AGP Executive Report

Regional Liberation Memory: Eswatini’s role in South Africa’s June 16 uprising was highlighted at the KwaMagogo Number 43 Trelawney Park Legacy event, with Regional Administrator Themba Masuku recalling how Swazi transit camps and a national airline helped shelter and move young refugees fleeing apartheid. Zimbabwe–Eswatini Diplomacy: Zimbabwe mourns Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, accredited to Mozambique and Eswatini, who died aged 66; officials cite illness but have not disclosed a cause, while unverified claims of suspected poisoning are circulating. Regional Security Diplomacy: Malawi’s Vice President Enoch Chihana has been delegated to chair a virtual SADC Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit on peace and security, with Eswatini set as incoming chair. Domestic Finance & Oversight: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told MPs the ERS E18bn domestic tax target is “unattainable,” blaming tougher global conditions. Parliament & Banking: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage certain funds, alongside a recapitalisation push for the bank. Migration Pressure: State security officers are reportedly arresting foreigners at the Eswatini–South Africa border ahead of South Africa’s June 30 “March and March” protests. Controversial Citizenship: King Mswati III granted Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport, sparking renewed debate over influence and privileges. Health Governance: PM Russell Dlamini appointed a commission of inquiry into Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over allegations of financial and operational misconduct.

Regional Politics & Courts: South Africa’s parliamentary impeachment inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to meet Wednesday to draft terms of reference after MPs previously rejected Ramaphosa’s bid to stop proceedings; the National Assembly speaker declined to oppose the court challenge, leaving judges to decide whether the inquiry can continue. Eswatini Governance & Finance: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage selected state payments and SACU receipts, while a separate move is underway to investigate Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) through a new five-member commission of inquiry. Migration & Security: Eswatini border patrols are reportedly arresting foreigners trying to enter ahead of South Africa’s June 30 “March and March” protests, adding to recent court cases involving illegal entrants. Diplomacy & Controversy: Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, has died at 66; officials have not disclosed the cause, while unverified claims online have raised questions about the circumstances. Business & Influence: Eswatini’s King Mswati III granted controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience. Human Rights: A global report says human rights defenders faced escalating threats, with at least 358 killed across 28 countries in 2025. Public Life: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa was elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women.

Diplomacy & Loss: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, has died, with officials and political figures sending condolences and praising his liberation-war and diplomatic service. Public Finance: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told MPs that the Eswatini Revenue Service’s E18 billion domestic tax target is now “unattainable,” blaming tougher global conditions and saying only “God’s grace” could make it happen. Migration & Border Security: Ahead of South Africa’s June 30 “March and March” protests, Eswatini security officers are reportedly arresting foreigners trying to cross the border illegally, raising fears of another influx after recent convictions of Chinese nationals. Governance Probe: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini appointed a five-member Commission of Inquiry to investigate alleged maladministration and financial misconduct at Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU). Controversial Citizenship: Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a royal audience, a move already sparking regional debate. Human Rights: A global report by Front Line Defenders says at least 358 human rights defenders were killed across 28 countries in 2025, with funding cuts and repression cited as key drivers. GBV Update: Police reported 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, prompting calls for stronger community action.

Citizenship & Diplomacy: Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience at the Royal Palace, sparking fresh regional debate over influence and corruption allegations. Border Security: Eswatini security officers are reportedly arresting alleged illegal foreigners trying to cross from South Africa ahead of the June 30 “March and March” protests, following recent court cases involving foreign nationals. Parliament & Finance: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage selected public funds while keeping the Central Bank’s role intact, as the bank seeks about E300 million recapitalisation. Governance Probe: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a commission of inquiry into Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over allegations of maladministration, fraud and governance failures. Public Safety: Royal Eswatini Police report 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, with a focus on safer communities. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security to deepen Southern African integration. Health & Community: MTN Eswatini funded upgrades to Hospice at Home, including a restored water system and new beds, under its Y’ello Care campaign.

Parliament & Banking: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage certain public funds—payments for subscriptions, suppliers and SACU receipts—while keeping the Central Bank of Eswatini as the main banker, as part of a possible recapitalisation push after the bank said it needs about E300 million. Governance Probe: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a five-member commission of inquiry to investigate the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), including allegations of financial and operational maladministration, fraud and governance failures. Royal Palace & Citizenship: King Mswati III granted Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience, with Chivayo citing plans for travel and investment. Public Finance Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says government faces a E4.5 billion funding gap and is seeking additional borrowing to meet obligations and pay suppliers. GBV Update: Police reported 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, with many victims killed by people they trusted. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security. Immigration Enforcement: South Africa-linked deportation plans continue as Eswatini prepares for the first group of convicted foreign nationals to leave, pending transit visas.

