AGP Executive Report

Border & Immigration: 25 foreign nationals were arrested at Mhlumeni Border Gate on Saturday for allegedly trying to leave Eswatini for Mozambique without the required travel documents; they were taken to Siteki Police Station to face immigration-related charges. Commonwealth Games: Eswatini’s Glasgow 2026 push continues with track action featuring REPS sprinter Mlandvo Maziya and Thandaza Zwane, while swimming ends for Hayley Hoy and Damien De Sousa after tough heats; Siwakhile Dlamini remains in the hunt. Football Governance & Safety: Manzini FA boss Vusie “Mavura” Hall met Khama Billiat in Johannesburg as Eswatini-linked officials take part in CAF Safe Stadium Initiative training aimed at improving match-day security. Labour & Wages: ATUSWA launched a campaign demanding a minimum wage of E25 per hour, plus stronger worker protections and reforms to wage negotiations, starting in Nhlangano. Economy & Finance: FSRA says NBFI assets fell by E2bn after SBS was reclassified into a commercial bank—framed as a statistical shift, not sector collapse; meanwhile, concerns grow over debt-driven budgeting under Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg. Court & Agriculture: The High Court ordered repatriation of six South Africa-bought cattle after findings of unlawful livestock introduction tied to FMD risk. Business & Investment Climate: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya says some investors are discouraged by alleged “10 per cent” demands from officials, urging government to create an enabling environment and “get out of the way.” Sports Funding: Netball Eswatini says it needs E1m to send both men’s and women’s teams to the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya.

Royal & Culture Debate: South Africa’s Zulu King Misuzulu’s lobola and viral wedding-dance video with new wife Queen Sihle Mdluli has reignited public argument online, with activists and commentators split on what’s acceptable. Eswatini Governance & Economy: Government is moving toward Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that will reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Competition Watch: Eswatini MPs have urged action over alleged monopoly practices in the poultry value chain, warning one operator may be squeezing out other local players. Regional Elections & Democracy: SADC has announced an electoral observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with long-term observation running through late August. Health & HIV: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba findings were launched with testimony from one of the country’s first openly HIV-positive advocates, as the region prepares for the International AIDS Conference in Rio. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is spilling into cross-border trade, with transporters warning enforcement against foreign drivers could disrupt lucrative routes.

Fraud Crackdown in Eswatini: INTERPOL says a major global operation netted 5,811 arrests across 97 countries, but only a small share of cases were actually settled, with suspects still at large; the report highlights an Eswatini scam where criminals mimicked a Brazilian police station on video calls to trick victims into sending money for “safe keeping.” Immigration Pressure on Trade: South Africa’s anti-immigrant enforcement is disrupting cross-border transport, with operators warning that crackdowns on foreign drivers—especially on the DRC route—could choke lucrative logistics and push the industry to seek relief from the Home Affairs minister. Eswatini Business Rules: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, aiming to reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally owned businesses. Regional Election Watch: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 election, with long-term observers and refresher training scheduled ahead of the official launch. Public Finance Leadership: Eswatini hosted the election of Nigeria’s Accountant-General, Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, as Chairman of the African Accountants-General after winning 83% of votes. HIV Prevention Spotlight: Eswatini launched an HIV Prevention Indaba findings report featuring Vusi Matsebula’s account of learning his status in 1992 and turning fear into advocacy. Umhlanga Dates Set: Eswatini’s Reed Dance main day is confirmed for Monday 31 August 2026, with a public holiday and King Mswati III attending the ceremony at Ludzidzini.

Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is hitting cross-border transport hard, especially on the DRC route, as foreign drivers are targeted and industry asks Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber for a moratorium to avoid disruption to trade. Business & Jobs in Eswatini: Government is moving closer to implementing Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that would reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses, with Parliament set to receive the framework soon. Parliamentary Oversight: An Eswatini MP has raised concerns about alleged monopoly practices in the poultry industry, urging action if one operator dominates feed, chicks, eggs and broilers. Public Finance Leadership: Eswatini-based elections saw Nigeria’s Accountant-General Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi elected Chairman of the African Accountants-General, signalling renewed push for stronger public financial management across the continent. HIV Response Spotlight: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba findings were launched with moving testimony from one of the country’s first openly HIV-positive advocates, as the country pushes prevention and awareness. SADC Election Watch: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with long-term observers and refresher training scheduled ahead of the official launch. Culture & Identity: Umhlanga Reed Dance dates were officially set, with the main ceremony on 31 August 2026 and a public holiday marking the kingdom’s major cultural event.

