AGP Executive Report

Football & Sports: The MTN Premier League 2026/27 kicks off with a big double header at Somhlolo National Stadium, with champions Nsingizini Hotspurs starting their title defence and Moneni Pirates also in action, while the league’s prize pot is set at E1.185 million. Chess & Inclusion: Despite a tough debut at the FIDE World Chess Olympiad for Persons with Disabilities, Eswatini still brought home a win—Vikelo Nkomondze was named the Youngest Deaf Player. Crime & Safety: Police are investigating a suspected trafficking case involving two girls (15 and 17) allegedly taken to South Africa by a relative; the 17-year-old has returned, but the 15-year-old’s whereabouts remain unknown. Economy & Governance: Government says it is preparing to borrow about E2.4bn for civil servants’ housing, while also lining up further borrowing to tackle arrears and cashflow pressures. National Mourning: Eswatini mourns Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe, who died in South Africa after a short illness.

State Funeral Support: Government has committed E500,000 toward the State funeral of late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala—E100,000 handed to the family and E400,000 for funeral arrangements—while a State Memorial Service is set for 18 September in Manzini and the State Funeral for 19 September in Shiselweni. Royal Health Shock: Eswatini’s Princess Lindiwe, Home Affairs Minister and sister of King Mswati III, has died in South Africa after a short illness, prompting national condolences. Aviation Update: Eswatini Air says operations are back to normal after flight cancellations caused by a minor technical issue on RN105; the airline apologised to affected passengers. Sports & Youth: The MTN Premier League 2026/27 season was launched with a E7.5m prize pool; meanwhile, Eswatini’s Makoanyane XI heads to COSAFA qualifiers in Ghana facing South Africa, Eswatini and Angola in Group B. Security & Borders: The UEDF intercepted 22 goats worth E33,000 at the border and arrested two suspects, handing the case to law enforcement. Digital Policy: Eswatini hosted a COMESA–World Bank workshop on AI and emerging technologies to shape the region’s digital transformation plans.

Business & Compliance: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo has launched a nationwide two-month inspection drive to check licences, permits, tax and ENPF compliance, including foreign-owned firms, as government pushes citizen economic empowerment. Diplomatic Incident: Eswatini soldiers accidentally shot two US government personnel during an anti-smuggling operation in the northeast; both were reported to have minor injuries and the matter is being handled diplomatically. Economy Watch: The Eswatini Stock Exchange market cap stayed flat at E7.053bn in August, with no month-on-month change in listed share prices. Public Oversight: SADC public accounts committees meeting in Eswatini vowed tougher action on wasteful spending, including regular value-for-money inquiries and performance audits. Education & Infrastructure: PS Nanikie Mnisi urged calm at two Hhohho primary schools facing major shortages, including unsafe toilets and lack of key facilities. Sports & Community: MTN Premier League 2026/27 kicks off this weekend with prize money increased; meanwhile, the Imbube Marathon sets strict finish-time rules for medals on Oct 17. Justice & State Affairs: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala’s body has been repatriated and government announced a State Funeral plus E500,000 support for funeral arrangements.

Chief Justice Farewell: Bheki Maphalala’s body has been repatriated from South Africa into Eswatini via Ngwenya Border Gate, with a State Funeral announced and government assistance of E500,000 for funeral arrangements. Football Discipline & Drama: The EFA vice president Steve Horton was cautioned and discharged after an assault case linked to a CAF Champions League clash at Somhlolo; meanwhile, MTN Premier League kicks off with suspensions for key players and a separate report of officials clashing at the stadium. Netball on the Rise: Eswatini’s men’s netball team received an official send-off ahead of the Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, with matches against South Africa, Kenya and others in the group phase. Public Services Disrupted: A network blackout hit Home Affairs and EPTC, leaving people stranded—especially Form 5 learners needing IDs and passports for exams. Addressing System Rollout: Matsapha is set to get a formal street addressing system within eight weeks under the National Postcode and Addressing Project. Health & Energy Planning: Eswatini is seeking IAEA support for a €10m radiotherapy facility and exploring nuclear power to cut long-term electricity import costs. Trade Snapshot: ERS reports a preliminary merchandise trade surplus of E194.09m in August 2026, driven by higher exports like sugar and concentrates. GBV Response: REPS, churches and partners trained about 100 pastors in Shiselweni to strengthen prevention and referral support for gender-based violence.

