AGP Executive Report

ENPF Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defended the appointment of ENPF board member Derrick Shiba, saying his ministry followed the law after a seven-month impasse tied to disputed nomination powers. Regional Water Governance: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela said shared rivers are now an economic and development necessity as Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique meet under INMACOM to strengthen cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo basins. AI in Public Service: UNESWA and the Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU to train 650 ERS employees on AI literacy, with a warning that tech must not leave staff behind or create legal and trust risks. Children’s Month (WASH): Government launched Children’s Month with renewed focus on universal water, sanitation and hygiene to protect children’s health and keep girls in school. SACU Spotlight: Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated SACU’s role as a key regional pillar, urging adaptation to new global economic arrangements. Taiwan–China Pressure: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing threats of economic penalties and debt relief leverage. South Africa Migration Claims: Reports say international agencies have not seen a surge in requests for assisted returns despite xenophobia fears and enforcement actions.

Immigration Crackdown Watch: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration enforcement is intensifying, but IOM and UNHCR say there’s no sign of a mass exodus of foreign nationals—no surge in requests for assisted voluntary returns. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure that led to the cancellation of President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing threats of debt relief and financing penalties. Eswatini Governance & Economy: The UN launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting human capital, jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance with an estimated E51.84bn investment; separately, the Central Bank said it now holds gold reserves worth E195m to strengthen resilience. Public Services: Government marked Children’s Month with a push for universal WASH access for every child. State-Owned Enterprise Oversight: The new EPTC managing director was urged to restore integrity and cut irresponsible spending. Labour & Rights: A Global Rights Index flags rising attacks on workers in South Africa, while ITUC warns governments are undermining collective labour rights.

Taiwan–China Diplomatic Clash: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing for allegedly pressuring Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw flight clearances that derailed President William Lai’s Eswatini trip, with lawmakers citing threats to debt relief and violations of aviation safety and noninterference. Central Banking & Reserves: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million after buying 2,500 ounces in July 2025, while reporting gross official reserves averaging E11.5 billion in 2025 and standing at E8.8 billion as of May 29. Health & Regional Safety: Senior officials from nine countries met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, as Ebola preparedness and border surveillance remain a key concern. Children’s Rights & Basic Services: Government launched Eswatini’s 2026 Children’s Month, stressing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to protect children’s health and schooling. Digital Skills for Government Work: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Public Health Worries Around World Cup: Experts warn the US World Cup build-up could raise disease risks, pointing to weakened public health capacity amid major staffing cuts. Justice & Immigration: A court case raised allegations that immigration officials issued forged documents leading to arrests at KMIII International Airport, while another matter saw an alleged online gambling kingpin withdraw a bail bid ahead of trial.

Central Bank Update: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, adding that gold purchases (2,500 ounces in July 2025) are meant to diversify reserves and protect the economy; it also reports gross official reserves averaged E11.5 billion in 2025, with May 29 reserves at E8.8 billion (about two months of import cover). Immigration & Justice: In Mbabane, an alleged online gambling kingpin, Lyu Tao, has withdrawn his bail bid as his trial nears, while separate court claims allege immigration officials issued forged documents leading to arrests at the airport. State Enterprise Governance: The new managing director of EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, has been tasked with restoring integrity and financial sustainability, with the ICT minister warning him not to compromise the law. Digital Skills for Tax Administration: ERS signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Children’s Rights & Services: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access for every child. Regional Diplomacy & Pressure: China renewed warnings to Eswatini over Taiwan-linked “dollar diplomacy,” while Taiwan’s legislature condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure that derailed Lai’s planned Eswatini trip. Labour Rights Watch: A global workers’ rights index flags South Africa for rising attacks and interference affecting unions and collective rights.

HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned across 360 clinics. Parliament & Sovereignty: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure that derailed President Lai’s planned Eswatini trip, calling it a threat to flight safety and sovereign equality. Local Revenue Tech: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Integrity at EPTC: The new managing director of Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability. Children’s Health & Water: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month, pushing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Immigration & Courts: A woman and her daughter were arrested over the murder of a retired police officer, while separate court reports allege forged immigration documents processed by officials. Workers’ Rights Watch: A global labour report flags South Africa for rising attacks on workers, with Eswatini also listed among worst performers. Digital Safety & Women in Politics: The Shura Council attended a global women parliamentarians conference in Belgrade, focusing on tackling online stereotypes, violence and misinformation.

