Sports (CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier): Silver Strikers Ladies thrashed eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-1 in Botswana to book a semi-final spot, with Grace Kakangula scoring early and a hat-trick from Carolyn Mathyola helping the Malawian debutants cruise after a 2-0 half-time lead. Local Football Governance: The Premier League of Eswatini rejected a proposed status swap that would have let Manzini Wanderers return to the top flight under a new arrangement, citing rules and sporting merit. King’s Diplomacy: King Mswati III returned home after attending the SADC Summit in South Africa and an official visit to Malaysia, where he advanced regional and international cooperation. Health (HIV Prevention): Eswatini recorded 11,359 PrEP initiations in Q1 2026, up 37% year-on-year, as the country also reports a sharp decline in HIV-related deaths. Food Security: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met the World Food Programme to seek support for national grain reserves and improvements to school feeding as El Niño risks loom. Research & Innovation: Namibia pledged continued support to help Eswatini operationalise its National Research Council and strengthen its national research and innovation system. Culture: Imbali from across Eswatini arrived at Ludzidzini Royal Residence to kick off Umhlanga Reed Dance preparations, with the song “Giya” topping the cultural airwaves.