Teachers’ Graduation: King Mswati III told 159 newly qualified teachers at Ngwane Teacher’s College that the kingdom’s future will pass through their classrooms, urging integrity, discipline and service. Rural Education Strain: A SNAT and education officials’ tour in Hhohho exposed crumbling classrooms and makeshift staffrooms, with pupils even mixing water and sand to repair structures—raising pressure over hardship allowances. Health & Safety Recall: Woolworths’ WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo was recalled after Pluralibacter gergoviae was detected, with a COMESA alert extending vigilance to cross-border buyers including Eswatini. International Incident: Eswatini said its forces accidentally shot two U.S. government personnel during an anti-smuggling operation; both reported minor injuries and an investigation is underway. Sports & Youth: Eswatini’s Siya Goje, 7, will headline Poetry In Comfort, while Taster FC won the Build it EFA Siphofaneni U-13 title on penalties. Governance & Finance: Eswatini opened a FATF in-country training to strengthen anti-money laundering and related controls ahead of a Mutual Evaluation.

Military Incident: Eswatini says its defence forces accidentally shot two U.S. government workers during an anti-smuggling operation near Maphiveni last Friday; the Americans were injured and an investigation is underway, with both countries in contact. Sports Leadership: Eswatini Swimming Association elected Pedro Nunes to the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Bureau, keeping the country represented in regional aquatics governance. Energy Plans: Eswatini is exploring small modular reactor technology as part of its long-term energy security push, with the IAEA involved through a regional nuclear programme. Justice & Policing Legacy: REPOSA says late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala’s ruling strengthened police officers’ constitutional rights, shaping how Phase II of a 2014 circular is applied. Economy Watch: Eswatini’s inflation rose to 2.8% in August, with transport costs—especially fuel and air travel—flagged as a key driver. Culture & Community: Ngwane Teacher Training College marked 40 years by graduating 159 new teachers in a ceremony attended by His Majesty King Mswati III and the Queen Mother. Public Safety Push: HopeAlive renewed calls for men to speak up about suicide struggles, warning that silence and social pressures can be deadly.

Inflation Watch: Eswatini’s annual inflation climbed to 2.8% in August, driven mainly by higher fuel and air passenger transport costs, according to the CSO CPI report. FATF Update: Eswatini says it has improved FATF compliance, now rated Compliant or Largely Compliant on 32 of 40 recommendations, but the Central Bank warns the next Mutual Evaluation will judge whether AML/CFT measures actually work. Security Incident: Reports claim Eswatini soldiers shot a US diplomat at the Maphiveni military roadblock after mistaking the vehicle for criminals; the US Embassy says it’s working to establish facts. Tax Crackdown: The Eswatini Revenue Service warns some businessmen are changing name order/variations to evade tax, and says digital ID systems could close the loophole. Sports & Culture: Local runners honoured slain SA athlete Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo; and the October International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set to run Oct 1–3 with free entry and applications open for stallholders.

Governance & Justice: A businessman with ANC ties, Suliman Carrim, is set to face criminal charges after repeatedly failing to appear before South Africa’s Madlanga Commission, while a new SIU probe is authorised into North West government tenders linked to him, including an R168m contract involving companies tied to Carrim. Anti-Money Laundering: Eswatini says it has improved FATF compliance, now rated Compliant or Largely Compliant on 32 of 40 recommendations, but officials warn the next Mutual Evaluation will judge whether AML/CFT rules actually work. Youth & Civic Life: Elections and Boundaries Commission teams visited Mbangweni during Umhlanga to encourage eligible maidens to register to vote and understand their role. Culture & National Events: ENCAC says preparations for the relaunch of Miss Eswatini are in the final stages, with an interim committee already interviewed. Sports: Eswatini’s Junior Magagula eyes a potential E6.4m CAF payday with AS Maniema Union, while Scottland FC prepares for a CAF Champions League second-round clash with Atlético Petróleos de Luanda. Economy & Access: New Economic Empowerment Regulations reserve retail operations under E8m annual turnover for emaSwati.

