AGP Executive Report

Parliamentary Scrutiny: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has tabled a motion challenging Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s leadership style, adding to a growing list of MPs questioning the premier on governance and budget issues. Anti-Corruption at Borders: Police say an immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested after allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabweans’ passports at Ngwenya Border Post. UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira rejects claims the UN is withdrawing, saying the operating model is being restructured while agencies still deliver locally. Health Funding Oversight: The Auditor General warns slow grant absorption in the health sector is hurting service delivery, flagging delays in a Global Fund HIV/TB project. Foreign Relations: Eswatini’s Foreign Affairs ministry says Taiwan ties remain solid amid reports of debate over possible China alignment. Regional Diplomacy: UAE’s non-resident ambassador to Eswatini presents credentials, signalling continued cooperation. World Cup Spotlight (Diaspora): Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup run—sparked by a LinkedIn recruitment story—puts the spotlight on the island nation’s “No Stress” culture as it prepares to face Spain.

Parliamentary Pushback: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has tabled a motion challenging Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s leadership style, adding to a growing wave of MPs questioning the premier on budgets, governance processes and major national projects. Regional Finance Pressure: Eswatini’s Auditor General warns slow grant absorption in the health sector is worsening service delivery, including Global Fund money meant for HIV/TB programmes. Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post after an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports, with charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. UN Presence Clarified: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not withdrawing from Eswatini; instead, its operating model is being restructured, with more agencies under the new cooperation framework. Diplomacy Watch: Eswatini’s Foreign Affairs ministry says Taiwan ties remain solid after reports of debate over possible China alignment. Immigration Policy Ripple: South Africa’s crackdown has driven over 40,000 arrests since the start of 2026, while the US continues “third-country” deportations to conflict-hit Central African Republic.

Parliamentary Pressure on the PM: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has tabled a motion questioning Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s leadership, adding to a growing list of MPs challenging the premier on governance, budgets and major national projects. UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not shrinking its footprint; the operating model is being restructured, with more agencies under the new 2021–2025 framework and staff still implementing locally. Corruption at the Border: An immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post after an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports, with charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Health Funding Worry: The Auditor General flags slow absorption of Global Fund grants under the health ministry, noting delays in implementing the SWZ-C-NERCHA HIV/TB project. Foreign Affairs Clarification: Eswatini’s MOFA reaffirms Taiwan ties after reports of debate over switching to China, saying relations remain firm. Regional Trade Talks: SACU meetings are set for Cape Town (CTICC2) from 18–26 June, with Eswatini among expected participants. Housing Board Service Push: The Eswatini Housing Board launches a real-time customer feedback platform using NPS to improve service delivery. International Migration Shock: US deportation flights to the Central African Republic continue amid legal challenges and rights concerns, including cases involving people with US court protections.

Anti-Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post after allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports, with charges laid under the Prevention of Corruption Act. UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not shrinking in Eswatini, pointing to a restructured operating model that increases the number of agencies under the 2021–2025 cooperation framework. Health Funding Worry: The Auditor General flags slow absorption of Global Fund grants under the SWZ-C-NERCHA HIV/TB project, with billions in health budgets not translating into timely delivery. Parliament on Mbabane Hospital: A parliamentary committee reports critical staff shortages across nearly every department at Mbabane Government Hospital, citing an unsustainable doctor-to-patient ratio and long delays in filling vacant posts. Diplomacy & Taiwan: Eswatini’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists Taiwan ties remain solid after reports of debate in Cabinet and parliament over possible shifts toward China. Regional Trade Talks: South Africa’s CTICC2 will host major SACU meetings next week, bringing together Eswatini and other member states to discuss customs and trade cooperation. Ireland Visa Changes: Ireland announces new visa requirements for Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Nicaragua travellers from 15 June, with transit visas also required. Public Service Feedback: The Eswatini Housing Board launches a real-time customer feedback platform using NPS to improve service delivery.

Mbabane Government Hospital Crisis: A parliamentary committee says Mbabane Government Hospital is crippled by critical staff shortages across nearly every department, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 1:100 and nursing units stretched beyond sustainable levels; the report points to long delays in filling vacant posts linked to a 2018 hiring freeze and slow central replacement processes. Health Funding Oversight: The Auditor General warns Eswatini’s health grants are being absorbed too slowly, citing slow implementation of a Global Fund HIV/TB project under NERCHA and noting large unspent balances while the health sector remains under pressure. Housing Service Push: The Eswatini Housing Board rolls out a real-time customer feedback platform using an NPS-style system, aiming to improve service delivery through easier, ongoing customer input. Foreign Policy Signal: Eswatini’s MOFA reiterates that Taiwan-Eswatini ties remain solid after reports of debate over switching relations toward China. Regional Trade Agenda: South Africa’s CTICC2 will host major SACU meetings next week, bringing together heads of state and ministers including Eswatini to discuss customs and trade cooperation. Immigration Pressure Abroad: Multiple reports highlight US “third-country” deportations to the Central African Republic, including people with US court protections, raising fresh human rights concerns.

