AGP Executive Report

Drugs at the border: Police intercepted a truck carrying suspected dagga worth over R4m at Oshoek Port of Entry, seizing 49 bags (about 630kg) and arresting a suspect linked to an Eswatini logistics firm. SADC summit pressure: Anti-migrant group March and March plans marches and pickets outside the SADC leaders’ meeting in Durban, demanding stricter visa rules and action against employers and corrupt officials. Regional leadership focus: South Africa is set to take the SADC chairpersonship, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security high on the agenda. Local governance: Nkaba MP Hope Shiba says he will move to halt evictions and demolitions affecting about 1,000 homes built on farms, pushing for urgent parliamentary action. Health facility probe: SWADNU is calling for a thorough, multi-sector investigation into The Luke Commission, citing staff and patient-safety concerns. Sports (CAF): Green Mamba released two senior midfielders ahead of a CAF Confederation Cup tie, while Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies got a clearer route to COSAFA semis after rule changes. Economy: Eswatini’s merchandise trade deficit widened to E1.05bn in the first four months, as imports keep outpacing exports.

SADC Summit in Durban: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet on security, trade, critical minerals and industrialisation, with migration a top flashpoint. Anti-migrant protests: March and March plans to march and picket on the summit’s final day under “It’s time to fetch your people,” demanding stricter visa controls, asylum reviews and action against employers hiring undocumented workers. Eswatini in the TROIKA: Incoming Organ Troika chair Eswatini’s role in elections observation and regional cooperation drew praise at the Organ Troika Summit. Eswatini economy: The merchandise trade deficit widened to E1.05bn in the first four months of 2026/27 as imports outpaced exports. Local jobs push: Government says it will enforce 80% local content in construction materials for public projects. ESCCOM probe: An ESCCOM investigation alleges about E17m was diverted into a finance manager’s personal accounts through invoice bank-detail changes. HIV community push: More than 1,200 emaSwati called for greater community involvement in shaping HIV prevention programmes. Street dwellers plan: The Deputy Prime Minister will assess people living on the streets for family reintegration or community housing. Sports & culture: Eswatini’s National Youth Games athletics wrapped with a medal haul; Afro-House DJ Tendaness announces “JikaReloaded” and a Zambia tour.

HIV Response Momentum: Kenya reports nearly an 80% drop in new HIV infections since 2010, while UNAIDS highlights Eswatini among the countries hitting 95-95-95 targets—proof that prevention and treatment can drive down transmission. Community Voice in Health: Eswatini’s NERCHA says more than 1,200 emaSwati called for deeper community involvement in shaping HIV prevention, pushing for “Ngive Nami” style participation. Energy Security Push: UNDP urges Eswatini to use renewable energy to strengthen energy security and build economic resilience, warning that sustainability must translate into real outcomes. Street Dwellers Plan: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla announces assessments for people living on the streets, aiming for family reintegration or homes via chiefs and communities. Sports Spotlight: Eswatini VAR official Letticia Viana is appointed for VAR support at the WAfCON final in Morocco, and local football and athletics updates include the National Youth Games medal table lead for Eswatini regions. Governance & Oversight: Government says it is within rights to investigate The Luke Commission after serious allegations, while Senate concerns grow over political silence. Fuel Subsidy Watch: Fuel price cushioning is under pressure, with officials warning the reserve may last under six months if spending continues.

HIV Response Push: More than 1 200 emaSwati called for a bigger community role in shaping HIV prevention, urging programmes to be co-designed with lived experience. Energy Security: UNDP urged Eswatini to scale renewable energy to strengthen energy security and resilience, with sustainability moving from pledges to real economic change. Housing for Street Dwellers: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla says her Office will assess people living on the streets for family reintegration, with chiefs and communities helping place those without support. TLC Probe: Government says it is within rights to investigate The Luke Commission after serious allegations, while politicians’ silence is drawing fresh concern. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Senate heard government spent E147m in June to cushion fuel costs, with reserves likely to last under six months. Sports Spotlight: Australian Austin Bautista won the FNB Eswatini Challenge, while the National Youth Games athletics medal table is led by Manzini Region. Local Economy & Courts: Swaziland Milling faces a High Court claim over alleged security debt of E745k.

