AGP Executive Report

AI & Tax Administration: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme, aiming to build practical skills for responsible use in daily work. Public Health & Children: Government officially launched 2026 Children’s Month, calling for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to protect children’s health and keep girls in school. Justice & Crime: A man accused of torturing robbery victims with a hot iron appeared in Pigg’s Peak Magistrate’s Court and was remanded in custody as prosecutors indicated more charges may follow. Governance & Integrity: The new managing director of EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Creative Sector Funding: ESWACOS launched a creativity and artist development fund under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants up to E5,000, drawing mixed reactions from creatives. Sports & Talent: Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe unveiled Eswatini players Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo after raids on Nsingizini Hotspurs. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s planned visit to Eswatini was condemned by Taiwan’s legislature after it was cancelled amid claims of China-linked pressure on flight clearances.

Creative Economy: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering up to E5,000 per project for music, film, literature and related copyright work—welcomed by many creatives but questioned over whether the amounts are enough to finish productions. UN & Governance: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, with an estimated E51.84 billion investment aimed at jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, while the UN Resident Coordinator praised King Mswati III’s push for UN reform and the Ezulwini Consensus. Public Safety & Justice: Police arrested a woman and her daughter over the murder of a retired officer, and separate court reporting points to allegations of invalid or forged immigration documents leading to arrests at KMIII International Airport. Regional Cooperation: Eswatini joined a regional forum in Nairobi on safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, and also took part in an ICAO aviation standards workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings. Sports & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival drove 26,774 arrivals last week, with Ngwenya Border Post handling the most traffic, while Eswatini’s creative sector and international visitors continue to spotlight the kingdom.

UN Development Push: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, targeting human capital, jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84bn investment to support SDG delivery. Diplomacy Watch: China warned Eswatini against aligning with “Taiwan independence” forces, while also accusing Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” tied to alleged NT$25bn funding claims. Regional Safety & Aviation: Eswatini joined a regional ICAO workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to strengthen harmonised air safety standards. Justice & Immigration: Two women were arrested after alleged forged documents and bribery attempts linked to illegal entry and travel arrangements, with immigration officials facing allegations of issuing invalid documents. Local Economy & Jobs: Formalising informal businesses is highlighted as a route to unlock more than 20,000 jobs. Community & Culture: ESWACOS opened applications for a creativity and artist development fund offering up to E5,000 per project for local creators.

Police & Courts: A 48-year-old woman and her 25-year-old daughter were arrested in Manzini over the murder of retired Hlatikulu Police inspector Celani Vincent Motsa, allegedly killed at a rented home in the presence of the woman and her daughters. Justice & Immigration: A Pakistani man at Siteki Magistrate’s Court pleaded guilty after claims that immigration officials processed “forged” entry documents used to arrest him at KMIII International Airport. Online Gambling Case: Alleged online gambling kingpin Lyu Tao withdrew his bail bid as his money laundering, illegal gambling and immigration-related trial is set to start soon. Regional Sports & Equality: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 National Olympic Committees to push women’s leadership, safe sport and funding for women in sport. Creative Economy: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for registered local creators. Land Governance Links: Eswatini’s delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms to support drafting a National Land Policy, focusing on decentralisation and digital land records. Aviation & Trade: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, stressing modern air infrastructure for trade and growth.

Taiwan–China Tensions: China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned that betting on “Taiwan independence” will only cost Eswatini development opportunities, citing alleged NT$25 billion funding around Lai Ching-te’s visit and calling it “dollar diplomacy” tied to greed and graft. Aviation & Trade: ICAO regional workshop in Eswatini and SADC partners focused on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating standards, with ICAO stressing modern air infrastructure for trade and growth. Land Governance: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, including decentralised land services and digital land records, to support Eswatini’s National Land Policy. Creative Sector: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for creators and rights holders. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the fisheries monitoring board, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso among board members. Public Safety: Police urged people to seek help and avoid drastic decisions after a father killed his children, as the case highlights the need for support structures.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: Stanley Ndara has been reappointed chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, as ministers in Victoria Falls backed continued action against illegal fishing and pushed for better vessel registers and funding. Land Governance Watch: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, focusing on decentralised land services, digital land records, and how statutory and customary systems can work together to cut disputes. Creative Industry Support: ESWACOS has opened an application for its creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works, including music, books, videos, promotion, and related professional development. Border and Travel Rules: South Africa’s new traveller declaration requirement for foreign-registered vehicles takes effect, and it explicitly covers vehicles from SACU countries including eSwatini. Public Safety & Justice: Police reported a major dagga bust near Hoedspruit linked to Eswatini, with three suspects expected in court. Community & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 wrapped up, with Eswatini-born Uncle Waffles among standout acts.

