AGP Executive Report

ENPF Deadlock: Eswatini MP Marwick Khumalo says the ENPF Board is now effectively dysfunctional with only CEO Futhi Tembe remaining, pushing for a seven-member select committee to investigate the impasse within 14 days. Community Support: Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla, Siphocosini MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula served meals and food packs to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting growth from cooking under a tree to a structured support centre for orphaned and vulnerable children. Youth & Culture: Twelve backing vocalists were selected after auditions to join gospel star Dr Tumi at Mbabane Alliance Church on July 5. Water & Climate Risk: A warning note says Eswatini cannot afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño signals for late 2026 increase, urging continued monitoring and preparedness. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared river cooperation under INMACOM is key to economic resilience, food security and climate readiness for Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde launched commemorative stamps marking its first World Cup qualification, after beating Eswatini 3-0 in qualifiers.

SADC Anti-Money Laundering Push: Botswana’s acting finance minister Wynter Mmolotsi urged SADC states to strengthen cooperation against illicit financial flows, warning that import dependence, weak diversification and external shocks are hitting trade, food security, energy and financial stability. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC global workers’ rights watch list after reported deterioration in protections for trade unionists, with arbitrary arrests and detentions cited. Local Care in Action: Eswatini’s DPM Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula joined hands to serve meals to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point. ENPF Board Dispute: Minister Apollo Maphalala defended Derrick Shiba’s appointment to the ENPF board, saying the law was followed and rejecting claims from a confidential legal opinion. Court on Police Torture: The High Court found two police officers liable for torturing a Lubombo mechanic, ordering damages to be determined later. Mbabane Water Disruption: EWSC announced planned water supply interruptions in many Mbabane areas today (5am–7pm), with restoration expected by 10am tomorrow. Central Bank Reserves: The CBE says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, as it reports reserve levels and import cover. World Cup Build-Up: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut is in focus after qualifying with a 3-0 win over Eswatini, setting up Group H clashes with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Central Banking Watch: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it will stick with a cautious approach to inflation shocks, keeping the discount rate unchanged and leaning on tools beyond interest rates to protect households. Court & Police Accountability: A High Court ruling found two police officers liable for unlawfully arresting, detaining and torturing a Lubombo mechanic to force a confession, with damages to be determined later. Water & Daily Life: EWSC warns of a planned Mbabane-area water interruption today (5am–7pm) for maintenance, with supply expected to be restored by 10am tomorrow. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared river cooperation is now an economic necessity, as INMACOM brings Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique together on Incomati and Maputo basins. ENPF Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defends the appointment of ENPF board member Derrick Shiba, arguing his ministry followed the law amid a seven-month impasse. World Cup Buzz (Cape Verde): Cape Verde’s first World Cup run is in focus, with Group H matchups including Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Ebola readiness at the border: Kenya and Uganda have launched a joint assessment at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to check Ebola preparedness, screening systems and Standard Operating Procedures, using WHO tools to spot gaps and fix them fast. Water and health at home: EWSC says Mbabane and surrounding areas will see a planned water interruption today (5am–7pm) for maintenance, with supply expected back by 10am tomorrow. Regional water security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared rivers are key to economic growth, speaking at INMACOM’s council meeting on managing the Incomati and Maputo basins. AI skills for public service: UNESWA and the Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy and responsible use. Governance dispute: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defended ENPF board chair Derrick Shiba’s appointment, saying his ministry followed the law amid a board deadlock. Economy and reserves: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, as reserves management continues to be strengthened. World Cup spotlight: Cape Verde prepare for their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, drawn in Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Immigration Reality Check: Despite rising anti-immigrant pressure in South Africa, IOM and UNHCR say there’s been no surge in requests for assisted returns, even as regional states like Nigeria and Ghana plan repatriations. Water Woes in Mbabane: EWSC warns of a planned water interruption today (5am–7pm) across many Mbabane areas, with supply expected back by 10am tomorrow. Central Bank Update: Eswatini’s central bank says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, as it seeks to strengthen reserves and manage global risks. Regional Trade Spotlight (SACU): Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed SACU’s role as a key customs union pillar for regional and global economic arrangements. Children’s Month Focus: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal WASH access for every child, linking safe water and sanitation to health and education. AI Skills for ERS: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Food Prices Warning: Tiger Brands cautions that fuel, logistics and input costs may force some food price increases in coming months. Health & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare as countries expand related services. Diplomacy Tensions: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing over alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing pressure on flight clearances. Sports & Culture: Comrades Marathon countdown continues ahead of June 14, while Miss Universe Zimbabwe delegates visited Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Zimbabwe.