National Youth Games: Eswatini has taken the lead on day one of the inaugural National Youth Games in Lobamba, with the four regions combining for 20 athletics medals as Manzini tops the table. Sports & Economy: The National Games were officially launched on Friday, with organisers saying the event will help prepare Team Eswatini for Region V in Mozambique. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Government says it spent about E147 million in June to cushion emaSwati fuel costs, with only around six months of reserve left if spending continues. HIV Prevention Alarm: NERCHA reports about 4 220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4 000 earlier, threatening the 2030 “zero new infections” target. Public Safety & Corrections: A widely shared video from Matsapha Correctional Centre has prompted a review of protocols for third-country nationals, including phone and recording rules. Local Golf: Eswatini golfers missed the cut at the FNB Eswatini Challenge, where the top prize of E396 250 went to players making the weekend final. Business & Wealth: Eswatini billionaire Nathan Kirsh briefly crossed the $20 billion mark after the Sysco deal for Restaurant Depot.

Royal Palace Visit: Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo met King Mswati III for dinner at the Royal Palace, praising the monarch’s drive for investment and infrastructure. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Government says the emaSwati fuel “cushion” fund has about E860 million left—under six months at current spending—after spending E147 million in June to keep prices down. HIV Prevention Alarm: Eswatini recorded about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, with concerns focused on young people and AGYW, threatening the 2030 “zero new infections” goal. National Games Kick-off: The inaugural Eswatini National Games were officially launched in Kwaluseni, bringing 325 athletes and 101 officials and setting up preparation for Region V in Mozambique. Prison Security Review: A widely shared video from Matsapha Correctional Centre has prompted government to review protocols for third-country nationals’ phone and recording use. Sports Transfers: Mbabane Swallows face an exodus of key players ahead of 2026/27, while CAF-bound Green Mamba signed former Swallows midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya. Health Risk in Schools: A teacher warned of a “Bluetooth” trend where pupils inject each other’s blood after taking drugs, raising HIV transmission fears.

Eswatini Sports & Youth: Eswatini will use the inaugural National Youth Games in Mbabane as a key build-up for the Region V Youth Games in Mozambique, with eight disciplines listed for selection including athletics, basketball, boxing, tennis, taekwondo, swimming, volleyball and football. Local Economy & Infrastructure: EWADE says the under-construction E2.6bn Mpakeni Dam has already injected about E739.2m into Eswatini-owned businesses, with nearly 200 local contractors and suppliers benefiting since work began in February 2024. Governance & Accountability: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini is being urged to investigate Senate-raised claims linking politicians and foreign nationals to illegal online gambling, including questions on bail and deportation processes. Health & Human Development: UNAIDS highlights Eswatini among the countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets, stressing that undetectable viral load means “undetectable equals untransmittable.” Regional Trade: India and SACU have signed terms of reference to begin preferential trade agreement talks, with negotiations expected to start within a month and run for up to a year. Business & Innovation: Entrepreneurs across Southern Africa, including Eswatini, can enter a circular economy challenge for a chance to win R250,000 in investment and mentorship.

Parliament Oversight: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini is being urged to investigate alleged links between politicians and foreign nationals running illegal online gambling, including whether bail arrangements delay repatriation and whether officials are unknowingly housing suspects. Regional Outlook: SADC says the region is improving on stability and integration but is still falling short on growth, jobs and youth unemployment, ahead of its Durban summit. Culture & Social Issues: The Umhlangano Cultural Festival will celebrate Ngoni heritage while also tackling child marriages, school dropouts, gender-based violence and environmental conservation. Energy & Costs: Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says Eswatini Electricity Company is within its rights to apply for tariff adjustments every two years, citing heavy electricity imports. Local Economy Boost: EWADE reports E739.2m already spent on Eswatini-owned firms for the Mpakeni Dam, supporting nearly 200 local contractors and suppliers. Trade & Jobs: EITF 2026 is set to draw over 70,000 attendees, with organisers pitching it as a green-economy marketplace linking sport, business and opportunity. Sports: Green Mamba strengthen their CAF campaign with former Mbabane Swallows midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya, ahead of the registration deadline.

