LOBAMBA – The Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini has been called to investigate if there are politicians who are housing foreign nationals involved in illegal online gambling, who are wanted in their home countries. Senate Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli said he is happy that Parliament is working on the Immigration Bill. The Bill, he said, can help address illegal gambling activities involving foreign nationals. “We thank the Immigration Bill that has reached Parliament. We commend government,” Mdluli said. He added that the legislation could help strengthen measures against illegal gambling. He said some foreign nationals are coming to Eswatini because penalties for illegal gambling are relatively low, making it easier for offenders to pay fines and continue operating. Mdluli also sought clarity on the legal process governing foreign nationals arrested for illegal online gambling, particularly those who are granted bail before police seek to repatriate them. He asked the...

LOBAMBA- “There is no smoke without fire.” The statement was made by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini when responding to a submission that was made by Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini who revealed some serious allegations against some officers from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). This happened yesterday during the Senate Portfolio Committee debate of the Cabinet and Private Office first quarter performance report for the financial year 2026/2027. The Senate president began her submission by seeking clarity from the PM on the action being taken against police officers whose alleged unprofessional conduct and unlawful actions had resulted in government paying E15 million in civil suits. She asked to know whether criminal or disciplinary action was being taken against officers whose conduct had allegedly resulted in the lawsuits and financial losses to government. She then raised a number of allegations that she said had been brought to her office...

MBABANE – Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies have received a E40 000 Orchard Insurance boost to fuel their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign. The reigning Eswatini Women Football League (EWFL) champions have been drawn in Group B of the regional qualifiers alongside two-time continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, experienced campaigners Costa do Sol from Mozambique and fellow debutants Silver Strikers from Malawi. The regional showpiece will take centre stage from August 20–29, 2026 in Gaborone. The presentation took place yesterday at the insurance company’s premises at the New Mall in Mbabane. The event was attended by Orchard Insurance Managing Director (MD) Joseph Museva, Operations and Client Services Manager Phephisa Dlamini and Nsingizini Hotspurs Marketing Chairperson Nozipho Shabangu. Also present were team Public Relations Officer Sibusiso ‘Mnotfo’ Dlamini, Head Coach Tobias Ntuli, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sonnyboy Mabuza, Captain Nomfundo Bhembe and supporters from the Nhlangano Branch. When presenting...

LOBAMBA – The performance of government, through the various ministries, improved from 22 per cent in the first quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year to 48 per cent. However, the score remains below what would be expected from the performance of the various ministries to meet the ambitious Nkwe Programme of Action targets. This was revealed by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Mmiso Dlamini, when he presented the first-ever Government Performance Report of 2025 during a press conference held at Cabinet yesterday. The report, which assesses government’s implementation of the Nkwe Programme of Action during the 2025/26 financial year, shows that while performance improved steadily throughout the year, government, through the various ministries, still fell short of delivering more than half of its targeted programmes. The annual performance score of 48 per cent represents a significant improvement from the 22 per cent recorded in the first quarter. However, the figure...

MANZINI – University of Eswatini Vice Chancellor Professor Justice Mandla Thwala has challenged employees to start planning for life after formal employment long before retirement. Thwala warned that leaving the workplace without adequate preparation can undermine financial security, health, purpose and dignity in later life. Thwala was speaking yesterday at the Post Work Life Planning Conference held at Happy Valley Hotel in Zulwini, where he emphasised that retirement should no longer be regarded simply as the point at which an employee stops receiving a salary, but as the beginning of a new chapter that requires deliberate preparation. The two-day conference, held under the theme “Life After Work Starts Before Retirement,” was organised by Tive Leadership Centre in collaboration with UNESWA and brought together government officials, employers, employees, unions, financial practitioners, insurance companies, human resource professionals, wellness officers, entrepreneurs and retirees. Thwala said the country had invested considerably in educating and...