Water & Utilities: EWSC says Mbabane and surrounding areas will see a planned water interruption today (5am–7pm) for maintenance, with supply expected back by 10am tomorrow; affected areas include Woodlands, Thembelihle, Riverview and many others. Central Banking: The Central Bank of Eswatini reports gold reserves worth E195 million, saying the move supports reserves management and external stability; gross official reserves averaged E11.5bn in 2025 and peaked at E15.5bn in November. AI & Revenue Service: Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme, aimed at responsible use and digital transformation. Governance & Integrity: A new managing director for EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, is tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability. Children’s Health: Government launches 2026 Children’s Month, calling for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Justice: A man accused of torturing robbery victims with a hot iron appears in the Pigg’s Peak Magistrate’s Court, with the case remanded to June 17. International Politics: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemns Beijing over alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit. Sports & Culture: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates visit Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Zimbabwe; and Eswatini-linked football transfer news highlights Hardrock FC unveiling two Eswatini players.

Water & Utilities: EWSC says Mbabane and nearby areas will see a planned water interruption today from 5am to 7pm for maintenance, with supply expected back by 10am tomorrow. Central Banking: The Central Bank of Eswatini reports gold reserves worth E195 million, saying the move supports reserves management and external stability. Food Prices Watch: Tiger Brands warns consumers may face higher prices in coming months as fuel, logistics and input costs keep squeezing manufacturers. Health & Children: Government launches 2026 Children’s Month, pushing for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene to protect children’s health and schooling. Digital Skills for Revenue Service: ERS signs an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Public Services Leadership: New EPTC managing director Thulani Fakudze is tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Justice & Courts: A man accused of torturing victims with a hot iron appears in court and is remanded until June 17. Sports (Regional): Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe unveils Eswatini champions’ players Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo. Legal Proceedings (Mbabane): Online gambling kingpin Lyu Tao withdraws his bail bid ahead of trial on money laundering, illegal gambling and immigration-related charges.

AI & Tax Administration: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees through a UNESWA AI Academy programme, aiming to build practical, responsible AI skills for digital transformation. Children’s Health & Services: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation keep children out of school and expose them to preventable illness. Governance & Integrity: A new managing director for EPTC was unveiled with a clear mandate to restore integrity, cut waste, and ensure professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Justice & Public Safety: A man accused of torturing robbery victims with a hot iron appeared in Pigg’s Peak court, charged over a case involving a Mazda Demio and cash losses, with the matter remanded for further proceedings. Immigration & Crime: An alleged online gambling kingpin linked to Mbabane withdrew his bail bid as he prepares for trial on money laundering, illegal gambling and immigration-related charges. Diplomacy & Pressure: Taiwan-related tensions continued as China accused Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” tied to Eswatini, while Taiwan’s legislature condemned Beijing’s alleged economic pressure over Lai’s cancelled trip. Regional Spotlight: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Eswatini among 13 countries.

Taiwan-Eswatini Ties Under Pressure: Eswatini’s planned visit by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was derailed after flight clearances were abruptly withdrawn, and Taiwan’s legislature has now unanimously condemned Beijing’s “heavy-handed” obstruction and threats. Digital Skills for Revenue Service: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme. Court: Alleged Hot-Iron Torture: A 26-year-old man appeared in Pigg’s Peak Magistrate’s Court charged after victims were allegedly burned with a hot iron during a robbery. Children’s Health Focus: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Public Service Integrity: A new MD for EPTC was unveiled with a mandate to restore integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability. Creative Sector Funding: ESWACOS opened applications for a creativity and artist development fund offering up to E5,000 per project, drawing mixed reactions. Food Safety Crackdown: Mbabane Municipal Council seized over 560kg of unsafe food from 21 shops in Msunduza. Regional Health Safety: Senior officials from across Africa met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare.

Digital Life & Youth: Ghana’s communications minister Samuel Nartey George warned that social media is replacing face-to-face community ties, leaving networks “vast but shallow” and children exposed to intentionally addictive content. Healthcare Safety: Senior health officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safety for nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with plans for an action framework supported by the IAEA. Eswatini Development & Jobs: The UN launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting human capital, private-sector jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84bn investment. Food Safety in Mbabane: Mbabane Municipal Council seized over 560kg of unsafe food from 21 shops, citing expired, pest-infested, damaged and unlabeled products. Immigration Scrutiny: Court heard allegations that immigration officials issued “forged” documents leading to arrests, while a separate case saw an online gambling suspect withdraw his bail bid ahead of trial. Regional Sports & Gender: Eswatini’s Shura Council took part in a women parliamentarians conference in Belgrade, and ZOC hosted an ANOCA Zone VI gender equality forum in Victoria Falls.

