Eswatini Tribune

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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 ...

Athletics Eswatini has officially bid farewell to a three-member delegation that will represent the Kingdom of Eswatini at the 1st Al-Basra International Half Marathon, taking place on Friday, 25 April 2025 in the Basra Governorate, Iraq. A send-off ceremony, hosted at the EOCGA offices in Lobamba, marked the occasion. In attendance were Mr Maxwell Jele, Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA), and Mr Darius Dlomo, Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC). Flying the national flag high will be: Thobile Ngwenyama , representing the Correctional Athletics Club Melusi Khumalo , from UEDF Athletics Club Mr Zakhele Dlamini , President of Athletics Eswatini and President of the Confederation of African Athletics - Southern Region (CAA-SR) Their participation underscores a significant stride for Eswatini athletics as it continues to cement its presence on the global stage. The Importance of the Al-B...

  EWADE (Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise) has been  ffeatured in the April/May 2025 edition of Forbes Africa Magazine , spotlighting the Kingdom of Eswatini’s transformative strides in agricultural development and sustainable growth. In a compelling online feature, Forbes Africa delves into an in-depth interview with EWADE’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Samson Sithole, highlighting the organisation’s pivotal role in catalysing economic and social change across the nation. The article underscores EWADE’s integrated approach—driving inclusive development through large-scale irrigation infrastructure, improved access to clean water, and a bold strategy for agricultural diversification. At the heart of this transformation are flagship initiatives such as the Komati Downstream Development Project and the Lower Usuthu Smallholder Irrigation Project (LUSIP), both of which have become cornerstones of rural empowerment and food security. Additionally, the ambit...

In a momentous event at Lozitha Palace, His Majesty King Mswati III has officially unveiled the model of Eswatini’s forthcoming Strategic Oil Reserve Facility, signalling a bold leap in the Kingdom’s pursuit of energy security and infrastructural advancement.  The unveiling took place on Tuesday evening, marking a pivotal milestone for what is projected to become the country’s most expensive infrastructure project to date. The facility, to be constructed in Phuzumoya, will boast world-class standards and cutting-edge technological sophistication. The Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC) will spearhead the construction, in partnership with seasoned engineering experts from Taiwan. According to a report by the Times of Eswatini last year, a leading Taiwanese engineering firm has already presented the proposed construction costs, estimated at a staggering US$380 million, or approximately E7 billion at current exchange rates. This places the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility well ...

LUDZIDZINI – Her Majesty the Indlovukazi today graciously received a cheque amounting to approximately E9.3 million (USD500,000) from the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Special Envoy to the President, His Excellency Lin Chia-Lung. The generous donation is earmarked for the Women Business Start-up Micro Finance Revolving Fund. The ceremonial presentation took place this afternoon at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where Minister Lin paid a courtesy call on Her Majesty. The fund is set to play a crucial role in empowering Eswatini women by supporting small-scale business ventures and promoting financial independence. Following the visit to Ludzidzini, Minister Lin proceeded to Lozitha Palace, where he is scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to His Majesty King Mswati III. The occasion also includes the unveiling of a major national project, underscoring the deepening cooperation between Eswatini and Taiwan. The Taiwanese delegation is currently ...

  Accompanied by Liphovela LaZuma, the bride to be who is also the daughter of former South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma, His Majesty King Mswati III met the Pope last November. Through Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the king has expressed deep sadness on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis, a profound loss felt by the global Catholic community and people of goodwill worldwide. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with the words, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of t...

  Ahead of his 57th birthday, His Majesty King Mswati III will receive gifts from companies and individuals on April 16. The Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe announced in a press briefing that His Majesty King Mswati III has designated Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as Gifts Presentation Day, in celebration of the King's upcoming 57th birthday.  The gifts presentations will be done at Lozitha Palace starting from 10am in a tradition known as kwetfula. Here, emaSwati come with different kinds of gifts ranging from cattle, money, furniture and groceries among other things which helps Their Majesties to feed the thousands expected to attend the birthday celebrations. The birthday celebrations will take place in the Shiselweni Region, specifically at the King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium and the Embangweni Royal Residence, on 25 April, 2025. During her address, Princess Lindiwe expressed excitement about the preparations, stating that arrangements in Nhlangano were progressing...

