Eswatini Tribune

  The Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, has appointed former Eswatini Bank acting Managing Director Babhekile Matsebula as the new Director General of the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Centre (EFIC).   The Minister in his remarks, emphasised that Matsebula's impressive credentials - including dual Law degrees, a Master's in Financial Management, and specialised anti-money laundering certifications - combined with her 15 years of executive experience in financial regulation, make her exceptionally qualified for this role.  Her previous leadership positions at Eswatini Bank and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority were noted as particularly valuable preparation for this appointment.   "This selection reflects our commitment to placing highly capable professionals in positions critical to safeguarding our financial system," stated the Minister.  "Matsebula's technical expertise and proven leadership will be vital as we strengthen Eswatini's co...

  Princess Lindiwe, the Minister of Home Affairs, has unveiled the official logo for the upcoming 57th King’s Birthday celebration. The event is scheduled to take place on 25 April, 2025, in Nhlangano, Shiselweni Region. During her address, Princess Lindiwe warmly invited all emaSwati from across the Kingdom to join in commemorating this significant occasion. She emphasised the importance of unity and participation as the kingdom comes together to honour the King’s birthday. Princess Lindiwe also highlighted that the King's Birthday logo is available at no cost from the communications office upon request. She encouraged community organisations and individuals to utilise the logo as part of their preparations for the festivities.

Heads of states from across the continent witnessed the historic inauguration of Namibia’s first female President Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia. Her Excellency Nandi-Ndaitwah won the Namibian Presidential Election in November 2024 to become one of just a handful of female leaders in Africa after the likes of H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, H.E. Joyce Banda of Malawi and H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania. All three leaders attended Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s swearing-in coincided with the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence, but the ceremony was switched from the Independence Stadium where thousands were due to attend the official presidential office because of heavy rains and instead ended up being held at the State House.

  MBABANE - The Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela has held an audience with Jampur Group, a Dubai, UAE -based business company with a diverse portfolio of activities, including shipping, power equipment, mining and trading. The company representatives are in the country to assess possible synergies between Eswatini and Jampur Group for collaboration towards ensuring energy security for Eswatini.  In addition to the Minister, representatives from the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) and the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) were present at the meeting to provide their technical expertise and strategic insights on various power-related topics, including power generation, transmission and distribution. Speaking during the meeting, Prince Lonkhokhela underscored the vital need for Eswatini to achieve energy security by developing a local power generation mix that is both reliable and cost-effective. HRH Prince Lonkhokhela also urged Jampur G...

MBABANE - In a move that heralds a brighter, greener future for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs), the European Union and the Government of Eswatini have jointly signed a E15 million grant deal for Renewable Energy Integration. Signed by the acting Principal Secretary Sicelo Nxumalo who was representing the Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela alongside the Minister for Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina, this strategic partnership aims to support the adoption of renewable energy technologies by MSMEs within the country's agriculture, agribusiness, and manufacturing sectors.  This progressive initiative will not only drive growth and profitability for these businesses but also promote a more sustainable, eco-friendly development path for Eswatini, in line with global efforts to combat climate change and build a greener future.  The four-year program, which commenced in 2025, promises to make significant strides towards a cleaner, ...

  MBABANE- Select Financial Services has sponsored the Eswatini School Sports Association (ESSA) with E50 000. The money will be utilised during the ESSA National Athletics Competition. "Select Limited is proud to sponsor the school's sports association, providing support to young athletes as they pursue excellence," Select Eswatini said in a statement. ESSA was represented by president Zakhele Myeni, Secretary Felicity Dlamini and Treasurer Lucky Dlamini during the cheque hand over in Mbabane.

MBABANE- The Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has addressed the Commission on the Status of Women conference (CSW) at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, informing the gathering of Eswatini’s new Lutsango holiday.  The country's celebrated the first of its kind holiday meant to celebrate women and their contribution in society. According to His Majesty King Mswati III, the day will be observed on every Monday after the Hlane leg of the Emaganu ceremony. In her statement, the DPM shared on the progress that the Government of Eswatini has made in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. She highlighted the increase of women in leadership positions and in Parliament; investments made from policy to programmes to empower women economically, as well as legal reforms to ensure access to Justice. The CSW conference began with an official opening in which the UN Secretary General, among other speakers, acknowledged progress made in the implementation o...

FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani 'TK' Dlamini has extended help on behalf of the banking institution worth E316 000 to five people-centred organizations driving change across the kingdom.  "From humanitarian aid to education and environmental action, we’re honored to contribute to the empowerment of thousands of emaSwati," Dlamini said. The beneficiaries are Baphalali Eswatini Red Cross Society (E100 000), Mbabane Rotary Club (E60 000), the 2025 Earth Hour Commemoration by Eswatini Electricity Company (E60 000),University Of Eswatini (E81 000) and Moya Centre Swaziland (E15 000). The sponsorships were officially handed over at an event held at the FNB Head Office in Ezulwini.

Prime Minister Russell Dlamini had a telephone conversation with the United Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Secretary noted the long and friendly relations between the United States and Eswatini and his hope for expanding that partnership according to spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Rubio is an American politician, diplomat and attorney serving since 2025 as the 72nd United States secretary of state, acting administrator of USAID and acting archivist of the United States.  The telephone conversation happen at a time when the Donald Trump   administration has  taken an axe to US foreign aid, eliminating 83% of programs run by the US Agency for International Development (USAID)  in a sweeping six-week purge that has done away with entire categories of development work that took decades to build up. The Guardian reported that secretary of Rubio   announced the massive cuts on Monday, posting that roughly 5 200 of USAID’s 6 200 global programs have been terminated....

