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5 SITTING CABINET MINISTERS HAVE DIED SINCE 2020

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  ESWATINI TRIBUNE REPORTER MBABANE – The death of Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe, Minister of Home Affairs, has brought to five the number of sitting Cabinet members who have died while in office since 2020. Princess Lindiwe died on Wednesday, 17 September 2026, following a short illness while receiving medical care in Eswatini, according to a government statement. She joins former Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini and ministers Christian Myekeni Ntshangase, Makhosi Vilakati and Peter Bhembe among Cabinet members who died in office. Dlamini died on 13 December 2020 at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg after contracting COVID-19. Ntshangase died on 16 January 2021 while receiving treatment for a COVID-19-related illness. Vilakati died on 23 January 2021 in South Africa after being transferred for specialised treatment, also having contracted COVID-19. Bhembe died on 21 February 2022 at a South African health facility while undergoing specialised medical treatment. Princes...

King pledges jobs, decent living for EmaSwati

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NHLANGANO – His Majesty King Mswati III has vowed that he will not rest until every liSwati is either employed or able to make a decent living.  Speaking during the commemoration of his 57th birthday, which also marked National Flag Day and the 39th anniversary of his reign, the King outlined an ambitious vision for economic transformation. Addressing the Nation in Nhlangano, the King stressed the importance of leveraging Eswatini’s greatest resource — its people — to drive the country’s development towards first-world status. “Being a first-world nation means every citizen must feel that indeed we have attained that status,” he said, calling for collective effort to achieve this milestone. The King further pledged to ensure that vulnerable groups, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, are not left behind. He committed to improving infrastructure, building decent housing, and supporting those who need it most. Reflecting on the Kingdom’s economic progress, King Mswat...

Nkwe! Melusi bags E50 000 at Al-Basra Half Marathon

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The Kingdom of Eswatini is basking in pride following an outstanding performance at the prestigious Al-Basra International Half Marathon. Melusi Khumalo delivered a remarkable performance, securing 5th place in the men’s 21km race and earning a cash prize of E50,000. His achievement marks not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment of national pride, serving as a major boost for the country’s ambition to elevate long-distance running. In the women's race, Thobile Ngwenyama showed tremendous determination, finishing 14th in an exceptionally competitive field. Her courage and tenacity on the international stage have been widely praised. The President of Athletics Eswatini, Zakhele Dlamini, expressed his excitement and pride regarding the team’s performance. He extended his heartfelt congratulations to both athletes, applauding them for raising the Eswatini flag high on the global stage. “Indeed, uphakeme umjeka welive namuhla,” he said, celebrating this milestone achiev...

Nathi clinches April MTN Masters title

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The Royal Swazi golf course was abuzz with excitement as golfers gathered for the April 2025 edition of the #MonthlyMasters tournament.  Congratulations are in order for Nathi Tsabedze, who emerged victorious after amassing an impressive 38 points to claim the coveted title. Hot on his heels were Martin L and Lenny Mkhonta, who both finished with 37 points. However, it was Martin who secured second place, with Lenny taking third following a count-out. The tournament also saw a number of standout performances in the novelty categories. Vati Mamba claimed the Nearest to the Pin on hole 18, while Mfundo Nxumalo and Nosmilo Kgomo demonstrated their power by winning the Longest Drive titles for men and women respectively. A special shout out goes to all the golfers who took part, showcasing great sportsmanship and skill throughout the day. Well done to all the winners and participants for making the event a resounding success.

Eswatini 2nd lowest IMF debtor in Africa

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As global inflation, persistent unemployment and sluggish development weigh heavily on many African economies, the importance of maintaining a low debt burden with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has become increasingly evident. In a testament to its prudent fiscal approach, Eswatini has emerged as the second-ranked African country with the lowest outstanding IMF debt, recorded at just under $20 million as of March 2025. This places the Kingdom behind only Lesotho and highlights its growing aspiration to position itself as a robust economic player on the continent. High levels of IMF debt have historically posed challenges for many African nations. Such debt can erode fiscal flexibility, destabilise local currencies, and heighten vulnerability to external economic shocks. Conversely, countries with minimal IMF obligations tend to enjoy greater autonomy in policy-making and are better equipped to pursue sustainable development strategies. IMF loans, while providing vital support...

Smart City, 5G Network fitting King’s gift

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Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has described the newly completed Mbabane Smart City and 5G Network Project as a “perfect 57th birthday gift” for His Majesty King Mswati III.  The E38 million initiative, supported by the Republic of China (Taiwan), was officially handed over this morning at the Mbabane Municipal Council. The landmark project includes a state-of-the-art control centre and advanced real-time surveillance infrastructure, designed to significantly improve urban management and public safety. According to the Prime Minister, similar systems are planned for rollout in other towns including Manzini, Matsapha, Nhlangano, and Siteki. “This achievement is a proud outcome of the long-standing and fruitful partnership between the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of China (Taiwan),” the Prime Minister said.  “Today, just 12 months since the project was commissioned at Hilton Garden Inn on 14 May 2024, we stand in celebration of its successful completion, fully aligned wi...

DPM departs for Pope Francis' funeral

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Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla departed the Kingdom this afternoon en route to Vatican City, where she will represent His Majesty King Mswati III and the Nation at the funeral service of His Holiness Pope Francis. Accompanied by the Minister for Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to attend the historic event at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday, 26 April 2025. The late Pontiff passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April, at the age of 88. The funeral of Pope Francis, the revered leader of the Catholic Church, will follow a series of solemn rites, including the sealing of his coffin during a liturgical ceremony to be held in St. Peter’s Basilica on the evening of Friday, 25 April. This rite will be led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. Speaking ahead of her departure, the DPM underscored the significance of His Majesty’s longstanding relationship with the late Pope: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to all ...