Pre-trial Justice: South Africa’s Durban High Court set a pre-trial conference in the murder case of taxi boss William Kunene, with AKA-linked Ndimande brothers and co-accused Lindokuhle Mkhwanazi and Philani Sikhosana facing allegations tied to a Seadoone Mall shooting in November 2022. Migration & Trade Pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is hitting cross-border transport hardest on the DRC route, with industry leaders asking Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber for a moratorium as anti-foreigner sentiment threatens regional logistics and jobs. Regional Governance Watch: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with Malawi’s MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja leading the ECF-SADC team that will monitor campaigns, polling, counting and the post-election period. Eswatini Economic Policy: Eswatini’s Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, with government signalling reserved opportunities for locally-owned businesses in selected sectors and procurement spaces. Public Finance Leadership: Nigeria’s Accountant-General Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi was elected Chairman of the African Accountants-General in Eswatini, winning 83% of votes.

Citizens’ Economic Empowerment: Eswatini’s Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Cabinet and Parliament, with plans to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Competition Watch: In Parliament, MP Masiphula Mamba raised concerns about a poultry monopoly, alleging one operator dominates feed, chicks, eggs and broilers, while the minister pointed the matter to the Competition Commission. HIV Prevention Focus: At the HIV Prevention Indaba findings launch, Eswatini heard calls to tackle stigma and gaps in prevention knowledge, as a NERCHA survey links unprotected sex among youth to partner pressure and financial hardship. Public Health Governance (SADC): A regional health procurement “paradox” report warns that despite plans for pooled purchasing, SADC countries still face medicine shortages and slow rollout of the SPPS system. Regional Elections Monitoring: Malawi’s MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead SADC’s observer mission to Zambia’s Aug 13 general election, with a team drawn from 10 electoral commissions including Eswatini. Public Finance Leadership: Nigeria’s Accountant-General Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi was elected Chairman of the African Accountants-General during an AGM held in Eswatini. Hhohho Business & Jobs: MP Mamba also urged investors to pay textile workers decent salaries, warning that low wages keep many below PAYE thresholds. Immigration & Diplomacy: Jamaica says two citizens deported by the US to Eswatini have refused repatriation, while efforts continue to contact a third. HIV Advocacy Story: Vusi Matsebula, one of Eswatini’s first openly HIV-positive advocates, recounted how he learned his status in 1992 and turned fear into purpose. Sports & Regional Events: Eswatini-related Commonwealth Games coverage continues as Glasgow prepares for July 23–Aug 2 competition, while Namibia’s visa-free list for 30 days includes Swaziland/Eswatini.

HIV & Health Policy: South Africa’s SANAC CEO Thembi Xulu heads to the International Aids Conference in Rio to push local production of the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir, as donor funding shortfalls threaten access and force tough dealmaking among government, activists and drug makers. Financial Regulation: Eswatini’s High Court hears FSRA maintain that Status Capital Building Society operated as a pyramid scheme, arguing investors were really tied to investment products rather than shareholding—amid a fight over liquidation versus judicial management. Local Economy & Empowerment: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, aiming to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Business Competition: An Eswatini MP raises alarm over a poultry “monopoly” spanning feed, chicks, eggs and broilers, urging action through the Competition Commission. Regional Elections: Malawi’s MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead SADC electoral observers to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with a mission running 5–16 August. Youth & HIV Prevention: A NERCHA survey warns young people in Eswatini still report unprotected sex despite condom access, driven by partner pressure, financial hardship and stigma. Governance & Justice: Eswatini’s UNESWA reforms committee is launched with Professor Zodwa Motsa to lead implementation of World Bank and task team recommendations. Sports & Diplomacy: Eswatini’s football association appoints Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou as talent coach for two years, while the Commonwealth Games spotlight continues in Glasgow ahead of the 23 July opening. Migration & Consular Affairs: Jamaica says two citizens deported to Eswatini by the US have declined repatriation to Jamaica, with consular efforts continuing for the third.

Energy & Land Rights: South Africa’s shift from coal to solar and wind is expanding fast in rural areas, but researchers warn communal land can’t be treated like empty space—renewables must follow laws requiring informed consent to avoid repeating past dispossession. Parliament Watch: An Eswatini MP has urged the Ministry of Commerce to push investors to pay textile workers decent wages, warning low pay keeps workers below PAYE tax thresholds and hurts both livelihoods and government revenue. Competition & Industry: Another MP raised concerns about a poultry monopoly, alleging one operator dominates feed, chicks, eggs and broilers; the minister says any anti-competitive conduct falls under the Competition Commission. Regional Elections: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with a long-term observation period from 27 July and observer training in early August. SADC Health Governance: Coverage highlights a “medical procurement paradox” in SADC—countries spend billions on medicines yet still face shortages, while pooled procurement remains slow to roll out. HIV Prevention: NERCHA findings say young people in Eswatini still report unprotected sex despite condom access, driven by partner pressure, financial hardship, and stigma. Public Service & Pensions: PSPF encourages members to undergo genetic profiling to reduce inheritance and paternity disputes after death. Sports & Diplomacy: Eswatini is listed among Commonwealth Games participants in Glasgow, with the opening ceremony on 23 July 2026.