Sibebe Resort, one of Eswatini’s leading tourist attractions, has stepped up to support grassroots football by sponsoring the Mdzimba Regional League knockout tournament with E50,000.  The announcement was made during the official launch held at Sigwaca House, the headquarters of the Eswatini Football Association. A representative of the Resort, Larry Mhlanga highlighted their strong connection with the local community under Hhukwini Inkhundla, noting that 75% of Sibebe Resort’s workforce hails from the area.  This marks the Resort’s first investment in football under its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, with a vision to extend support to other leagues under the Hhohho Regional Football Association (HRFA). HRFA Chairman Comfort Shongwe expressed gratitude for the sponsorship, proposing that one way to show appreciation would be to host the tournament’s semi-finals or finals at the Sibebe Resort sports ground. The tournament will see 26 teams from the Mdzimba A and ...

  His Majesty King Mswati III has received letters of credence from UK High Commissioner to Eswatini, His Excellency (HE) Colin Wells and EU Ambassador to Eswatini HE Karsten Mecklenburg, at Lozitha Palace. His Majesty reiterated the Kingdom of Eswatini's commitment to maintaining the healthy relations that exist between the kingdom and the United Kingdom and the European Union respectively. The King appreciated the support extended to Eswatini by the UK and the EU, further emphasising the importance of dialogue to resolve conflicts. HE Wells said, "The relationship between Eswatini and the UK has been a very long one, which did not end in 1968 when then Swaziland celebrated full independence under His Majesty King Sobhuza II. Instead, it matured immediately into one between two equal nations with special shared legacies of a common language, principles, ethics and values, and the importance of our communities and of our families." He stated that many emaSwati study in th...

  The Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, joined Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, Manzini Regionsl Administrator Chief Gija and the chairperson of Parliament Health Portfolio Committee Sandile Nxumalo in Manzini to tour the OncAura Wellness Centre construction site. The visit was aimed to assess the progress made since the project’s launch. Once completed, OncAura will be Eswatini’s first facility to offer radiation therapy and other cancer-related treatment services—marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare sector. Minister Matsebula expressed government’s strong support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce the financial burden of sending cancer patients abroad for treatment.  He also welcomed news that the facility is being constructed to meet international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which ensures nuclear and radiation safety for both wo...

The Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, has extended a lifeline to a visually impaired aspiring musician by donating musical instruments worth E156,300 to 25-year-old Nkosenomusa Sibaya Gamedze from Hlutsi, Gilgal Inkhundla. Nkosenomusa, who lost his sight to glaucoma while in Form II, was forced to leave school but remained steadfast in his passion for music. Having already begun learning the keyboard, he now plays at his local church and dreams of taking his talent further. In a bold move, he personally reached out to the Deputy Prime Minister, expressing his wish to pursue music professionally to support himself and his family. Touched by his story, Dladla responded with support that will enable him to realise his ambitions. “I am truly grateful to you, Deputy Prime Minister, for uplifting the standards of persons with disabilities. Your warm response made me feel happy and complete. With this support, I will now be able to earn an income, better my life and assist others with ...

  The Zulu Kingdom monarch King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has appointed key leaders to strengthen the Zulu Kingdom’s governance and public engagement structures King Misuzulu KaZwelithini has officially appointed Inkosi Yesizwe SakwaButhelezi, Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa Buthelezi, as the Chairperson of the King’s Council of the Zulu Kingdom and Prince Thulani Zulu as the Official Spokesperson of the Zulu Royal Family and the Zulu Kingdom.  These significant appointments were formalised during a ceremonial signing held in Durban onWednesday April 9, 2025. The appointments mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing renewal and reinforcement of the institutional structure of the Zulu Kingdom, as led by His Majesty the King. These leaders have been entrusted with critical responsibilities that will ensure the dignity, unity and cultural legacy of the Zulu nation remain safeguarded and advanced. Inkosi Yesizwe SakwaButhelezi, Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa Buthelezi, a seasoned leader of royal...