SADC Summit Watch: South Africa will host the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in Durban on 17 August, kicking off its chair tenure under a theme focused on resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation. Police Accountability: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini responded to Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini’s serious claims about alleged unlawful police conduct linked to civil suits worth E15 million, saying police should be left to do their job without interference. Electricity Tariffs: Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says the Eswatini Electricity Company is within its rights to apply for tariff adjustments every two years, citing a 2012 agreement and Eswatini’s heavy reliance on imported power. Trade Deal Momentum: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to restart talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement, with negotiations expected to begin within a month and cover eight areas, including goods and customs procedures. Climate Risk: Eswatini faces elevated drought risk as El Niño conditions strengthen, with warnings for water, agriculture, health and energy planning. Business & Events: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (28 Aug–6 Sep) targets 70,000+ attendees, while Park and Chill returns to Matsapha this Saturday.

Electricity Tariffs: Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) says it can legally apply for tariff adjustments every two years, and the minister insists the utility is within its rights to seek another hike before year-end, with any change subject to ESERA review. Trade Talks: India and SACU have signed Terms of Reference to restart negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to conclude talks within a year and focusing on goods like cars, medicines and industrial machinery. Youth & Leadership: More than 80 student leaders were urged to take campus lessons into communities and workplaces, while UNESWA’s vice chancellor stressed that retirement planning must start before people exit work. Climate Watch: Meteorologists warn El Niño conditions could raise drought risk across Eswatini, urging monitoring and preparedness. Public Safety: Government moved 114 street children and vulnerable people to temporary shelters ahead of a severe cold front. Governance: The government has ordered probes into allegations raised by former employees of The Luke Commission, saying due process will follow.

CAF Football & Venues: Scottland say they’ve submitted the National Sports Stadium as the main venue for Nsingizini Hotspurs’ CAF Champions League preliminary tie, but hosting in Harare hinges on a late push since the stadium has been closed to international football since 2020. Trade & Jobs: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to start talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to conclude within a year and targeting tariff relief for goods like cars, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery. Government Performance: HMCS led the 2025/26 performance assessment with 75%, while overall government performance averaged 48%. Electricity Costs: EEC says it will apply for the next tariff review for 2027/28, though any increase is not automatic and depends on ESERA’s review. Cold-Weather Relief: 114 street children and vulnerable people were moved to safety as Eswatini braces for extreme cold. SiSwati on Air: Broadcasters were urged to standardise SiSwati terminology and grammar to protect the language. Health Services Probe: Government has launched due-process checks into allegations against The Luke Commission raised by former employees. Sports & Youth: Eswatini’s FIDE Chess Olympiad squads are confirmed, and the COSAFA Under-20 qualifier draw sets Eswatini’s group opponents. Culture & Events: ECOFEST released its first comedian lineup, while the Eswatini Farmers Market keeps adding acts ahead of October 10.

Chess & Sports: Eswatini’s final squads for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad have been confirmed, with teams set for Samarkand from September 15 and 11 rounds of classical play starting September 16. Labour & Governance: Government has ordered probes into allegations against The Luke Commission, including claims of labour law breaches, unlawful terminations, discrimination and missing written contracts. Energy Costs: The Eswatini Electricity Company says its next tariff review application for 2027/28 is expected between mid-October and early November, with any changes subject to ESERA’s process. Health & Safety: Authorities warn of a severe cold spell, with temperatures expected to drop to around 4°C and freezing rain in western areas, urging strict fire safety and warm sheltering. Social Protection: The DPM’s office calls on municipalities to shelter street children and check on vulnerable elderly and people with disabilities during the extreme weather. Tourism & Culture: Eswatini launched its events calendar in Mozambique to boost regional arrivals, while the Shiselweni NACA festival showcased creatives ahead of national awards. Business & Trade: EU and ITC back a three-year Eswatini export roadmap, and SACU is expanding an AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Environment: EEA warns that poor waste management and open burning are fuelling disaster risks and public health hazards.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Eswatini and Kuwait discussed ways to strengthen cooperation across multiple fields after talks between senior officials and the Eswatini ambassador in Kuwait. Cold Weather & Public Safety: Authorities warn of a severe cold front with temperatures dropping to around 4°C in Mbabane, freezing rain and strong winds, urging residents to keep warm and improve fire safety. Disaster Risk & Waste: The Eswatini Environmental Authority says open burning and illegal dumping are raising public health and wildfire risks, calling for better waste management. Agriculture Digital Push: EWADE handed the Ministry of Agriculture E300,000 in tablets and laptops to improve real-time farm monitoring under an IFAD-funded project. Climate Finance Plan: Eswatini’s Prime Minister met Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund team as Cabinet approved transforming the Eswatini Environment Fund, with Namibia’s E27bn model cited. Regional Trade & Customs: SACU expands an AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, starting 18 August, building on Eswatini’s earlier phase. Sports & Youth Football: Eswatini will learn COSAFA U-20 group opponents on 12 August as the qualifier begins in Mauritius. Elections Integrity: The EBC cautions voters about food parcels linked to political activities, urging independent voting. Arts & Culture: Shiselweni NACA festival brought creatives together, with mentorship support for winners.