Regional Elections Watch: SADC announced it will deploy a SADC Electoral Observation Mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with a secretariat support team arriving 27 July, observer refresher training 1–4 August, and a mission launch set for 6 August. Competition & Trade: In Eswatini Parliament, an MP raised concerns about alleged monopoly practices in the poultry industry, saying one operator may dominate feed, chicks, eggs and broilers, and urged the Ministry of Commerce to act through the Competition Commission. Public Health & Youth: NERCHA’s HIV prevention findings report says young people in Eswatini still engage in unprotected sex despite condom access, pointing to partner pressure, financial hardship, knowledge gaps and stigma. Education Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee has been launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with implementing recommendations from the UNESWA Task Team and World Bank review. Governance & Services: MPs questioned high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, raising value-for-money concerns. Social Policy: Eswatini’s PSPF encouraged members to consider genetic profiling to reduce inheritance and paternity disputes after death.

SADC Election Watch: Malawi Electoral Commission chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead a SADC Electoral Commissions Forum observer mission to Zambia’s 2026 General Election, covering campaign, polling, counting and the post-election period (Aug 5–16) with commissioners from 10 ECF-SADC member states including eSwatini. Public Finance & Pensions: Eswatini Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) is encouraging members to take genetic profile testing to settle inheritance and DNA/paternity disputes after death, partnering with Cerba Lancet Eswatini. Health Policy Debate: MPs raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Higher Education Reform: The UNESWA Reforms Implementation Committee has been launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with implementing recommendations from the UNESWA Task Team and World Bank review. Service Delivery & Governance: Ehlanzeni District Municipality mayor Enoch Shabangu outlined interventions to tackle water shortages, “water mafias,” illegal mining and unemployment while maintaining clean audit performance. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Taiwan launched a new trade promotion office with its diplomatic allies to boost public-private cooperation on economic and trade opportunities. Sports & Development: Eswatini Football Association appointed Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou as Talent Coach to strengthen grassroots pathways and national team structures. Monarchy & Culture: MPs and the public continue to react to viral royal footage involving King Misuzulu during lobola proceedings, reigniting debate over cultural authority and leadership conduct.

Eswatini HIV Prevention: NERCHA reports young people in Eswatini still engage in unprotected sex despite access to condoms, pointing to partner pressure, financial hardship, prevention knowledge gaps, and stigma as key barriers, with calls for stronger parent-child conversations and renewed values-based approaches. UNESWA Reforms: The new University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Reforms Implementation Committee is chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with driving recommendations from the UNESWA Task Team and World Bank review to restore academic quality, governance, and financial sustainability. Public Health Costs: MPs raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50 million government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Public Service Pensions: PSPF encourages members to undergo genetic profiling to settle DNA and paternity disputes after death, aiming to reduce inheritance and pension benefit conflicts. Transport & Safety: A drink-driving case in Hhohho saw a guilty plea after a breath test above the legal limit, with the court sentencing the offender to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of E800. Governance & Service Delivery: Ehlanzeni District Municipality leadership says it is balancing clean audits with urgent water shortages and other service delivery pressures, including action against “water mafias” and illegal mining. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s diplomatic allies continue cooperation efforts in Taipei, including carbon credit collaboration and capacity building.

UNESWA Overhaul: Professor Zodwa Motsa has been appointed chair of the new University of Eswatini reforms implementation committee, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability after a UNESWA task team and World Bank review. Road Safety in Focus: A Buhleni Circuit Court heard a drink-driving offender say he only took “a few sips” before being arrested; the breath test put him above the legal limit and he was sentenced to six months or a fine of E800. Health Costs Under Scrutiny: MPs raised concerns about high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a E50 million government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Taiwan launched a trade promotion office with 11 of its 12 diplomatic allies to boost carbon credit cooperation and participation in international carbon markets. Finance & Payments: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation expertise and Eswatini’s potential move toward PAPSS cross-border payments. Labour Governance: The ENPF board was dissolved after months of governance disputes and failure to convene, with the minister citing dysfunction and the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Sports Benchmarking: Eswatini’s parliamentary sports committee visited Zimbabwe to learn how football is run, sharing oversight and development approaches.