Judiciary Loss: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala’s death has triggered tributes across the legal fraternity, with Chief Justice Martha Koome praising his regional judicial leadership and the Law Society of Eswatini regretting it never got to engage him on key justice and rule-of-law issues. Sports—CAF: Scottland FC edged out Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 on aggregate after a goalless draw at Somhlolo, booking a second-round CAF Champions League clash with Atlético Petróleos de Luanda. Sports—Local League: A draft MTN Premier League fixture sets up an early “mini-derby” pitting South Africans Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize and Chief Ally Kgomongwe against Mbabane Highlanders and Mbabane Black Eagles. Economy/Empowerment: New Economic Empowerment Regulations reserve retail operations under E8m turnover for emaSwati-owned businesses, covering everything from supermarkets to pharmacies and hardware. Governance/Regional Security: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met SADC officials as Eswatini prepares to assume chairship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Public Safety: Illegal mining zama zamas are allegedly polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury, raising serious health and water-supply concerns. Community & Culture: The October International Theatre Festival launch highlighted Mbabane’s “smart city” vision and the role of creatives in shaping tourism and identity.

Judiciary: Chief Justice Martha Koome has condoled Eswatini after the death of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, praising his leadership and regional judicial cooperation through the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices’ Forum. Football (CAF): Scottland FC advanced in the CAF Champions League after holding Nsingizini Hotspurs to a goalless draw at Somhlolo, winning 1-0 on aggregate, setting up a second-round tie against Atlético Petróleos de Luanda. Sports (Netball): Eswatini named a strong squad for the Africa Netball Cup 2026 and the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier in Nairobi (Sept 19–26). STEM & Youth: ICT rewarded top performers from the 2026 National Schools STEM Expo with tablets, backing youth innovation. Regional Security (SADC): Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met SADC officials as Eswatini prepares to assume chairship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Economy & Finance: FNB Eswatini reported profit before tax down 3% to E335.7m despite income growth, citing higher impairment charges and costs. Public Service Pensions: Taxpayers are helping PSPF recover an E300m+ investment tied to a commercial building above the Mbabane bus rank. Culture: The King appreciated maidens during Umhlanga, as the ceremony’s final stages build toward the main day.

CAF Champions League: Scottland FC held Nsingizini Hotspurs to a goalless draw at Somhlolo National Stadium to win 1-0 on aggregate and book the next round, with coach Norman Mapeza praising disciplined defending. Local Football: Former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat and EFA technical director Tomeu Perello Palou both say the result proves Eswatini’s league is competitive with Zimbabwe’s. SADC Chairmanship Prep: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation officials as Eswatini gears up for the chairship induction. STEM Push: ICT minister Savannah Maziya backed young women in STEM, rewarding top performers with scholarships and scholarships covering 75% of tuition at Botho University. Sports Development: MTN MoMo increased its Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276,000 as registration opened for the Nov 21 race. Public Finance: Taxpayers are helping the PSPF recover an E300m+ investment tied to a Mbabane bus-rank building deal, with unions calling the arrangement unfair. Health & Safety: Eswatini Environment Authority warns illegal mining is polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury contamination risks. National News: Government and the Law Society of Eswatini mourn Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, urging respect for the family amid insensitive online commentary.

CAF Champions League: Scottland carry a 1-0 lead into today’s second leg against Nsingizini Hotspurs at Somhlolo National Stadium, with Nsingizini needing at least two goals to overturn the deficit; the tie also puts a spotlight on officiating, with a Madagascar referee team led by Andrisoa Arnaud Zafimahatoha. Football Talk: Former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat says Eswatini’s league is strong, pointing to Nsingizini holding Scottland to a goalless draw at home, while EFA technical director Tomeu Perello Palou argues there’s no quality gap between the Eswatini and Zimbabwe leagues—though he wants more tactical discipline. Judiciary: Government and legal bodies mourn Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala’s death in South Africa, with the PM urging the public to respect the family’s privacy amid insensitive online commentary. Politics & Elections: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini registers early for the next national elections, praising the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s continuous voter registration push. Sports & Community: MTN MoMo boosts Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276,000 as registration opens for the Nov 21 race. STEM & Youth: The ICT minister calls for women to lead Eswatini’s STEM future, awarding scholarships to top students. Culture: Thousands of Imbali begin Umhlanga’s second leg at Mbangweni in Shiselweni, with strict guidance on conduct and safety.