Deportation Fallout: A US “third-country” deportation flight landed in the Central African Republic carrying nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia, with lawyers warning that even people granted legal protections like “withholding of removal” may be forced back to the countries they fled. Health Accountability: Eswatini’s Auditor General says slow absorption of Global Fund grants is hurting the health sector, flagging delays in the SWZ-C-NERCHA HIV/TB project and large unspent balances. Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee report on Mbabane Government Hospital points to critical staff shortages across departments, with doctor-to-patient ratios around 1:100 and long-unfilled posts linked to hiring freezes and slow replacement processes. Regional Diplomacy: Eswatini’s MOFA says Taiwan ties remain solid after reports of debate over possible China alignment, while Somaliland’s envoy in Taiwan rejects pressure to switch relationships. Regional Trade Talks: SACU meetings are set for Cape Town next week, bringing together heads of state and ministers including Eswatini to discuss customs and trade cooperation. Court Developments: In South Africa, the AKA/Tibz murder case pre-trial was pushed to August, with defence citing consultation problems tied to prison access.

Science & Digital Policy: Eswatini’s National Science Month 2026 opened at UNESWA as South Africa’s Science Minister Blade Nzimande urged SADC to treat science, tech and innovation as urgent priorities to close the digital divide and tackle climate, health, food and governance pressures. Regional Trade Diplomacy: CTICC2 in Cape Town will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, bringing together heads of state, ministers and officials from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa to push customs and cross-border trade cooperation. Health Accountability: At the World Health Assembly side event on cervical cancer elimination, partners including Eswatini backed stronger systems and accountability—HPV vaccination, community screening, referral pathways and better integration into primary care. Mbabane Hospital Crisis: A parliamentary committee report says Mbabane Government Hospital is short-staffed across nearly every department, with an unsustainable doctor-to-patient ratio and long delays in filling vacant posts. Deportation Rights Watch: Reports say the US is deporting migrants—including Iranians and Afghans—to the conflict-hit Central African Republic despite legal protections, raising fresh concerns about due process and safety. Eswatini Housing Feedback: The Eswatini Housing Board launched a real-time customer feedback platform using the NPS approach to improve service delivery. Court & Justice: The AKA-Tibz murder trial in Durban was pushed to a new schedule after pre-trial delays, while Tiffany Meek’s murder case was postponed to August. Community Support: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital as part of its care programme.

Mbabane Government Hospital Crisis: A parliamentary committee probing Mbabane Government Hospital says critical understaffing is hitting nearly every department, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 1:100 and nursing units stretched beyond sustainable levels; the report also points to long-unfilled vacancies linked to a 2018 hiring freeze and slow, centralised replacements. Political Justice in Durban: The high-profile AKA and Tibz murder case involving seven men has been pushed back after pre-trial readiness issues, with the trial now expected to run 5 October to 8 November and the matter returning to court on 13 August. Cross-border Migration and Detention: Reports say the Trump administration is preparing deportations to the Central African Republic under third-country deals, while another account highlights U.S. immigrants held in Eswatini with limited ability to challenge detention and poor access to medical care. Regional Anti-corruption: South Africa-Eswatini border enforcement is stepping up at Oshoek Port of Entry through a multi-agency anti-corruption forum led by the SIU and BMA. Humanitarian Support at Mbabane Hospital: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets worth E20,000 to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital, framing it as support during winter treatment hardships. Local Governance and Accountability: The Matlala “Cat” Matlala lease-related probe continues as a close associate is questioned by the Political Killings Task Team over alleged forged bank statements tied to an eSwatini ID lease application.

Migration & Travel Policy: Eswatini’s regional travel context shifts as Ireland introduces visa requirements from 15 June for Nicaraguan, St Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia nationals, with transit visas also required—framed as alignment with UK and Schengen practices. Justice System & Prison Access: In the AKA–Tibz murder case, the Durban High Court postponed the pre-trial conference to 13 August and pushed the trial to 5 October–8 November, after defence raised concerns about limited consultation time and difficulty accessing clients held at high-security facilities; the State agreed to assist with temporary transfers for consultations. Cross-border Human Rights: A complaint says U.S. immigrants deported to Eswatini under a Trump-era deal are held indefinitely in maximum security with limited medical care, food and clothing, and with little ability to challenge detention. Local Social Support: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets worth E20,000 to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital, part of its Eswatini Mobile Cares winter support drive. Regional Governance & Trade: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed cooperation in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology.