China-Eswatini Diplomatic Row: China’s foreign ministry says Eswatini is being pulled into “Taiwan independence” politics through “dollar diplomacy,” warning it will cost development opportunities and lead to isolation. Immigration Scrutiny: Allegations in Siteki court claim some immigration documents were forged and processed locally, leading to arrests at KMIII International Airport. Court Case Update: Alleged online gambling kingpin Lyu Tao withdraws his bail bid as his money laundering, illegal gambling and immigration-related trial nears. Gender in Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Eswatini among 10 countries pushing safer sport, leadership and funding for women. Tourism and Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival drove 26,774 arrivals last week, with Ngwenya Border Post handling 12,517 and 32 aircraft landing at King Mswati III International Airport. Local Creative Boost: ESWACOS opens applications for a fund supporting creators with grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works. Regional Links on Land: Eswatini’s delegation studies Ghana’s land reform model as it drafts a National Land Policy.

Eswatini–China/Taiwan Tensions: China’s foreign ministry says betting on “Taiwan independence” will cost Eswatini development opportunities, alleging Taiwan provided NT$25 billion around Lai Ching-te’s visit and that benefits flow to a small group. Regional Governance: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms for Eswatini’s National Land Policy, focusing on decentralised services, digital land records and reducing disputes. Aviation & Trade: ESWACAA and SADC’s aviation safety body held an ICAO workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, stressing that modern, harmonised air infrastructure supports trade and connectivity. Food Safety in Mbabane: Mbabane Municipal Council seized over 560kg of unsafe food from 21 shops, citing expired, pest-infested, damaged and unlabeled products. Creative Sector Boost: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for creators and rights holders. Sports Talent Abroad: Nsingizini Hotspurs players Yeki and Thubelihle have flown to Zimbabwe for assessments as local talent attracts foreign interest. Culture & Royals: Afrobeats star Davido visited Eswatini for a royal welcome and performances tied to the opening of the International Convention Centre and King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations.

Food Safety Crackdown: Mbabane Municipal Council says it destroyed over 560kg of unsafe products after inspecting 21 shops in Msunduza, citing expired items, pest-infested goods, damaged stock and missing labels. Public Health & Accountability: Inspectors also educated shop owners on proper handling and storage as part of ongoing citywide checks. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, with priorities including a regional register of fishing vessels and cutting reliance on donor funding. Land Policy Learning Trip: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, focusing on decentralised services, digital land records and reducing disputes. Creative Industries Support: ESWACOS opened an application for a creative industries development fund offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works, including music, books and promotional/digital distribution costs. Cross-Border Crime Link: A report says FIA offloaded two women at Multan Airport bound for Eswatini and arrested two agents over suspected immigration fraud and bribery. Sports & Community: Mbabane Swallows supporters demanded the club be reclaimed from current management after a tense general meeting.

Border & Compliance: South Africa has rolled out a new traveller declaration system for foreign-registered vehicles, including those from eSwatini, requiring motorists to declare vehicle and travel details to SARS before crossing to avoid delays and enforcement. Local Governance & Revenue: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example on tax compliance as Eswatini Revenue Service begins a six-month SOE salary review exercise. Land Policy Watch: An Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, focusing on decentralised services, digital land records and reducing disputes as it drafts a National Land Policy. Creative Economy: ESWACOS has opened an application call for a creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works and related production, promotion and distribution. Regional Mobility & Tourism: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to discuss the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating member states. Community & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up in Malkerns, while FNB Eswatini used the event to push digital banking and cashless payments.

Land Policy Watch: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, including how Ghana manages customary and statutory land, decentralises services, and digitises land records to cut disputes. Border & Travel Controls: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system starts today, requiring foreign-registered vehicles (including Eswatini) to submit vehicle details and trip info via SARS’s Traveller Management System to avoid delays and enforcement. Festival & Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival has wrapped up, with organisers and Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini pushing to double the event’s economic impact by 2027. Regional Fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, backing stronger action against illegal fishing. Workers’ Rights: The ITUC Global Rights Index adds Eswatini to a list of countries with deep labour-rights violations, alongside Argentina and Panama. Public Safety: Police in Limpopo seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m, with preliminary links to Eswatini.

Border & travel rules: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system kicks in today, requiring foreign-registered vehicles (including Eswatini) to submit vehicle and driver details via SARS’s Traveller Management System before arrival to avoid delays and enforcement. Regional fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara for a second term, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and push member states to pay outstanding contributions. Drug crackdown: Three suspects face court after police seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m near Hoedspruit; preliminary reports say the haul originated in Eswatini and was being moved through Limpopo. Eswatini politics & society: A five-year mark since the 2021 Mbabane massacre finds fear still gripping the kingdom, with critics saying no one has been held accountable. Labour rights watch: A global union report ranks Eswatini among the worst for workers’ rights, alongside Argentina, Panama and others, citing restrictions on justice, strikes and bargaining. Business & investment: Eswatini’s oil reserve deal with Taiwan is framed as a bid for energy security, but questions remain over affordability and who benefits. Culture & economy: MTN Bushfire Festival ends another edition, with Prime Minister challenging organisers to double its economic impact by 2027.