Parliament Oversight: MPs told Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla to leave behind lasting policies and legislation after her term, warning her “shoes will be too big to fill” once the DPM’s Office ends. Public Health Costs: Lawmakers raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a E50 million government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Local Government & Water Security: Ehlanzeni District Municipality Mayor Enoch Shabangu outlined interventions to tackle water shortages, “water mafias,” illegal mining, gender-based violence and unemployment, stressing clean-audit performance must translate into services. Regional Safety & Tourism: Triland Tourism Partners reassured travellers that Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique remain open, after a viral Ponta do Ouro beach bar incident sparked xenophobia fears. Trade & Diplomacy: Eswatini’s ties with Taiwan get a boost as a new Taiwan trade promotion office is launched to deepen public-private cooperation with diplomatic allies. Monetary Policy Watch: African central banks are expected to keep rates higher for longer as renewed US-Iran tensions lift oil and fertiliser costs, feeding inflation pressures. Sports Development: Eswatini Football Association appoints Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou as Talent Coach to strengthen grassroots pathways and align with the FIFA Talent Academy Programme. Labour Fund Governance: The ENPF board was dissolved with immediate effect after months of dysfunction and an impasse, with the ministry citing the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. International Mobility: Russia’s 2026 unified e-visa list includes Eswatini among only a small number of African countries, with specific stay and application conditions.

Banking Diplomacy: Egypt and Eswatini’s central banks met in Cairo to deepen cooperation, including cash circulation know-how, Egypt’s banknote printing expertise, and Eswatini’s push to join PAPSS for cheaper cross-border payments. Skills & Leadership: ESAMI launched its Eswatini alumni association, with Judge Lungile Msimango urging professionals to treat lifelong learning as essential for modern leadership. Regional Records & Digital Change: Lesotho hosted ESARBICA meetings on preserving Africa’s documentary heritage as digital transformation reshapes archives. Public Finance Shock: Eswatini’s ENPF board was dissolved after months of dysfunction and an impasse, with the labour minister citing the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Health & Economy Pressure: Eswatini Sugar CEO Banele Nyamane said the industry is at “rock bottom” despite E8bn revenue, pointing to lower grower returns and weaker global prices. Immigration & Mobility: Russia published its unified e-visa list for 2026—Eswatini is among the few African countries eligible—while Jamaica said two deported citizens in Eswatini declined repatriation. Sports Governance: Eswatini’s parliamentary sports committee benchmarked Zimbabwe’s football administration and oversight structures. Culture & Royal Affairs: King Misuzulu’s lobola proceedings sparked debate after a viral reprimand clip, while he also paid 70 cows for his fourth wife.

ENPF Crisis: Eswatini’s Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi dissolved the National Provident Fund board with immediate effect after months of dysfunction and an impasse, ending a board tenure that had already been flagged as ineffective by Parliament. Third-Country Deportations: Eswatini MPs pressed the government on the US third-country deportation arrangement, including whether E5.1 million covers up to 160 deportees and why some are reportedly receiving E500 monthly allowances and being taken on supervised town visits. Economic Reform & Investment: Through the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority, five projects moved into implementation, bringing E7.4 billion in commitments and an estimated 4,850 jobs, as the commerce ministry reported progress despite inflation and supply-chain pressures. Regional Governance Benchmarking: Eswatini’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport visited Zimbabwe to benchmark football governance and oversight, sharing legislative oversight and development approaches with Zimbabwean counterparts. Royal & Cultural Affairs: King Misuzulu formalised his union with uNdlunkulu KaMawewe, paying 70 cows in a traditional ceremony that drew Emaswati and Zulu leaders, while Malawi’s Ngoni community raised funds for the 2026 Umthetho Cultural Festival. Immigration & Mobility: Russia published its 2026 unified e-visa list, with Eswatini among the few African countries eligible; Hong Kong also released an African visa-free list that includes Eswatini for visa-free stays. Public Debate on Business Influx: Philani Maswati Organisation chairman Lutfo Dlamini denied claims he caused an influx of Asians during his time as minister, saying an investigation found no evidence of Asian shop owners in his constituency then.

ENPF Crisis: Eswatini’s Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi dissolved the National Provident Fund (ENPF) board with immediate effect after months of dysfunction and an impasse, ending a board tenure that had lasted only about nine months. Parliament Oversight: The dissolution follows Parliament’s portfolio committee push to reconstitute the ENPF board after findings it had become dysfunctional. Deportation Allowances Debate: In Parliament, Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini questioned whether Eswatini’s third-country deportation arrangement with the US—reportedly involving E5.1 million and E500 monthly allowances for deportees—matches the scale of the deal and whether public safety risks are being managed. Regional Sports Governance: Eswatini’s Parliamentary Sports Committee visited Zimbabwe to benchmark football administration and oversight, meeting Zimbabwe’s sports committee, ZIFA and the Premier Soccer League. King’s Traditional Union: King Misuzulu formalised a new traditional marriage step, paying lobola and presenting 70 cows in a ceremony linked to uNdlunkulu KaMawewe, drawing regional traditional leaders and officials. Diplomacy & Cooperation: King Mswati III called for stronger African cooperation after receiving credentials from Ghana’s and Angola’s envoys, urging implementation of existing agreements. Disability Inclusion: Eswatini launched its costed National Disability Plan to accelerate disability inclusion, supported by UNESCO under the Global Disability Fund Programme.