Food & Climate Policy: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, saying rural women already hold practical answers for resilient food systems amid hunger, poverty and rising climate shocks. Justice in Eswatini-linked case: Eswatini-born murder accused Tiffany Meek’s trial begins in Johannesburg High Court in Palm Ridge, with the State expected to call its first witness; Meek denies murder and related charges over the death of her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek. Parliament & Social Protection: Eswatini MPs moved to investigate the ENPF board crisis after the board became dysfunctional for more than half a year, with a select committee set to report back within 14 days. Regional Migration Governance: Eswatini drivers welcomed South Africa President Ramaphosa’s call for regional engagement on undocumented immigrants, warning that road freight disruption would hit Eswatini’s economy hard. Trade & Diplomacy: A policy analysis argues China’s lack of an embassy in Mbabane helps explain why Eswatini is outside China’s preferential tariff framework, pointing to missing on-the-ground trade support. Higher Education Cooperation: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed plans to deepen collaboration in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including work toward a SADC University of Technology. Court & Finance: The High Court dismissed a bid for summary judgment against Standard Bank Eswatini in a claim exceeding E45.9 million tied to an Old Mutual insurance policy.

Immigration Detention in Eswatini: A complaint to the African Commission says Trump-deported men sent to Eswatini were unaware of their destination and remain locked in maximum-security prison with little chance to challenge detention. Trade & Diplomacy: A China-Eswatini tariff dispute is framed as an “institutional architecture” problem, with analysts pointing to Beijing’s lack of an embassy in Mbabane as a barrier to turning preferences into real exports. Regional Transport & Migration: Eswatini freight drivers’ group welcomed South Africa President Ramaphosa’s call for heads-of-state action on undocumented migration, warning road freight underpins much of Eswatini’s economy. Parliament & Social Security: An Eswatini MP says the ENPF board is effectively dysfunctional, with only the CEO left, pushing for a select committee to investigate the impasse. Monetary Policy: Eswatini’s central bank reiterated a cautious approach to inflation shocks, keeping the discount rate steady. Higher Education Cooperation: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed plans to deepen collaboration in higher education, science, innovation and ICT. Labour Rights Watch: Eswatini is again cited among countries of concern in the ITUC global workers’ rights watch list. SADC Financial Integrity: SADC urged stronger anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing cooperation, noting only a few states—including Eswatini—have signed the agreement. Human Rights in Courts: A High Court case against Standard Bank Eswatini was dismissed for summary judgment, after a dispute over an Old Mutual policy document.

ENPF Board Crisis: Eswatini’s Parliament is moving to investigate the Eswatini National Provident Fund impasse after MP Marwick Khumalo said the board is now effectively left with only CEO Futhi Tembe, proposing a seven-member select committee to report within 14 days on why the parastatal’s board has been dysfunctional for months. Judicial Accountability: A High Court ruling found two Royal Eswatini Police officers liable for torturing a Lubombo mechanic, ordering damages for unlawful arrest, detention, assault and torture. Regional Education & Innovation: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed cooperation with South Africa on higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. Regional Finance Integrity: SADC finance officials urged stronger anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing collaboration, noting only Angola, Botswana and Eswatini have signed the latest agreement. Cross-Border Health: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is shifting attitudes to HIV testing and child protection in Beitbridge, covering Eswatini among seven Southern African countries. Court & Banking Dispute: Eswatini’s High Court dismissed a Standard Bank summary judgment bid in a claim exceeding E45.9 million tied to an Old Mutual insurance policy document. Economy Watch: The Central Bank of Eswatini said it will keep a cautious monetary stance amid imported inflation shocks, maintaining the discount rate at 6.75%. International Pressure on Eswatini: Reports highlight Taiwan condemning Beijing pressure over Lai’s Eswatini visit, while China warns Eswatini against aligning with “Taiwan independence” forces.