Taiwan–China Tensions: Eswatini’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan stayed in the spotlight as Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing for obstructing President Lai Ching-te’s planned late-April trip, after flight clearances were abruptly withdrawn following alleged Chinese pressure on Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar. Tax, Trade & Development: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, promising E51.84bn to back human capital, private jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with a push to position MSMEs as economic engines. Public Services: Government officially launched 2026 Children’s Month, stressing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child, linking poor WASH to disease, school absenteeism and barriers to dignity. State-Owned Enterprise Oversight: A new MD for EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability, with the ICT minister warning him to resist illegal pressure and cut waste. Justice & Home Affairs: Police arrested a woman and her daughter over the murder of retired officer Celani Vincent Motsa, while court proceedings continued in the Mbabane online gambling case as an alleged kingpin withdrew his bail bid. Regional Governance: SADC renewed the board of the fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the board as the region targets illegal fishing. Digital Skills: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy.

Digital Culture & Youth: Communications minister Samuel Nartey George warned that social media’s follower-driven networks are replacing face-to-face community ties and exposing children to addictive content. UN Development & Jobs: The UN launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting human capital, private-sector employment, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84bn investment and a focus on MSMEs. Diplomacy & Media: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira praised King Mswati III’s UN reform push, linking it to the Ezulwini Consensus and renewed SDG momentum. Justice & Immigration: A woman and her daughter were arrested over the murder of retired police officer Celani Vincent Motsa, while lawyers alleged immigration officials issued forged documents leading to arrests at KMIII airport. Courts & Alleged Crime: Online gambling suspect Lyu Tao withdrew his bail bid as his trial on money laundering, illegal gambling and immigration charges involving alleged Mbabane operations nears. Regional Governance: Eswatini’s delegation studied Ghana’s land administration reforms for its National Land Policy, focusing on decentralisation, digital land records and dispute reduction. Sports & Gender: Shura Council participation in a women parliamentarians conference in Belgrade highlighted tackling stereotypes and online violence against women in politics. Labour Rights Watch: ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index flagged South Africa for rising attacks on workers and interference with collective labour rights.

China–Taiwan Tensions: Beijing escalated its pressure on Eswatini’s Taiwan ties, warning that “dollar diplomacy” tied to Lai Ching-te’s visit will cost Eswatini development opportunities and deepen international isolation. Immigration & Courts: In Siteki Magistrate’s Court, a lawyer alleged some immigration officials processed “forged” documents used by a Pakistani man at KMIII; the accused pleaded guilty. Crime & Justice: A woman linked to the murder of a retired police officer and her daughter were arrested in Manzini; separately, alleged online gambling kingpin Lyu Tao withdrew his bail bid ahead of trial. Border & Economy: Home Affairs reported 26,774 arrivals over two days, with Ngwenya Border Post handling 12,517—figures tied to the MTN Bushfire Festival’s economic pull. Sports Governance: ZOC is hosting ANOCA Zone VI’s Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Eswatini among 10 NOCs. Regional Cooperation: Eswatini’s delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms for its National Land Policy.

Taiwan–China Row: China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” tied to alleged NT$25 billion funding to Eswatini, saying it benefits the king and royal family rather than ordinary people. Regional Governance: Eswatini’s land team is in Ghana studying land administration reforms for a National Land Policy, focusing on decentralised services, digital land records, and reducing disputes. SADC Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance centre board, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and improve vessel registers. Labour Rights Watch: ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index again placed Eswatini among the world’s 10 worst for workers’ rights, alongside Turkey and others, citing union-busting and strike restrictions. Border & Tax Policy: South Africa’s SARS says foreign-registered vehicle travellers must declare vehicle details from 1 June, including for Eswatini; meanwhile Eswatini’s finance minister urged state-owned enterprises to stay current on tax payments. Public Life: SANU students face a month without living allowances after government declined an extension, while Mbabane Swallows supporters demanded board action to restore control to the club’s PTY structure.