Creative Funding Call: ESWACOS has opened an application for its creative industries development fund, offering grants of up to E5,000 for new copyright works, including music, books, videos, promotion and digital distribution. Land Governance Cooperation: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, including decentralised land services, digital land records and steps to cut land disputes, to support Eswatini’s National Land Policy. Border Rules for Travellers: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system now requires foreign-registered vehicles (including those from eSwatini) to be declared to SARS before crossing, with details like passport, vehicle registration and VIN submitted online or via border QR codes. Tax Compliance Push: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example in paying taxes as SOEs begin a six-month salary review exercise at the Eswatini Revenue Service headquarters. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m Southern Africa initiative will back locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through community organisations and farmer groups, running from early 2027 to 2032. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index flags worsening worker rights globally, listing Eswatini among countries with the lowest guarantees.

Border & Customs: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system starts today, requiring Eswatini travellers in foreign-registered vehicles (including SACU neighbours like Eswatini) to submit vehicle and trip details via SARS’ Traveller Management System before crossing, with a Temporary Import Permit issued for up to six months. Regional Fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, based in Maputo, to keep pressure on illegal fishing across member states. Workers’ Rights: The ITUC Global Rights Index ranks Eswatini among the world’s 10 worst countries for workers’ rights (category 5), alongside Argentina, Panama and others, citing shrinking civic space and weakened protections. Drug Bust (Cross-border): Limpopo police seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m in an operation near Hoedspruit; investigations say the consignment originated in Eswatini. Business & Energy: Eswatini’s Taiwan-backed Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve deal is framed as energy security, but questions remain over affordability and who benefits. Culture & Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up, with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini challenging organisers to double the event’s economic impact by 2027.

Workers’ Rights Under Pressure: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index says 72% of countries deny workers access to justice, with the right to strike violated in 87% and collective bargaining restricted in 80%—and it lists Eswatini among the worst. Drug Bust Links to Eswatini: Limpopo police seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m near Hoedspruit; three suspects (aged 34–35) are expected in court, with preliminary reports saying the consignment originated in Eswatini. Border Changes for Travellers: South Africa’s mandatory traveller declaration system starts today for people entering or leaving the country, with declarations submitted via SARS’s Traveller Management System. Regional Travel Push: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to advance the Draft SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for tourism and transit across member states. Politics and Governance: The National Assembly resumes its fourth session on 2 June after a recess focused on oversight and engagements. Eswatini in the Spotlight: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini congratulated Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Independence Day, while King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE with investment and cooperation talks. Local Life: A 24-year-old woman was jailed for four years for emotional abuse and damaging property against her father and stepmother. Sports/Community: Mbabane Swallows supporters demand the club be reclaimed from current management, citing instability and unpaid salaries. Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up, with organisers and the PM pushing for bigger economic impact by 2027.

Bushfire Festival Build-Up: Thousands of travellers flooded Ngwenya Border Post as the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival kicks off at House on Fire, with long queues, heavy traffic and vendors selling SIM cards to help visitors stay connected. Royal & Diplomacy: His Majesty King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE, with the UAE visit leading to a visa waiver agreement; separately, the kingdom also signed a mutual visa exemption MoU with the UAE. Regional Culture & Youth: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with over 600 pupils, guided by cultural expert Allington Ndlovu, showcasing youth creativity under “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” Health Focus: UNFPA urged urgent investment in midwives, citing progress in Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths while warning preventable deaths remain a concern. Local Economy & Jobs: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini challenged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection for next year, aiming for at least E242 million. Copyright & Creatives: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariff approvals. Governance Watch: The ENPF board crisis deepened as a law firm opinion challenges the minister’s defence of Derrick Shiba’s appointment, leaving the board effectively paralysed.

KwaMagogo Legacy in the Spotlight: Eswatini’s Number 43 KwaMagogo story—once a refuge for South African students fleeing apartheid—has been brought to life through a new stage production, with the 18th Annual Number 43 Legacy Event set to feature lectures, performances and the theatrical piece “Magogo Courage” ahead of the 1976 youth uprising anniversary. Maternal Health Push: UNFPA calls for urgent investment in midwives, saying strengthening the midwifery workforce is key to ending preventable maternal deaths; it notes Eswatini’s institutional maternal deaths fell from 33 (2021) to 23 (2024). ENPF Board Crisis: A confidential legal opinion challenges Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of the ENPF board chair appointment, saying parts of the process were legally and factually incorrect; employer and employee representatives have boycotted board activities, leaving the fund effectively paralysed. Travel Deal with UAE: The UAE and Eswatini sign a mutual visa exemption MoU to ease travel for citizens and boost people-to-people ties and business cooperation. Bushfire Festival Build-Up: Ngwenya Border Post sees heavy traffic as thousands cross for the MTN Bushfire Festival, while the PM urges MTN Bushfire to double its economic impact next year. Copyright Royalties: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariffs were approved and operations began in January.