Judiciary & National Leadership: Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged the public to respect the family of late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala after his death, stressing dignity and privacy as the legal fraternity mourns the first liSwati to lead the country’s judiciary. Politics & Elections: The PM has registered for voting ahead of national elections and praised the Elections and Boundaries Commission for enabling continuous voter registration. Sports—CAF Champions League: Nsingizini Hotspurs host Zimbabwe’s Scottland at Somhlolo National Stadium in the second leg, trailing 0-1 from Harare and needing goals despite a red-card blow to captain Kingsley Kwayki; Scottland arrive with a tight defensive record and a clean-sheet mindset. Sports—Local Football: Red Rhinos have withdrawn from a Premier League status agreement with Manzini Wanderers, citing identity, contracts, registration and outstanding payments. Culture & Community: Thousands of Imbali maidens flocked to Mbangweni Royal Residence for Umhlanga’s second leg, with strict guidance on conduct during the three-day programme. Health & Infrastructure: King Mswati III inaugurated the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic in Ezulwini, calling for a sustainability plan and urging completion of remaining phases. Business & Tech: Eswatini Competition Commission says new COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations will reshape competition enforcement and consumer protection across the region. Tourism & Lifestyle: MTN MoMo increased its Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276,000 as registration opens for the Nov 21 race.

Judiciary Shock: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala has died in South Africa after treatment for an illness, ending a near-11-year tenure and prompting condolences from the Law Society of Eswatini, which said it learned of the death through media reports. Health & Infrastructure: King Mswati III inaugurated the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic in Ezulwini, renaming the E50m phase and urging government to keep the facility sustainable, with services including endoscopy, dermatology and dentistry. STEM Push: ICT minister Savannah Maziya called for women to lead Eswatini’s STEM future, awarding scholarships covering 75% of tuition for five top students at Botho University. Sports & CAF: Scottland FC arrived in Eswatini for the CAF Champions League second-leg against Nsingizini Hotspurs, carrying a 1-0 lead and aiming to progress with a clean sheet. Local Events: Mbabane Marathon registration opened for the Nov 21 race, and Consumer Choice Awards 2026 confirmed for Sept 17 with digital voting via MTN MoMo. Regional Policy: Eswatini reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security as it begins SADC Organ chairship induction.

Judiciary Shock: Eswatini’s first liSwati Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala has died in South Africa after a short illness, ending a near-11-year tenure that began in 2015. Health Access: His Majesty King Mswati III opened and renamed the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic (E50m), saying it now surpasses targets by bringing care within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Regional Leadership: Eswatini reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security after taking on the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairship. Waste Oversight: PM Russell Dlamini and senators toured the E52m Matsapha Waste Management Plant and the Oxygen Plant, flagging issues that may need attention in Parliament. Business & Tax: Business Eswatini urged steady engagement with the Eswatini Revenue Service as e-invoicing moves toward implementation, warning success depends on rollout support and clear guidance. Football (CAF): Green Mamba’s return leg vs Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto is set for this afternoon, with a prize of about E6.4m at stake for group-stage qualification. Sports Venues: Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre were shortlisted to host the SAIMSA Games starting Sept 20. Youth & Campus: MTN Eswatini will power UNESWA’s Kick-Off Carnival at Kwaluseni this Friday, with E50 entry and a free data bundle.

Mbabane 24-hour push & theatre revival: Mbabane Municipal Council unveiled a plan to make the city a vibrant 24-hour hub, timed with the October International Theatre Festival returning to the Eswatini Theatre Club (Oct 1–3, 2026). Energy scholarships: After King Mswati III’s May visit to Baku, three Eswatini students have been sent to Azerbaijan on SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and chemical engineering. Disability inclusion gets a budgeting focus: The DPMO, UNESCO and OPDs urged ministries to turn the Costed Eswatini National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028) into funded action. Waste plant scrutiny: PM Russell Dlamini and senators toured the E52m Matsapha National Waste Management Plant and the oxygen facility, flagging issues for parliamentary follow-up. Justice leadership loss: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala has died after illness while receiving treatment in South Africa. Tax system upgrade: Business Eswatini and ERS discussed practical steps for e-invoicing fiscalisation, including costs, integration and transition guidance. Road safety & scams: Police reported a Manzini man allegedly duped by a caller posing as police, losing over E118,000. Sports & culture: Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026 nominations opened, while football coverage includes Scottland supporters gearing up for a CAF return leg in Eswatini.