AGP Executive Report

Corporate Governance: REDI Consulting’s inaugural Company Secretaries convention is set to bring governance and compliance leaders to Pigg’s Peak Hotel, spotlighting how company secretaries can strengthen transparency and accountability. Parliament Watch: Former Labour minister Lutfo Dlamini appeared before the ENPF select committee probing the fund’s dysfunctional board, urging urgency while keeping details of the closed-door session private. Immigration and Safety: King Misuzulu appealed for calm, urging Zulus and South Africans not to attack foreign nationals and saying immigration concerns must be handled lawfully and peacefully. Standards for Trade: Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini backed proposed ESWASA legislation, saying stronger standards enforcement could help SMEs access bigger markets and boost exports. Regional Security: SADC delegated Malawi’s Second Vice President Enoch Chihana to chair a virtual Organ Troika summit, with Eswatini set to take the incoming role. Human Rights: An ITUC index warns attacks on workers’ rights are weakening democracy, with Eswatini’s region among those facing rising pressure. Zimbabwe-Eswatini Link: Zimbabwe declared Ambassador Victor Matemadanda a national hero after his death, though the cause remains undisclosed amid speculation. Tax Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told MPs ERS’s near E18bn domestic tax target is now “unattainable,” citing global economic shocks.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa and officials have mourned the death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, Zimbabwe’s envoy to Mozambique and Eswatini, aged 66, with government statements offering no cause of death while speculation swirls. Public Health & Trade: Eswatini’s proposed ESWASA law is being pushed as a way to make SME products meet standards and unlock export markets, with Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini urging stronger enforcement and alignment across ministries. Tax & Revenue: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told MPs that the Eswatini Revenue Service’s near E18 billion domestic tax target is now “unattainable” amid worsening global conditions. Governance & Security: Enoch Chihana has been delegated to chair a high-level virtual SADC security summit, with Eswatini set to take the incoming chair role in the Organ Troika. Immigration Pressure: Reports say state security at Eswatini’s border is arresting foreigners trying to enter ahead of South Africa’s June 30 “March and March” protests. Business Leadership: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa was elected Africa’s Most Influential Women vice president. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s role in regional liberation history was highlighted at a June 16 legacy event, while ICC Women’s Cricket Week expands with Eswatini among participating boards.

Diplomatic shock: Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, has died at 66, with government and Zanu PF figures mourning a liberation war veteran and outspoken political commissar; Cause of death questions: authorities have not disclosed details, while unverified claims online point to illness and possible poisoning, leaving families and colleagues awaiting further information; Regional security focus: Malawi’s Second Vice President Enoch Chihana has been delegated to chair a virtual SADC security summit on 22 June, with Eswatini set as incoming chair in the Organ Troika; Local governance: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage certain funds, while also pushing for recapitalisation support after the bank flagged a E300 million need; Public finance pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told MPs the Eswatini Revenue Service’s E18 billion domestic tax target is now “unattainable” amid tougher global conditions; Citizenship controversy: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a royal audience; Health sector accountability: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini appointed a commission of inquiry into Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over allegations of financial and operational misconduct.

Zimbabwe–Eswatini diplomacy: Zimbabwe confirmed the death of Ambassador Victor Matemadanda, its envoy to Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini, aged 66, with officials citing no cause of death as questions swirl after unverified claims of poisoning. Regional politics: The news comes as Zimbabwe’s war-veteran legacy and Zanu PF factional history remain in the spotlight, with condolences pouring in and funeral details expected. Eswatini governance & finance: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage certain funds, while the bank’s recapitalisation needs and FINCORP’s unpaid loan losses from locals abroad and former civil servants also feature in the week’s policy debate. Migration pressure: Eswatini security officers reportedly arrest foreigners trying to enter ahead of South Africa’s June 30 “March and March” protests, adding to recent court cases. Business & controversy: Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a royal audience. Human rights: A global report says at least 358 human rights defenders were killed across 28 countries in 2025, underscoring rising risks for activists.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, has died, with reports earlier hinting at poisoning but no official cause yet. Human Rights: A new Front Line Defenders report says at least 358 human rights defenders were killed across 28 countries in 2025, with land and environmental activists among the hardest hit. Public Safety & Migration: Eswatini security officers are reportedly arresting foreigners trying to cross from South Africa ahead of June 30 “March and March” protests, after earlier court cases involving illegal entrants. Governance & Accountability: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a commission of inquiry into the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over allegations of financial and operational misconduct. Finance & Banking: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage certain funds, as the bank seeks about E300 million recapitalisation. Royal & Business Controversy: King Mswati III granted controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience. Health & Community Support: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including restoring water and adding beds. Sports & Youth: Justice Figuareido urged more Eswatini players to move abroad, while a Whetstone Primary pupil won a Lions peace poster contest and will represent South Africa internationally.