Visa Deal: The UAE and Eswatini have signed a Memorandum of Understanding granting mutual visa exemptions, with Princess Lindiwe and UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan signing the agreement to boost people-to-people travel and wider bilateral cooperation. Bushfire Festival Build-Up: As the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival gets underway, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged the MTN Bushfire team to double its economic injection, while Ngwenya Border Post reported heavy queues and steady arrivals as festivalgoers pour in from South Africa. Youth & Culture: At the House on Fire, Zimbabwean cultural expert Allington Ndlovu led a schools showcase for the EU Bushfire Schools Festival, putting hundreds of learners from across Eswatini at the centre of music, dance, drama and storytelling. Copyright & Creative Economy: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day with a push to protect SiSwati stories, as ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year. Education Safety: The Teaching Service Commission fired a teacher accused of chasing a headteacher with a knife at St Philomena Primary School in 2023.

UAE–Eswatini Visa Deal: The UAE and Eswatini have finalised a mutual visa waiver agreement, with officials saying it will cut travel barriers and boost people-to-people ties, trade and investment. Border Updates: From 1 June, Eswatini travellers entering or leaving South Africa must declare personal goods and motor vehicles, with SARS pushing an online traveller declaration to reduce delays. Creative Economy: ESWACOS says the first-ever royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariffs were approved and operations began in January. Culture & Youth: Over 600 pupils from 42 schools showcased youth creativity at Eswatini’s EU Bushfire Schools Festival, led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu. Education Safety: The Teaching Service Commission fired a teacher accused of chasing a headteacher with a knife at St Philomena Primary School in 2023. Regional Politics (Taiwan): Commentary and coverage continue around Taiwan leader Lai’s Eswatini visit, with critics calling it a “diplomatic” dead end. Business & Finance: IDCE declared a dividend payout of E14.5m and highlighted turnaround support for clients, including a fast-repaid E30m loan to NMC. Security/Transport: South Africa’s CIT sector reports fewer attacks and highlights next-generation cash-in-transit vehicles, noting operations also serve Eswatini.

World Book & Copyright Day: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing copyright protection to back local creators and grow the creative economy. Creative Royalties: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariff work was approved and licensing began in January. Border & Tourism: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues as thousands crossed from South Africa ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival at House on Fire (today to Sunday), with traffic flooding in and vendors selling SIM cards for travellers. Education Accountability: The Teaching Service Commission fired a teacher accused of chasing a headteacher with a knife at St Philomena Primary School in 2023. Regional Security & Economy: Ox Nché partnered with Fidelity Services Group to launch next-generation armoured cash-in-transit vehicles aimed at reducing CIT attacks affecting routes into Eswatini. Cross-border Compliance: From June 1, Emaswati travelling to South Africa must declare vehicles and personal goods via the SARS Traveller Management System to reduce delays. Business & Jobs: IDCE announced a E14.5m dividend for FY ending June 30, 2025, highlighting support for productive sectors and faster turnaround for clients.

Cross-Border Rules for Emaswati Travelers: Eswatini Revenue Service says from June 1 travellers entering or leaving South Africa must declare their motor vehicles and personal goods via SARS’s online Traveller Management System to cut delays. Copyright & SiSwati Stories: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing stronger copyright protection to grow the creative economy. UAE–Eswatini Diplomacy: King Mswati III met Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation on trade, investment and sustainable development. UNESWA Debt Recovery: University of Eswatini is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100m in long-outstanding debts. World Book Day Spotlight: The same push highlights how digital platforms can expand access to local content—if intellectual property is safeguarded. Eswatini in Taiwan Politics: A MOFA poll says many respondents back Taiwan’s foreign policy, including support for the president’s visit to Eswatini despite China’s pressure.

Press Freedom Reality Check: A new Afrobarometer survey shows Africans back media freedom and organising, but perceived freedom of speech is falling—Eswatini is among the lowest, with only 18% saying they feel completely free to express views. Cross-Border Travel Rules: From June 1, Emaswati travelling to South Africa must declare their vehicles and personal goods via the SARS Traveller Management System to cut border delays. Legal Fight Over Deportation: In the US, Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s case continues after a judge dismissed charges as “vindictive,” with the administration now trying to move him to Liberia despite court setbacks. Eswatini Debt Pressure: UNESWA has hired an external debt collector to recover about E100m in long-outstanding debts. Energy Deal Questions: Eswatini signed a $300m Taiwan agreement for a strategic oil reserve, raising concerns in a country facing poverty and unemployment. Regional Links: Taiwan says it is assessing recruiting workers from Eswatini to upgrade vocational training centres, with safeguards on security, health, and rights. Royal Diplomacy: King Mswati III met Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, with both sides pledging stronger cooperation.