Citizenship & Diplomacy: Zimbabwean businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience, with talks reportedly touching industrialisation, infrastructure, energy security and investment. Government Accountability: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a five-member commission of inquiry to investigate the affairs of Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), probing allegations of maladministration, financial and operational misconduct, fraud and governance failures. Public Finance Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg warns government faces a funding gap and may need an additional E4.5bn loan to keep operations running, citing slow budget support and plans to approach the World Bank and the JSE. Immigration & Enforcement: The first group of 84 foreign nationals convicted of immigration offences is expected to leave Eswatini soon, pending South Africa’s transit visas. Trade & Compliance: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo says inspections will intensify after a Mbabane Chinese restaurant was shut for alleged non-compliance, including complaints about high-alcohol sales to young people. Social Impact: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 in Hospice at Home, refurbishing a palliative care unit and restoring its water system. Regional Cooperation: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security to deepen African integration. GBV Update: Police recorded 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, as authorities push for safer communities.

Government Accountability: PM Russell Dlamini has appointed a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), probing allegations of maladministration, fraud and governance failures, with Mbuso Simelane as chair and the team based at EMCU for four weeks. Immigration & Courts: The Ministry of Home Affairs says the first group of 84 foreign nationals convicted under the Immigration Act is expected to leave before Sunday, pending South Africa’s transit visas, after sentencing to six months or a E500 fine. Public Safety & Compliance: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo says inspections will intensify nationwide after a Mbabane Chinese restaurant was shut for alleged sale of high-alcohol beverages to young people. Foreign Affairs: Eswatini’s MFA reaffirmed support for Emaswati in South Africa amid anti-illegal immigration protests, warning against people falsely claiming to represent government. Regional Trade & Growth: King Mswati III urged Eswatini–Zambia cooperation to harness AfCFTA for trade, culture and security gains. Health & Community: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including a restored water system and new beds. Economy & Debt: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg warned of a E4.5bn funding gap and said government is seeking additional borrowing. Diplomacy/Investment: Turkmenistan-linked Quantum Works is set to build a E600m factory at Nokwane creating about 200 jobs, under the SEZ at the Royal Science and Technology Park. GBV Data: Police reported 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 deaths in the first three months of 2026, as REPS and partners push for safer communities. Citizenship Claims: Zimbabwe businessman Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience.

Third-Country Deportees Deal: Jamaica has signed an MoU with the US Homeland Security to accept up to 25 non-Jamaican deportees every two weeks as a temporary transit arrangement, but details on housing, compensation, and legal safeguards remain contested, with rights groups warning about risks to people protected from return. Mbabane Inspections: Eswatini’s commerce minister says government will intensify inspections after a Mbabane Chinese restaurant was shut over alleged sale of high-alcohol beverages, following complaints from parents and community members. Hospice at Home Support: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home, restoring a water system and adding beds to improve palliative care conditions. Budget Pressure: Finance minister Neal Rijkenberg warns of a funding gap and says government may need an extra E4.5bn loan to meet obligations while pursuing additional borrowing options. GBV Alarm: Police recorded 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 deaths in the first three months of 2026, as officials push for safer communities. FMD Exports: Agriculture says Eswatini is in the declining phase of foot-and-mouth disease and could resume meat exports within six months, depending on WOAH assessment pathways. Foreign Affairs Advisory: Eswatini’s foreign ministry reassures Emaswati in South Africa amid anti-illegal immigration protests and warns against fake “government representatives.” Jobs via SEZ Factory: A Turkmenistan-backed project at Nokwane will invest about E640m to build a cable factory, targeting around 200 jobs. Taiwan Pressure: Taiwan’s foreign minister says China’s pressure is becoming “the new normal,” after Taiwanese delegates were detained in Kenya and denied access to an ocean conference. Mbabane Swallows Link: Congolese nationals believed to be potential investors in Mbabane Swallows were detained at King Mswati III International Airport over alleged documentation irregularities.

Healthcare & Community Support: MTN Eswatini handed over a refurbished Hospice at Home palliative care inpatient unit, including a restored water system and six new beds, after its 21 Days of Y’ello Care drive. Gender-Based Violence Update: Police recorded 1,994 GBV cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, with organisers urging stronger community and law-enforcement action. Human Rights & Migration: Eswatini’s foreign ministry reiterated support for Emaswati in South Africa amid anti-illegal immigration protests, warning against fake “government representatives.” Diplomacy & International Pressure: Taiwan’s foreign minister said China’s efforts to limit Taiwan’s access to international events are now “the new normal,” citing incidents involving Eswatini-linked travel disruptions. Jobs & Industrialisation: A Turkmenistan-backed project, Eswatini Quantum Works, is set to build a E640m factory at Nokwane (SEZ/RSTP) producing aluminium and copper cables for export, targeting about 200 jobs. Regional Security & Football: Five Congolese nationals linked to Mbabane Swallows were detained at King Mswati III International Airport over alleged documentation irregularities. Justice System: Government asked the Industrial Court to dismiss a contempt of court application by spokesperson Alpheous Mfana Nxumalo after he rejected an E1.2m settlement. Trade & Food Safety: Eswatini said it is in the declining phase of FMD and expects meat exports could resume within six months, depending on WOAH assessment and certification pathways.