Maxwell Jele, the Chief Executive Officer of EOCGA, had the honour of meeting Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the newly inaugurated President of the Republic of Namibia. EOCGA is an acronym for the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 5th African Athletes Forum, which was held in Windhoek, Namibia, from April 5-6, 2025. Nicknamed NNN, Nandi-Ndaitwah is a Namibian politician who is the fifth and current president of Namibia since 21 March 2025. She is the country's first female president. Previously, she served as the third vice president under President Nangolo Mbumba between 2024 and 2025.

A total of 10 vulnerable families, most of which live in dilapidated stick and mud houses, others in old thatched leaking houses were visited by the Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla together with the Madlangemphisi Inkhundla Council.  This is part of His Majesty King Mswati III's call when he visited the Inkhundla early last month to gift ten families with decent houses. More vulnerable households will be visited on Friday, April 11.  Families visited include: Household 1 – Sikhandzephi Sifundza (72) stays with his son and three grandchildren. Her first house collapsed and the second one is on the verge of collapsing. She is now staying with all grandchildren in an old one room. This family survives with the government elderly grant. Household 2 – Aaron and Monica Magagula (85 and 72 respectively) live in a stick and mud house. Both receive the government elderly grant and they are usually visited by their grandchildren and share a room with them. Household 3 – Sipho Dla...

The LaMakhosini Leadership Foundation has awarded a five years scholarship to an 11-year-old girl child who is aspiring to be the Commissioner General of Correctional Services.  Tiyandza Dlamini from Egugwini Primary School (Mankayane) touched the hearts of the foundation’s directorate when she came dressed in full correctional uniform during the school’s career day last month. Interestingly, LaMakhosini who is the patron is the first female Commissioner General of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS). The scholarship will cater for her education from form 1 to form 5. HMCS was one of the key organisations that were invited to make a presentation about the profession to help students make informed decisions about their education and future career choices.  Seemingly Tiyandza took the day seriously, as many others did by wearing her full Correctional Services uniform decorated with badges and service ribbons, all detailing her love for the profession.  Little did she...

The Principal Officer of Eswatini Medical Aid, Peter 'Samora' Simelane, spent the past weekend behind bars, missing the prestigious Ingwenyama Cup finals, the crown jewel of the nation’s football calendar. Simelane, who also serves as the President of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), was taken into police custody on Saturday and remained detained for two nights, coinciding with the much-anticipated football spectacle at Somhlolo National Stadium. Simelane’s absence from the event led to EFA Vice-President Steve Horton stepping up to lead the football delegation. Horton was tasked with the high-profile responsibility of welcoming His Majesty King Mswati III and overseeing the day-long festivities and ensuring the smooth running of the ceremony, which traditionally blends football excellence with cultural and national pride.

EmaSwati can breathe a sigh of relief as The Luke Commission (TLC) has officially reopened its doors to patients across the country.  After a period of uncertainty, the much-needed healthcare provider has resumed its operations — albeit with notable changes to how services are accessed and paid for. According to an official statement released by TLC, patients will now be required to contribute towards the cost of their care. Services such as consultations, diagnostics and medical procedures will be charged at published standard rates. This marks a shift from the commission's long-standing model of providing care free of charge, a move attributed to financial constraints faced in recent years. Despite this adjustment, there is some good news for the public. Essential medications and health commodities will continue to be provided free of charge. These include vital items such as antivenom for snakebites and refills for HIV and TB treatment. The continuation of these services has bee...

  Three inmates have escaped from the Sidvwashini Correctional facility in Mbabane. His Majesty’s Correctional Services iinformed members of the public about the three inmates who escaped from lawful custody on April 3 at around 2am.  All three (3) inmates are Remands (Unconvicted) who are awaiting trial for crimes including;  House Breaking and Theft as well as Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) accrding to the HMCS Communications Office. "We, kindly request members of the public to assist with information that may help in capturing the three inmates," it read. Those who may locate or identify the escapees are encouraged to contact the Operations Office on 7606 2519 or Officer-In-Charge (Mbabane) on 7917 3322 or the Deputy Public Relations Officer on 7909 2501. Alternatively, they may contact the Royal Eswatini Police Service on 999/9999.  PROFILES - ESCAPEES 1. NAME: Emmanuel Magaya  NICKNAME:  Marikito  AGE: 23 years  AREA: Mozambique...