Citizenship & Diplomacy: King Mswati III has granted controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and issued him a diplomatic passport after a private audience at the Royal Palace, with Chivayo saying it will ease travel and business tied to infrastructure and energy. Border & Security: Eswatini security officers are reportedly arresting foreigners trying to cross from South Africa ahead of the June 30 “March and March” protests, raising fears of another influx after recent court cases involving illegal entrants. Parliament & Finance: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage certain payments and SACU receipts, as the bank faces recapitalisation needs of about E300 million. Governance Probe: A five-member Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to investigate the affairs of Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), following allegations of financial and operational misconduct. Public Health & Care: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including restoring its water system and adding beds. GBV Update: Police reported 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, with many victims killed by people they trusted. Economy & Budget Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says government faces constraints and may need an additional E4.5 billion loan to stay afloat.

Parliament & Banking: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage selected government funds, as part of a recapitalisation push after the bank said it needs about E300 million to stabilise. Diplomatic Passports: King Mswati III granted controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport during a palace visit, sparking renewed questions about accountability and travel privileges. Health Oversight: PM Russell Dlamini appointed a five-member commission of inquiry to investigate the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), probing alleged financial and operational misconduct. Immigration & Deportations: The first group of 84 foreign nationals convicted of immigration offences is expected to leave soon, pending South Africa’s transit visas. Public Safety & Compliance: Government says it will intensify inspections in eateries after a crackdown that shut down a Mbabane Chinese restaurant over alleged non-compliance and alcohol-related complaints. GBV Update: Police reported 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 deaths in the first three months of 2026, with calls for stronger community action. Youth & Health Tech: MTN backed five youth digital health projects with E50,000 at the Enactus Digital Health Solutions Fair, supporting solutions from nurse support apps to chat-based care. Community Care: MTN invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including a restored water system and new beds. Regional Trade & Growth: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation in trade, culture and security, including ways to harness regional integration.

World Cup buzz: Cabo Verde’s shock 0-0 draw with Spain has turned the tiny island into a global darling, with goalkeeper Vozinha’s social media surge and a wave of diaspora pride. Local finance pressures: FINCORP says some locals abroad and former civil servants owe it millions in unpaid loans, with E39 million in debts tied to borrowers who left without resigning and missed salary deductions. Education value-for-money: Education Minister Maele toured Botho University, praising infrastructure and saying government must assess returns on its sponsorship of thousands of students. Citizenship and diplomacy: Businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience, citing plans for investment in energy and infrastructure. Governance probe: PM Russell Dlamini appointed a commission of inquiry into the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over alleged financial and operational misconduct. Health and community support: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including a restored water system and new beds. GBV alarm: Police reported 1,994 gender-based violence cases and 22 deaths in the first three months of 2026, prompting calls for safer communities. Sports development: Justice Figuareido urged more Eswatini players to move abroad to strengthen the national team, warning that talent must be paired with discipline.

Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III urged closer Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security, calling for stronger partnerships that support African integration as he received Zambian and South African high commissioners at Lozitha. Immigration Enforcement: The first group of 84 foreign nationals convicted of immigration offences is expected to leave Eswatini before Sunday, pending South Africa’s transit visas, after sentencing and preparations by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Public Health & Trade: South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease crisis is again in focus, with calls for a nationwide tracking system to better control outbreaks and protect the beef industry and exports. Cross-Border Safety: A Canadian tourist died after a reported accidental shooting during a barbecue picnic near Phabeni Gate in Kruger National Park; police opened a culpable homicide and reckless handling of a firearm case. Local Economy & Jobs: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, while government also backed a E600m Quantum Works factory at Nokwane expected to create about 200 jobs. Gender-Based Violence: Police recorded 1,994 GBV cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, with the REPS-led GBV Indaba urging stronger community action.

Immigration & Child Protection: Hawks raided suspected brothels in Secunda, arresting two undocumented Swazi sisters and removing four minors after social workers found them in unsuitable conditions. Food Safety & Compliance: Government says it will intensify inspections in eateries after a Mbabane Chinese restaurant was shut down over complaints about allegedly selling high-alcohol beverages to young people. Public Finance Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg warns the state faces a funding gap and may need an extra E4.5bn loan to meet bills and pay suppliers. Healthcare Support: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including restoring the water system and adding beds. Gender-Based Violence: Police recorded 1,994 GBV cases and 22 related deaths in the first three months of 2026, with many victims killed by people they trusted. Jobs & Investment: Eswatini Quantum Works will build a E600m factory at Nokwane to produce aluminium and copper cables for export, creating about 200 jobs. Agriculture & Exports: Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka says Eswatini is in the declining phase of FMD and is seeking WOAH assessment to regain meat export access. Sports: Justice Figuareido urges more Eswatini players to move abroad to strengthen the national team.

Digital Health Boost: MTN Enactus handed out E50,000 to five youth-led digital health innovators, including Shift Flow, which aims to tackle nurse unemployment through app-based temporary healthcare work. Jobs & Investment: Eswatini Quantum Works (Pty) Ltd will build a new Nokwane factory under the Special Economic Zone, investing over E600 million to produce aluminium and copper cables for export and create about 200 jobs. Trade & Health: The Ministry of Health warned against the growing use of ashwagandha for stress and anxiety, saying its benefits aren’t proven and it may dull people’s ability to respond to danger. Immigration Advisory: eSwatini’s foreign ministry reassured Emaswati in South Africa amid anti-illegal immigration protests, urging contact with official missions and warning against fake “representatives.” Regional Food Security: Eswatini is preparing to regain meat export access as foot-and-mouth disease declines, with plans for WOAH assessment for “free with vaccination” status. Sports & Culture: Simunye Fest returns in October with 12 experience zones and a target of 5,000+ attendees, while MTN Bushfire continues to spotlight regional talent. Detentions at Airport: Congolese investors linked to Mbabane Swallows were detained at King Mswati III International Airport over alleged documentation irregularities.

Sports & Regional Talent: Hardrock in Eswatini’s Premier Soccer League have intensified their push for a second-half surge by signing Namibian international centre-back Sisqo Haraseb, who says he is already training in Zimbabwe ahead of the transfer window. Local Economy & Jobs: Eswatini Quantum Works (Pty) Ltd is set to build a E600m-plus factory at Nokwane under the Special Economic Zone, producing aluminium and copper cables for export and creating about 200 jobs in the initial phase. Immigration & Consular Support: The Eswatini Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed support for Emaswati in South Africa amid rising immigration protests, urging citizens to use official missions and warning against fake “representatives.” Business & Investment: A diplomatic mission to Turkmenistan has delivered a major manufacturing investment for Eswatini, with officials linking it to King Mswati III’s push for new partnerships. Health & Technology: MTN’s Notsa AI health app has surpassed 600 downloads after roadshows in Manzini and Kwaluseni, as the operator promotes digital healthcare access. International Politics: Taiwan’s foreign minister says China’s pressure on countries over Taiwan access is now “the new normal,” citing a recent incident involving Taiwanese delegates detained in Kenya. Football Diplomacy: Congolese investors linked to Mbabane Swallows were reportedly detained at King Mswati III International Airport over alleged documentation irregularities.