Third-Country Deportations: Jamaica says it is in talks with the US to accept up to 25 non-Jamaicans every two weeks under a memorandum with Homeland Security, but the opposition is demanding full public details on criteria, legal status and risks. Eswatini–South Africa Consular Warning: eSwatini’s foreign ministry reassures Emaswati in South Africa amid anti-illegal immigration protests, urging contact with official missions and warning against fake “representatives.” Jobs via SEZ Factory: Eswatini Quantum Works will build an E600m-plus cable factory at the RSTP in Nokwane, targeting about 200 jobs in its first phase. FMD Meat Export Path: Agriculture says Eswatini is in the declining phase of foot-and-mouth disease and could resume meat exports within six months after assessments for EU and other markets. Court Fight: Government asks the Industrial Court to dismiss a contempt of court bid by spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo after it says he rejected a E1.2m settlement and is no longer employed. Mbabane Swallows Probe: Five Congolese “investors” linked to Mbabane Swallows were detained at King Mswati III International Airport over alleged documentation irregularities, with questions raised about treatment of one using a service passport. Regional Labour Rights: South Africa is flagged by the ITUC Global Rights Index for rising attacks on workers and interference with collective labour rights.

Eswatini–South Africa Consular Alert: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Emaswati in South Africa to stay close to official missions as immigration protests flare, warning against people falsely claiming to represent government. Contempt of Court Case: Government asks the Industrial Court to dismiss a contempt bid by spokesperson Alpheous Mfana Nxumalo, arguing he rejected an E1.2m settlement and that the employment dispute was resolved after a January order. FMD and Meat Exports: Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka says Eswatini is in the FMD declining phase and could resume meat exports within six months, depending on WOAH assessment for “free with vaccination” status. Diplomacy and Jobs: King Mswati III’s Turkmenistan mission secured an E640m aluminium and copper cable factory under SEZs, targeting about 200 jobs. Parliamentary Pressure: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini’s motion adds to growing scrutiny of the Prime Minister’s leadership style and governance decisions. Immigration Corruption Crackdown: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested for allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp passports at Ngwenya Border Post. Regional Trade/Infrastructure: Mozambique’s CFM moves ahead with a $160m railway doubling phase for the Ressano Garcia line, citing logistics efficiency and climate resilience. World Cup Culture Link: Eswatini readers get a diaspora angle as Cape Verde’s Pico Lopes’ LinkedIn-to-World Cup story and their Spain opener draw attention.

U.S.-Eswatini Immigration Detention: A complaint to the African Commission says Trump-linked deportation flights to Eswatini left some detainees unaware of their destination and placed them in maximum-security prison with little chance to challenge detention. Anti-Corruption at Borders: Eswatini police arrested an immigration officer and two South African counterparts at Ngwenya Border Post over an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp passports. Parliamentary Scrutiny in Mbabane: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini’s motion has added to growing pressure on Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, with MPs questioning leadership on budgets, governance, and major projects. UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not withdrawing; it’s strengthening operations under a restructured model. Health Funding Worries: The Auditor General flags slow absorption of Global Fund grants under a HIV/TB project, leaving Eswatini’s health sector still under strain. Regional Transport Watch: Mozambique’s CFM announced a second phase to double the Ressano Garcia railway line, with a $160m budget, while officials argue for opening rail operations to private players.

Parliamentary Scrutiny in Eswatini: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has tabled a motion questioning Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s leadership style, adding to a growing list of MPs challenging the premier on governance, budgets and major national projects. Anti-Corruption at Borders: Royal Eswatini Police arrested an immigration officer and two South African counterparts after an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp passports at Ngwenya Border Post, with charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. UN Presence Clarified: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not withdrawing from Eswatini; it is strengthening work under a restructured operating model, with more agencies covered. Health Funding Worry: Auditor General Timothy Matsebula flags slow absorption of health grants, citing delays in a Global Fund HIV/TB project. Regional Migration Pressure (SA): South Africa’s migration crackdown is intensifying, with reports of thousands of arrests and a push to strengthen border enforcement while insisting it is not xenophobia. UAE–Eswatini Diplomacy: The UAE’s non-resident ambassador presented credentials to Eswatini’s foreign affairs minister, reaffirming cooperation across sectors.

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.