ENPF Board Deadlock: Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo says Eswatini’s ENPF Board is down to only CEO Futhi Tembe, pushing for a seven-member select committee to investigate the impasse and report back to Parliament within 14 days. Labour & Governance: Minister Apollo Maphalala defends the appointment of ENPF Board member Derrick Shiba, arguing his ministry followed the law, as the legal interpretation dispute continues to stall board operations. Regional Education Cooperation: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed Eswatini’s push to deepen ties with South Africa in higher education, science, innovation and ICT after a courtesy visit by SA Minister Blade Nzimande. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela urged stronger cooperation on shared rivers through INMACOM, linking water governance to food security and climate resilience. Monetary Policy Watch: Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi says the CBE is keeping a cautious approach to inflation shocks, avoiding aggressive rate hikes to protect households. SADC Anti-Illicit Finance: A SADC finance meeting in Gaborone urged member states to strengthen collaboration against money laundering and terror financing, noting only a few— including Eswatini—have signed the agreement. Higher Education & AI Skills: UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Justice Thwala warns organisations not to adopt AI without staff training and governance, after an UNESWA AI Academy deal with the Eswatini Revenue Service. Community Support: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula served meals to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting ongoing support for orphaned and vulnerable children. Trade Rules of Origin: With WCO support, Customs officials from several African countries—including Eswatini in the wider regional push—are building national expert pools to train peers on preferential rules of origin.

ENPF Board Deadlock: Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo says the Eswatini National Provident Fund board is left with only CEO Futhi Tembe, pushing Parliament to appoint a seven-member select committee to investigate the impasse and report back within 14 days. ENPF Appointment Dispute: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defends Derrick Shiba’s ENPF board appointment, arguing his ministry followed the law and rejecting claims from a confidential legal opinion. Monetary Policy Watch: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it will keep a cautious stance on interest rates amid imported inflation shocks, with reserves and policy tools under close monitoring. SACU Regional Push: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah calls SACU a key pillar for regional and global economic arrangements, urging adaptation to new economic realities. SADC Anti-Financial Crime: Botswana’s acting finance minister urges SADC states to strengthen collaboration to curb money laundering and terrorist financing, noting only a few have signed the 2025 agreement—Eswatini included. Labour Rights Spotlight: Zimbabwe lands on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list as unionists face increased violations, with Eswatini also flagged among worst offenders. Local Justice: A High Court ruling finds two police officers liable for torturing a Lubombo mechanic, ordering damages to be determined later. Regional Water Security: Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique are urged to deepen cooperation on shared rivers to protect food security and climate resilience.

SADC Anti-Money Laundering Push: Botswana’s acting finance minister urged SADC states to tighten cooperation against illicit financial flows, warning that import dependence, weak diversification and limited fiscal space are leaving the region exposed to shocks; only Angola, Botswana and Eswatini have signed the AML/CFT agreement. Labour Rights Under Pressure: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list after reported increases in violations and harassment of trade unionists, with Eswatini also flagged among the worst offenders. Eswatini Economic Management: The Central Bank of Eswatini said it will keep a cautious stance amid inflation shocks, while also reporting gold reserves worth E195 million and reserve levels aimed at protecting external stability. ENPF Board Deadlock: Housing minister Apollo Maphalala defended the appointment of ENPF board chair Derrick Shiba, arguing his ministry followed the law despite a dispute over which ministry should nominate. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s natural resources minister said shared-river cooperation under INMACOM is now a core economic and development need for food security and climate resilience. Rights and Accountability: A High Court ruling found two police officers liable for torturing a Lubombo mechanic and ordered damages to be assessed. Community Service: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, an MP and Eswatini Mobile CEO joined efforts to feed children at Mahlatsini NCP, highlighting ongoing support for orphaned and vulnerable children. Immigration and Deportations Watch: Reports say CAR agreed to accept third-country deportees from the US, raising legal and rights concerns across the region.

Central Banking Watch: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it will stick to a cautious monetary stance, keeping the discount rate unchanged and avoiding aggressive hikes as imported inflation pressures households. Police Accountability: A High Court ruled two police officers unlawfully arrested, detained, assaulted and tortured a Lubombo mechanic to force a confession, with damages to be determined later. ENPF Board Dispute: Minister Apollo Maphalala defended the appointment of Derrick Shiba to the ENPF Board, arguing his ministry followed the law amid a seven-month deadlock over nominations. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared river cooperation under INMACOM is now an economic and development necessity for food security and climate resilience. Children’s Rights on WASH: Government launched Children’s Month, renewing the push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access for every child. AI Capacity in Government: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees on AI literacy and responsible use. Cross-Border Politics: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure that blocked President Lai’s Eswatini visit. SACU Spotlight: Namibia’s SACU leadership and the union’s role as a regional trade pillar were highlighted in talks with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.