Health Warning: Eswatini’s Ministry of Health has cautioned the public against the growing use of ashwagandha, saying social media claims that it “numbs” stress are not proven and could reduce people’s ability to respond to danger. Court Update: Government is asking the Industrial Court to dismiss a contempt of court application by spokesperson Alpheous Mfana Nxumalo after he rejected an E1.2m compensation offer, arguing the employment relationship was ended after a January court order. Agriculture & Trade: With foot-and-mouth disease easing, the agriculture ministry says meat exports could resume within six months, with pathways to regain EU access and supply markets such as South Korea and Taiwan. Regional Health Push: President Mnangagwa urged African leaders to invest in resilient health systems, citing Ebola outbreaks in the DRC and Uganda. Digital Health: MTN’s Notsa AI health app has surpassed 600 downloads after roadshows in Manzini and Kwaluseni. Business & Innovation: The Oracle Innovate Lab returns for a second cohort to mentor Eswatini founders, with applications now open. Environment: Eswatini Mobile Cares and the Manzini Municipal Council joined a community clean-up to improve public spaces.

U.S. Immigration Detention in Eswatini: A complaint to the African Commission says U.S. immigrants sent to Eswatini under a Trump deal were unaware of their destination until near arrival, and many remain in maximum-security prison with limited ability to challenge detention. Festival & Tourism: Simunye Fest, set for Oct 23–25 in Vuvulane, Lubombo, will run across 12 experience zones and expects 5,000+ attendees, blending culture, entrepreneurship and lifestyle. Transport & Trade: Mozambique’s CFM begins the second phase to double the Ressano Garcia railway line, budgeted at $160m, aiming to cut logistics costs after flood losses. Digital Health Push: MTN’s Notsa AI health app tops 600 downloads after roadshows in Manzini and Kwaluseni, as MTN Foundation expands tech-enabled healthcare access. Entrepreneur Support: Oracle Innovate Lab returns for a second cohort in Eswatini, with applications open for a start on Aug 1. Local Cleanliness Drive: Eswatini Mobile Cares and the Manzini Municipal Council join a community clean-up to boost public health and environmental responsibility. Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts are arrested over an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports at Ngwenya Border Post. Regional Education Forum: Lesotho hosts a major SAAEA conference on the future of educational assessment, including AI’s impact on learning. UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not withdrawing, but strengthening operations under a restructured model.

Remembering June 16, 1976: Soweto’s uprising began peacefully with students marching over the forced use of Afrikaans in schools, ending in deadly clashes that still shape South Africa’s liberation memory. Eswatini–Border Corruption: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested after allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabweans’ passports at Ngwenya Border Post. Local Cleanliness Drive: Eswatini Mobile Cares and the Municipal Council of Manzini teamed up for a community clean-up, urging shared responsibility for public health and cleaner spaces. UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not withdrawing; the operating model is being restructured, with more agencies and multi-country arrangements. World Cup Spotlight (Cape Verde): Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup run continues to draw attention after qualifying via CAF and holding Spain 0-0 in their opener, with fans and diaspora celebrating the historic moment. Regional Education Focus: Southern African education assessment leaders met in Lesotho to discuss innovation, inclusion and AI’s impact on learning.

World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde (CPV) face Spain in their first-ever FIFA World Cup match in Atlanta, with the Blue Sharks qualifying after a 3-0 win over Eswatini in Praia; the build-up also highlights Cape Verde’s Portuguese and Creole identity and the Spain clash as a historic first. Local Community & Environment: Eswatini Mobile Cares and the Municipal Council of Manzini teamed up for a city clean-up, with staff collecting litter and encouraging residents and businesses to share responsibility for cleaner public spaces. Health & Funding Oversight: The Auditor General flags slow absorption of health grants, including Global Fund support for HIV/TB work via NERCHA, warning implementation delays are hurting a sector already under strain. Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post over an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports. Regional Policy Watch: Mozambique’s transport minister says rail logistics competitiveness needs opening the network to private operators, moving away from monopoly by state rail operator CFM. Diplomacy: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN’s presence in Eswatini is not shrinking, but reorganised under a strengthened operating model.