AGP Executive Report

Crime and Justice: Vusi Mncina was sentenced to 124 years in prison for murdering four women and attempting to murder a fifth. Separately, a 19-year-old woman says she survived a brutal attack near Luve after pretending to be dead. Education: Eswatini recorded 1,516 girls leaving school because of pregnancy between 2023 and 2025, with secondary-school cases rising 39%, according to figures presented at the Education Indaba. Urban Development: Local authorities called for partnerships to address infrastructure and housing needs at the Eswatini Urban Forum, where government defended requesting E1 million from Mbabane Council as a repayable loan for event costs. Public Finance: Government arrears have fallen to E2.7 billion, down from 5.2% of GDP in 2022/23 to 3.2% in 2025/26, but remain above the 2% target. Sport: Eswatini’s Under-15 team beat the Maldives 3-0 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan. Digital Banking: FNB Eswatini launched eWallet Plus, allowing customers to transfer money between eWallet, bank accounts and participating mobile wallets.

Courts: The murder trial of Mashumi Shongwe was delayed after the defence said it needed time to review witness statements. The Crown says witnesses may be at risk, citing a social-media audio recording that allegedly calls for their elimination. Education: Eswatini recorded 1,516 school dropouts linked to pregnancy from 2023 to 2025, including 1,336 secondary pupils. Reports of violence in schools also rose, from 45 cases in 2023 to 204 in 2024–25. Mbabane Council: The Housing Ministry says the E1 million requested from the municipality for the Eswatini Urban Forum is a short-term loan that will be repaid. Digital finance: EswatiniBank is training Shiselweni residents to use ShareSha, which lets customers send money to any mobile number, including recipients not registered on the platform. Football: Entry to Eswatini’s U-23 AFCON qualifier against Algeria on November 11 is free, but fans must claim tickets online in advance. Cricket: Eswatini still holds the men’s T20I record for the fastest team hundred: 4.5 overs against Mozambique.

Education: Pregnancy-related school departures rose to 1,516 girls in 2025, from 1,052 in 2023, according to a ministry report presented at the Education Indaba. Consumer Prices: Government has gazetted a 4.23% bread price increase: an 800g white loaf can now cost up to E18.66, and brown E16.26. Fraud Case: A bank employee and three others face charges over an alleged E396,000 fraud against a pensioner; E180,000 was recovered before withdrawal, police say. Courts: The trial of Mashumi Shongwe, accused of murdering his wife, has been delayed until November 3 after the defence said it needed time to review witness statements. Creative Economy: Eswatini platform Only Make Waves is helping independent artists distribute work and find commercial opportunities beyond music. Cricket: India’s record-breaking T20 chase reached 100 in five overs—just short of Eswatini’s 4.5-over mark against Mozambique.

Football: Charity Cup voting left Green Mamba, Royal Leopard and Young Buffaloes at risk of missing out, while Moneni Pirates led the polls. Eswatini’s Dakar 2026 youth athletes were challenged to return with medals. Farming: The Agriculture Ministry urged farmers to plant early and use fast-maturing seeds, warning that El Niño could bring prolonged dry spells. Education: A three-day national indaba is reviewing the sector’s progress, funding and plans to improve access to quality education. Business: DHL and EIPA will train local small businesses to prepare for export markets; the Stock Exchange says Eswatini must compete harder to attract investment. Public Integrity: A civil registrar was found guilty of falsifying a birth certificate and ID for alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Separately, a suspected FNB car-loan fraud investigation involves potential losses exceeding E20 million. Consumer News: DStv will introduce revised packages on November 5, with more channels on entry-level plans. Regional Ties: Eswatini and Lesotho parliamentarians called for easier movement between neighbouring countries.

Investment: The Eswatini Stock Exchange says the country must compete for capital, proposing a national plan to widen financing options for businesses. Farming: Agriculture officials urge farmers to plant early and choose quick-maturing crops, warning El Niño could bring prolonged dry spells. Education: Stakeholders have begun a three-day review of the sector. King Mswati III says UNESWA needs E1 billion for upgrades and calls for student meal support; just 2,900 of about 9,000 students have campus housing. Jobs and exports: Graduates are turning to business and further study amid scarce jobs, while EIPA and DHL plan export-readiness training for local small businesses. Alleged fraud: A woman is accused of coordinating fraudulent FNB car-loan applications; the wider investigation could involve losses exceeding E20 million. Repatriations: Eswatini says 11 third-country nationals have returned to their home countries since a US arrangement began in July 2025, including a Guinean national who left this week.