Eswatini–Ghana Land Talks: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms for a National Land Policy, focusing on decentralised land services, digital land records, and reducing land disputes. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping momentum on tackling illegal fishing and strengthening vessel registers. SADC Justice Agenda: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to push the Draft SADC Tourism UNIVISA to ease transit and tourism travel across member states. Local Governance & Oversight: The National Assembly resumes after recess, with MPs returning to oversight and legislative work. Public Safety & Policy: Police commissioner Manoma Vusi Masango urged people to seek help instead of making “drastic decisions” after a father killed his children, linking the message to King Mswati III’s stance against GBV. Economy & Compliance: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told state-owned enterprises to lead by example in paying taxes. Cross-border Rules: South Africa’s new SARS requirement for foreign-registered vehicles takes effect from 1 June, including for travellers from Eswatini. Education Disruption: SANU students will lose living allowances for one month after government declined an extension request.

Ghana–Eswatini Land Talks: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, with Ghana’s minister pointing to decentralised land services, digital land records and dispute-reduction measures as Eswatini drafts its National Land Policy. SOE Tax Push: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg urged Eswatini state-owned enterprises to lead by example in paying taxes as he commissioned a six-month salary review exercise for SOEs at the Eswatini Revenue Service. SANU Allowances Cut: Southern Africa Nazarene University students will lose living allowances for one month after government declined an extension request linked to earlier industrial action and delayed academic calendar changes. Bushfire Festival Momentum: MTN Bushfire wrapped up, while Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini challenged the festival to double its economic impact by 2027; FNB also used the event to drive digital, cashless payments. SADC Legal Integration: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to advance the Draft SADC Tourism UNIVISA to ease transit and tourism travel across member states. Regional Fisheries Leadership: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre, backing continued action against illegal fishing. Labour Rights Watch: Eswatini is listed among countries rated among the worst for workers’ rights in the ITUC Global Rights Index, alongside other states facing rights and civic-space concerns. Cross-Border Crime: Separate reports highlight South Africa’s new SARS declaration rules for foreign-registered vehicles and Limpopo’s Operation Shanela II seizure of dagga allegedly originating in Eswatini.

Eswatini–Ghana Land Policy Link: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms to shape a National Land Policy, focusing on customary and statutory land systems, decentralised land services, digital land records, and steps to cut land disputes. SANU Allowances: The government has declined to extend living allowances for Southern Africa Nazarene University students, with payments set to stop for one month after disruptions linked to a workers’ industrial action. Bushfire Festival Travel Surge: Ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival, Eswatini recorded 26,774 arrivals over two days, with Ngwenya Border Post slightly down year-on-year, signalling steady visitor flow into the kingdom. ENPF Board Crisis: A legal opinion challenges the Labour Minister’s defence of the ENPF board chair appointment, saying parts of the process were legally and factually incorrect, as the board remains paralysed. SADC Fisheries Oversight: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre, backing continuity and urging member states to clear outstanding contributions. Workers’ Rights Pressure Worldwide: The ITUC Global Rights Index flags worsening labour conditions globally, adding Eswatini among the worst-rated countries for workers’ rights. Mbabane Swallows Supporters Push Takeover: Mbabane Swallows supporters demanded the club be reclaimed from the current management structure, calling for removal of the management committee and a return to the PTY company control. MTN Bushfire Economic Push: Festival organisers accepted the Prime Minister’s challenge to double Bushfire’s economic impact by 2027, citing rising attendance and ambitions beyond ticket numbers.

SADC Regional Cooperation: Fisheries ministers in Victoria Falls reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping the fight against illegal fishing on track. Parliament Watch: Eswatini’s National Assembly resumes its fourth session on 2 June after a recess marked by oversight visits and regional/international engagements. Labour Rights Spotlight: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index flags worsening worker protections globally, listing Eswatini among the worst for rights abuses. Energy & Debt Concerns: A World Bank-linked report questions whether Eswatini can afford its USD 300 Taiwan-backed Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve, amid rumours over who benefits from the deal. Politics Under Pressure: Another piece reflects on fear and silence in the Kingdom, five years after the 2021 pro-democracy massacre, with no suspects brought to book. Regional Mobility: South Africa’s new border rule (from 1 June) requires foreign-registered vehicles—including those from Eswatini—to submit vehicle details for customs oversight. Tourism Integration: Justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls to push the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for tourism and transit stays. Local Governance & Accountability: Jozini Mayor Nkosinathi Myeni cites Auditor-General findings on irregular spending while outlining recovery steps and tighter controls. Sports & Community: Mbabane Swallows supporters demand the club be reclaimed by the PTY Ltd structure after a tense general meeting. Culture & Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival ends with calls to double its economic impact by 2027, as FNB promotes cashless payments during the event.