MBABANE – A total of 114 street children and vulnerable individuals have been relocated to safe facilities across Eswatini following the severe cold front that hit the country. Deputy Director of Social Welfare in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Marcelia Dlamini, confirmed yesterday that social welfare officers have successfully placed 114 street children and vulnerable people into temporary shelters in towns nationwide. Dlamini stated that her office is organising resources in collaboration with municipal councils, which have assisted in identifying temporary shelters for those affected. She confirmed that the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has supplied essential food and warm clothing to all individuals relocated so far. Dlamini noted that field assessments remain ongoing across the towns and explained that official figures may increase as social workers continue their operations. The mass relocation comes as Eswatini braces for extreme cold temperatures, persistent heavy rainfall, and strong winds. The Eswatini Meteorological Service...

MBABANE – The Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) is expected to submit its next tariff review application for the 2027/28 financial year. This is expected to happen between mid-October and early November this year, with any resulting tariff taking effect from April 2027. EEC General Manager-Customer Services James Mabundza said the company is still assessing its financial and operational requirements and that it is too early to determine the level of any tariff adjustment that can be ultimately proposed. Speaking during a breakfast engagement with editors from various media houses at SibaneSami Hotel yesterday, Mabundza stressed that an application by EEC does not automatically translate into an increase for consumers. “The numbers would have added up by the time of application,” he said, noting that the eventual outcome would depend on the regulatory review process. The process is governed by the tariff methodology of the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), which...

A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini has expressed admiration for Uganda’s automotive manufacturing progress after touring the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja, where they witnessed the country’s growing capacity to produce electric and conventional buses for the African market. The guided tour, led by Kiira Motors Corporation engineers and technical experts, gave the delegation a first-hand look at the company’s vehicle production processes, including assembly, engineering, quality assurance, testing and final inspection. The visitors were taken through the plant’s key production areas, where Kiira Motors officials explained the technologies and manufacturing systems driving Uganda’s ambitions to become a regional automotive manufacturing hub. During the tour, the delegation was introduced to Kiira Motors’ range of buses, including electric city buses and long-distance coaches, with engineers outlining the plant’s current production capacity of 2,500 vehicles annually and plans to expand output to 10,000 units. Keep up with the latest headlines...

Maputo — The governments of Mozambique and Eswatini have decided to join efforts aimed at boosting regional tourism through strategies focused on improving cross-border travel. According to Hélder Jauana, chairman of the National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment, speaking on Monday, in Maputo, at a meeting with tourism authorities from Eswatini, Mozambique is committed to an integrated approach linking tourism and investment. “When we discuss investment opportunities, we are attracting capital, creating jobs, and simultaneously promoting tourism. Mozambique should be seen not just as a destination, but as a complete experience for visitors”, he said. Jauana believes that encouraging tourists to consume local services (ranging from accommodation to dining) is crucial for regional tourism and it would “maximize domestic economic impact, alongside targeted campaigns to stimulate domestic tourism.” Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines For her part, Chunky Mdluli, Eswatini representative, highlighted that launching their...

MBABANE – Eswatini will discover their group opponents on Wednesday, August 12, during the COSAFA Under-20 Qualifier draw streamed live from Mauritius. Hosted by Mauritius in period September 18 to 27,2026,  the 12-nation regional tournament serves as the direct qualifier for the TotalEnergies Confederation of African Football (CAF) Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations Ghana 2027.  The Eswatini junior outfit have been placed in pot two alongside Botswana and Namibia, determined by their performances in the past three regional competitions. Pot one contains Angola, Malawi and Mozambique, while Comoros, Lesotho and Seychelles make up pot three. Hosts Mauritius automatically top Group A; defending regional champions South Africa head Group B, and 12-time record winners Zambia lead Group C.  The 12 nations will be drawn into three pools of four. Pot one teams will fill positions A2, B2 or C2, followed by Eswatini’s pot entering the draw, before pot three completes the...