Football: Mbabane Highlanders ended their losing streak with a 2-1 win over Pigg’s Peak Professionals as president Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize returned from China. Regional Affairs: Eswatini is among 54 CAF members asked to weigh in on whether AFCON should return to a two-year schedule. Migration: Eswatini has repatriated 11 third-country nationals since an arrangement with the US began in July 2025; the latest, from Guinea, returned home voluntarily. Public Safety: Police are investigating the suspected murder-suicide deaths of a mother and her two-year-old son in Mageza. Separately, six emaSwati were arrested in Mpumalanga as police seized dagga worth an estimated R1.95 million. Accountability: A civil registrar was found guilty of dishonesty and corruption for illegally issuing birth and identity documents to alleged South African kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Education and Economy: King Mswati III urged support for a student meal project and said UNESWA needs E1 billion for upgrades; the university has accommodation for only 2,900 of about 9,000 students. Eswatini’s exports rose 14.1% to E4.2 billion in September, lifting the trade surplus to E687.9 million.

University Funding: King Mswati III called for a “No Hungry Student” project at UNESWA, where only 2,900 of about 9,000 students have campus housing. He says the university needs E1 billion to upgrade facilities and urged more universities across the regions. Public Integrity: A civil service commission found registrar Nonhlanhla Malambe guilty of dishonesty over the improper issue of Eswatini birth and ID documents to alleged South African kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Public Safety: Police are investigating the suspected murder-suicide of a mother and her two-year-old son at Mageza. Trade: Eswatini’s exports rose 14.1% to E4.2 billion in September, lifting the trade surplus to E687.9 million, with sugar shipments among the main drivers. Infrastructure Scrutiny: Sinohydro, part of the joint venture building Mpakeni Dam, is under scrutiny after former executives were sentenced in an Ecuador bribery case. Sport: Eswatini’s U-15 side lost 6-1 to Colombia at the World Cup in Baku, while both local boxers were eliminated at the African Championships.

Regional Trade: Eswatini traders joined counterparts from Zambia and Kenya at the COMESA business forum in Harare, seeking markets for honey, maize, sugar and apparel. Cross-Border Crime: South African police arrested six emaSwati in two Mpumalanga operations and seized dagga valued at nearly R2 million. Public Integrity: Eswatini’s Civil Service Commission found a regional civil registrar guilty of dishonesty and corruption over the alleged illegal issue of identity documents to underworld figure Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala. Local Development: Lavumisa is planning a 354-hectare industrial park to attract manufacturing and processing businesses. Financial Crime: Eswatini will host regional training for investigators, prosecutors and analysts on tracing illicit wealth and prosecuting money laundering. Sport: Lesotho edged Eswatini 15-13 in the BOLESWA rugby cup opener in Mbabane, securing a historic away win.

Industrial Development: Lavumisa is planning a 354-hectare industrial park for manufacturing, processing and light industry, with the town board saying the project could create jobs and support local livelihoods. Public Finance: The Eswatini Revenue Service has pledged E180,000 to the National Media Awards, saying media partnerships can help explain tax obligations and strengthen domestic revenue. Financial Crime: Eswatini will host regional training for prosecutors, investigators and analysts on tracing illicit wealth, identifying asset owners and tackling money laundering. Workers and Business: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo says large pay gaps leave many workers out of the benefits of economic growth, while King Mswati III has urged businesses and government bodies to pay invoices on time, warning that delays put jobs and small firms at risk. Sihlangu: Eswatini’s national team is set for its first international friendly against a European side, Malta, on November 12; travel costs for the delegation are projected to exceed E1 million.

Football: Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphelele Ntshangase scored his first goal in Eswatini as Amawele beat Madlenya 1-0, their third win of the season. Business: King Mswati III urged government and companies to pay small businesses on time, saying late invoices put jobs at risk; affected entrepreneurs can report cases to SEDCO. FNB has also revived interest-free loans of up to E50,000 for youth businesses. Public Safety: Three pupils, aged 16, 17 and 19, were arrested over the alleged rape of a 14-year-old classmate. In Pigg’s Peak, a man was arrested after allegedly posing as a police officer during a dagga raid. Sport and Culture: Eswatini host Lesotho in the BOLESWA rugby tournament in Mbabane, while MTN Bushfire 2027’s first ticket phases sold out in 30 minutes. Media: ERS pledged E180,000 to the National Media Awards, which will add categories for digital journalism.

Small Business: King Mswati III urged government and companies to pay local businesses on time, warning that late invoices put jobs at risk. Entrepreneurs can report overdue payments to SEDCO. FNB Eswatini is also restarting interest-free loans of up to E50,000 for youth-owned businesses. Public Safety: Three teenagers, aged 16, 17 and 19, were arrested over the alleged rape of their 14-year-old classmate in the Manzini region. Police are investigating. Media: ESNAJ plans to expand the National Media Awards to include digital media and urged online outlets to register with the ministry. Football: Sihlangu will face Malta on November 12 in Eswatini’s first international friendly against a European national team. Arts: Eswatini-born singer Ndumiso Manana joined Cynthia Erivo onstage at the Hollywood Bowl, performing before thousands of fans.