Drug Enforcement: Limpopo police say three suspects will appear in Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court after a R11 million dagga haul—130 bags—was seized in a weekend interception on the R527 near Snake Park, with preliminary claims that the consignment originated in Eswatini. Royal Economy & Investment: King Mswati III returned from engagements in Azerbaijan and the UAE, saying both countries want to strengthen economic ties around infrastructure, housing, healthcare and skills under the UN SDGs. Visa & Mobility: The UAE and Eswatini signed a mutual visa exemption MoU to ease travel for citizens and boost people-to-people, business and diplomatic exchanges. Digital Push: FNB Eswatini used the MTN Bushfire Festival to drive cashless payments, deploying ATMs and speedpoint devices and backing festival activations. Labour Watch: Commissioner of Labour Kingdom Mamba says Eswatini may still be discussed at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva after May Day events and union proceedings drew attention. ENPF Governance Crisis: A legal opinion challenges Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of the ENPF board chair appointment, arguing the process was legally and factually wrong and leaving the board effectively paralysed. Tourism & Borders: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues as thousands entered for the MTN Bushfire Festival, with officials and police managing the surge. Security & Tech Documents: Turkmen firm Aýdyň Gijeler says it agreed with Eswatini to produce national ID cards and biometric passports, including secure chip-based documents. International Labour/May Day: Eswatini’s May Day celebrations were split between Shiselweni’s blocked plans and FESWATU’s successful event in Nhlangano.

Press Freedom Watch: Reporters Without Borders says global press freedom hit a 25-year low in 2026, with over half of countries now rated “difficult” or “very serious,” and Eswatini flagged among the worst for perceived freedom of speech. Maternal Health Push: UNFPA urged urgent investment in midwives, citing Eswatini’s progress in cutting preventable maternal deaths while warning more workforce support is still needed. ENPF Governance Crisis: A legal opinion disputes Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of Derrick Shiba’s ENPF board chair appointment, as employer and employee representatives keep boycotting board activities and the fund remains effectively paralysed. Royal Diplomacy & Travel: King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE, with the UAE engagement helping unlock a visa waiver deal. UAE–Eswatini Visa Deal: The two countries signed a mutual visa exemption MoU to ease travel and boost people-to-people, business and investment links. Security/Crime & CIT: Fidelity Services launched next-generation cash-in-transit vehicles and reported improved attack trends, with operations spanning Eswatini. Bushfire Festival Economy: PM Russell Dlamini told MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection target for next year, as Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy festival traffic. Copyright & Creative Economy: ESWACOS says first royalty distributions are expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariffs were approved. Regional/International Context: Taiwan-related coverage continues to spotlight growing opposition to China’s “one country, two systems,” including claims that Beijing tried to obstruct Lai’s Eswatini visit.

UAE–Eswatini Diplomacy: The UAE and Eswatini signed a mutual visa exemption MoU, with UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and Eswatini’s Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe putting pen to paper to ease travel and boost people-to-people ties. ID Documents & Tech: Turkmen electronics firm Aýdyň Gijeler agreed with Eswatini to supply and produce secure national IDs and biometric passports, including 1.5m ID cards and 500k+ passports, with land allocated for local production. Tourism & Economy Push: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection to at least E242m, as festival crowds surge through Ngwenya Border Post ahead of the House on Fire weekend. Youth & Culture: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with over 600 pupils and heritage expert Allington Ndlovu spotlighting youth creativity ahead of the main MTN Bushfire run. Taiwan–China Fallout: A Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council survey says about 90% of Taiwanese reject “one country, two systems,” and over 80% disapprove of Beijing obstructing Lai’s Eswatini visit—fueling renewed debate over Taiwan’s international space.