  The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo has today unveiled a new Board of Directors of ESWAMCU MBABANE - Renowned football chiefs, former Green Mamba CEO Thamie Phakathi and the incumbent Young Buffaloes CEO Sandile Gwebu have been named in the new ESWAMCU Board by the Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo. Phakathi who is employed at His Majesty's Correctional Services is the new President of the Eswatini Multi-purpose Cooperative Union (ESWAMCU) while Gwebu is the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee.  Gwebu is employed by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) and is known for transforming the army's Hlalawati Cooperative. Following recent ESWAMCU Forensic Audit issues, a Special General Meeting was held on February 7, 2025, following the receipt of the Forensic Audit report from SNG Grant Thornton. As per the Co-operative Societies Act, 2003 (Amended), the management and supervisory committees were dissolved, paving the way f...

  LOBAMBA - Monday's (March 10) eagerly awaited Emaganu (Marula) Festival holiday will also save as the date for the Ingwenyama Cup semi-finals. The security services derby between rivals Young Buffaloes (army team) and Royal Leopard (police team) will be the curtain raiser match in a 2pm kick-off time at Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini. Mbabane Swallows will face-off with Moneni Pirates later on in a 4.30pm kick-off. Entrance fee is E50. Swallows have won the Ingwenyama Cup three times in the opening six editions while Buffaloes have won it once (in 2019, beating Mbabane Highlanders in the finals) Despite being one of the most successful clubs in the country, Leopard are yet to test glory in the Ingwenyama Cup which has a mouthwatering prize money of E5 million.

LOBAMBA - Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has told parliament that the USAID funding withdrawal by the Donald Trump administration should present an opportunity to address Government’s contingency plan. He acknowledged that the Trump's administration decision presents a significant challenge, but also an opportunity for Eswatini to accelerate efforts towards economic self-reliance. "We expressed our commitment to reducing dependency on external support by driving exponential economic growth and strengthening local capacities, in line with the goals of the Programme of Action," he said. Subsequent to that, cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Health to assess the full impact of the aid withdrawal and present a detailed report as a matter of urgency.  "A preliminary report has already been submitted and further assessments are underway. In the meantime, a sustainability plan is being developed to safeguard critical sectors and ensure uninterrupted service delivery,...

MATSAMO - In a majestic twist on his usual duties, His Majesty King Mswati III has traded in his royal sceptre for a sturdy boat paddle, taking command of a vessel across the expansive Driekoppies Dam.  The King, leading a nine-men delegation, appeared to enjoy his new maritime role as he navigated the waters with the same confidence he rules the kingdom. Following his nautical adventure, His Majesty encouraged emaSwati residing near the dam to harness its vast opportunities. With the grandeur of a monarch and the sales pitch of an enthusiastic entrepreneur, he outlined various prospects, including mass fish production, crocodile leather products, agriculture, agro-processing and tourism development.  The Driekoppies Dam, a vital water body in the northern Matsamo Border with South Africa, is part of the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) initiative, a transboundary water project established in 1993.  Built in 1998, the dam was designed to provide irrigation to boost ag...

  LOBAMBA - Three-time Ingwenyama Cup champions Mbabane Swallows will face hoodoo side Moneni Pirates in the semi-finals. This follows Monday afternoon draw at Nkhanini in Lobamba. The other semi-finals clash will be between rivals Young Buffaloes and Royal Leopard. SEMI-FINALS DRAW Mbabane Swallows vs Moneni Pirates  Young Buffaloes vs Royal Leopard The seventh edition of the Ingwenyama Cup boasts an increased sponsorship of E5 million. This increase in sponsorship has also elevated the winners' prize to E1.45 million, compared to last year’s E1.4 million.  INGWENYAMA CUP PREVIOUS WINNERS 2015/2016 Mbabane Swallows  2016/2017 Mbabane Swallows  2017/2018 Mbabane Swallows  2018/ 2019 Young Buffaloes  2019/2020 Green Mamba  2020 to 2023 Tournament not held due to COVID-19 2023/2024 Green Mamba  2024/ 2025 WHO WILL IT BE? Additionally, the runners-up prize has been raised to E650 000 from E530 000 last season, as noted by the tournament’s Public...

  MAGUGA - Prince Mkhandlowemakhosi, also known as Nhlavu (traditional initiation name) joined His Majesty King Mswati III on Saturday when he toured Maguga Dam. Prince Mkhandlowemakhosi is one of the youngest princes and the child of Inkhosikati LaMashwama. The king commissioned the Maguga hydropower expansion project during the tour.  The project will see the Maguga power station produce an extra 10MW, bringing the total power capacity at the plant to 30MW.  His Majesty was also briefed about other pipeline projects around Maguga as well as on another prospective power project at Ngwemphisi, which is expected to produce 120MW of electricity. During the tour of Maguga Dam that ended at Maguga Lodge, His Majesty lamented the condition of the Maguga Road, to which Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini assured the King that government will give the road urgent attention according to government social media pages.