Regional Finance: The IMF says regulatory hurdles, liquidity shortages and weak banking links could slow plans by Eswatini and its Common Monetary Area partners to use digital currencies for cross-border payments. Cybercrime: Eswatini joined 20 other countries in INTERPOL’s Operation Serengeti III, which led to 1,462 arrests and more than $105 million recovered. Athletics Governance: Eswatini Athletics president Zakhele Dlamini has been named independent observer as South Africa backs reforms to Athletics South Africa. Immigration: Five officers formally charged over alleged irregularities in residence permits are awaiting trial. Small Business: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo has called for a review of the E20,000 tax-compliance threshold, saying it burdens small businesses. Notsa Eswatini, a youth-owned textile maker, was named the country’s 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year.

Governance: South Africa has endorsed a roadmap to overhaul Athletics South Africa, with Eswatini Athletics president Zakhele Dlamini serving as an independent observer. Immigration: Five officers suspended over alleged irregular residence permits have been formally charged and are awaiting trial. Business: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo says Eswatini’s E20,000 tax-compliance threshold should be reviewed because it can hinder small businesses. Youth-owned textile maker Notsa Eswatini won the 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year award. Regional ties: Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu urged stronger COMESA cooperation to ease the impact of supply disruptions, rising costs and delays in essential goods. Culture: MTN Bushfire has launched tickets for its 20th anniversary festival in May 2027, expecting 23,000 visitors from 55 countries. Economy: An IMF study warns that lower interest rates may not mean cheaper loans in Eswatini, where South African rates strongly influence local borrowing costs.

Royal Swazi Spa: Sun International, Nedbank and ENPF are opposing an urgent court application over co-liquidator Paul Mulindwa’s role, saying his removal alone will not end the liquidation or decide the hotel’s proposed revival. Regional Economy: At a COMESA meeting, Foreign Minister Pholile Shakantu urged stronger cooperation to counter supply-chain disruption, rising fuel and shipping costs, and delays to essential goods. Public Finances: An IMF study warns electricity-sector risks could expose government to liabilities of up to 13.9% of GDP under severe stress by 2031/32. Separately, economic growth faces pressure from rising oil prices, a weaker Lilangeni and a widening trade deficit. On the Field: Young Sihlangu make their FIFA Under-15 World Cup debut against the Dominican Republic on Saturday. Eswatini’s Sizeze rugby side also opens its BOLESWA Tri-Nations campaign against defending champions Lesotho at home that day. Court: ESCCOM finance manager Sifiso Gulwako has been granted E50,000 bail while facing 21 fraud charges involving alleged transactions worth E691,530.12.

Public Accountability: ESCCOM finance manager Sifiso Gulwako was granted E50,000 bail after being charged with 21 counts of fraud involving alleged payments worth E691,530. He denies the charges. Former senator Walter Bennett also blamed past Cabinets for allowing EPTC’s pension deficit to grow from E8 million to about E400 million. Economic Outlook: Eswatini’s economy grew 6.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, but rising oil prices, a weaker Lilangeni and a widening trade deficit are putting pressure on the outlook. An IMF study warns electricity-sector risks could reach 13.9% of GDP under severe stress by 2031/32. Health Preparedness: The Health Ministry’s assessment puts Eswatini 52% ready for a potential Ebola outbreak, highlighting gaps identified during a national simulation. Sport: Young Sihlangu will make their historic U-15 World Cup debut against the Dominican Republic, while the 29-man Sizeze rugby squad prepares to open the BOLESWA Tri-Nations Cup against Lesotho in Mbabane.

Economic Pressures: An IMF study warns Eswatini’s electricity sector could expose government finances to risks of up to 13.9% of GDP by 2031/32. The country imports nearly 80% of its power, while drought and rising costs threaten supply and the state utility. A separate IMF report cautions that lower interest rates may not mean cheaper loans if banks widen lending margins. Governance: Businessman Walter Bennett has offered to present senators with information about alleged corruption at the ICT Ministry, asking for assurances it will be protected and acted on. Health Preparedness: Eswatini is 52% ready for a potential Ebola outbreak, a Ministry of Health assessment says, with gaps identified for urgent attention. Justice: The Supreme Court has rejected businessman Zweli Dlamini’s bail appeal in a case involving alleged weapons offences and a suspected plot to disrupt Incwala; his trial is set for November.