Regional Tourism Push: Mozambique and Eswatini agreed to work together to boost cross-border travel, linking tourism with investment and promoting joint events calendars in Maputo. Environmental Finance Lessons: Eswatini is studying Namibia’s E27bn environmental investment fund model after Cabinet approved transforming the Eswatini Environment Fund to scale sustainable development financing. Cold Spell Safety: Authorities warned of extremely cold weather, with temperatures expected to drop to around 4°C in Mbabane and freezing rain risks, urging warmth, fire safety and care for children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Trade and Customs: SACU is expanding its AEO mutual recognition pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, while India and the SACU group are set to sign terms of reference on August 12 to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement. Export Growth Support: The EU and ITC are backing a three-year Eswatini export roadmap to help businesses turn opportunities into sustained international sales. Governance and Oversight: The Law Society says the Master’s Office inquiry was unlawfully established, as debate continues over how the commission’s report should be presented to Parliament. Data Protection Alert: ESCCOM reports most personal data breaches originate in the financial sector, highlighting misdirected documents and cybersecurity lapses. Elections Integrity: The EBC cautioned voters against food parcels being used to influence choices during the by-election period. Sports and Culture: Ace Julz wowed in Botswana; Eswatini’s “Tiger” Dlamini helped Hardrock reach the Munhumutapa Cup Last 16; and Nothando Hlophe and Nomzamo “Zamo” Dlamini scored major Basadi in Music Awards wins.

Deportation & Aviation: Airlines have flagged 36 foreign nationals tied to an alleged illegal online gambling syndicate, creating a new hurdle for Eswatini’s deportation plans after a first group left on commercial flights. Elections Integrity: The EBC warns voters not to be swayed by food parcels distributed around political activities, urging independent choices in the by-election. Agriculture & Jobs: A World Bank-backed Agriculture Sector Review says Eswatini’s farming can drive rural transformation, but fragmented spending and weak value-chain links are holding it back. Regional Wildlife Policy: Eswatini joins talks on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling to manage human-wildlife conflict across shared conservation areas. Digital & Education: Eswatini libraries are training librarians on AI tools to improve cataloguing and access, while a World Bank report highlights a serious reading crisis in early primary grades. Governance & Finance: ENPF CEO says the fund kept operating for months without a functioning board, as governance concerns continue. Women’s Leadership & Culture: Women’s Month coverage spotlights calls to move from “beneficiaries” to builders of the economy, plus Eswatini artists Nothando Hlophe and Nomzamo “Zamo” Dlamini winning major Basadi in Music Awards. Sports: Eswatini’s “Tiger” Dlamini fires Hardrock FC into the Munhumutapa Cup Last 16; EFA president backs referees after a FIFA course.

ENPF Governance Crisis: ENPF CEO Futhi Tembe says she has led the fund for nearly 10 months without a functioning board, after employer and employee reps withdrew and quorum collapsed, but management kept operations moving. Rule of Law in Courts: The Law Society of Eswatini says the Master’s Office probe was unlawful and is again calling for a properly authorised commission, after it claims it was invited but did not attend proceedings. Health & Testing: A report warns standard drug-resistant TB tests can miss mutations outside the usual rpoB region, meaning some cases may go undetected and keep spreading. Church Demolition: A chief allegedly demolished a Zion church at Makhwelela using a tractor and, witnesses say, brandished a firearm; damage is put at about E500 000. Women & Safety: Inkhosikati LaMatsebula urged prayers and collective action to tackle GBV, stressing men’s roles in mentoring, opening doors and challenging discrimination. Trade & Regional Integration: SADC’s Simplified Trade Regime is being pushed to cut border costs for small traders, while AfDB road upgrades aim to boost Eswatini-SA-Moz trade by 5%. Football & Sponsorship: Nsingizini Hotspurs secured a new Sibebe Premium Lager partnership ahead of the CAF Champions League, and Scottland’s coach warns Eswatini’s Nsingizini won’t be easy.