to weak foundational skills in both reading and maths. Gender-Based Violence: Inkhosikati LaMatsebula urged prayers and collective action to confront GBV, stressing men’s role in mentoring, challenging discrimination, and backing women’s leadership. Financial Sector Governance: Senzo Hlatshwayo says he did not resign as FSRA chair, describing a “leave of absence” amid allegations tied to the arrest of Asian nationals. Infrastructure & Trade: An AfDB-funded road programme aims to cut transport costs and boost trade with South Africa and Mozambique by 5%. Court & Church: A court challenge seeks to block a new rector appointment at All Saints Cathedral in Mbabane, involving work permit issues and threatened church disciplinary action. University Dispute: UNESWA law students report withheld module results over alleged unpaid part-time lecturer fees. Teachers’ Conditions: SNAT raises concerns about poor teacher housing and working conditions in Shiselweni after government site visits. Energy Investment Push: PM Russell Dlamini courts Taiwanese energy investors for large-scale renewables to add over 1,000MW capacity. Women in Leadership: The Inkhosikati also praised King Mswati III for recognising women’s leadership in public and corporate spaces.

Judicial Oversight: The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Office of the Master of the High Court has recommended a lifestyle audit for employees, citing structural and administrative weaknesses and isolated corruption concerns, with Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala releasing the report after allegations of maladministration and abuse of power. Church Governance: In Mbabane, senior church officials have rushed to court to block Bishop Tsietsi Seleoane from taking up the Rector role at All Saints Cathedral, tied to a dispute over appointments, a work permit for a foreign cleric, and threatened church discipline. Public Health & Safety: A child died and two others were hospitalised after allegedly poisoned emahewu in Siphocosini, with a bitter land dispute suspected and a woman allegedly disguising herself to carry out the poisoning. Economy Watch: The IMF projects Eswatini’s growth will slow in 2026 due to higher fuel costs, weaker demand, tighter financing, weather disruptions and easing investment momentum. Investment & Energy Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini is courting Taiwanese investors—seeking packaging manufacturing, renewable energy projects of at least 100MW, and possible links to the Eswatini–Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. Education & Work Conditions: UNESWA law students say results for a module were withheld over alleged unpaid part-time lecturer fees, while SNAT reports poor teacher accommodation and working conditions in Shiselweni after government site visits. Regional Sports & Youth: Nsingizini Hotspurs secured a sponsorship ahead of the CAF Champions League, and Eswatini’s National Youth Games (Aug 14–17) will host teams including Seychelles.