MBABANE – The wait is finally over!  The Eswatini National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) 2026 has officially unveiled the nominees for Lubombo Region Best Upcoming Artist. These exceptional talents have earned their spots through relentless dedication, standout creativity and significant contributions to the growth of the local entertainment industry. Representing the vibrant heart of the Lubombo region, each nominee brings a fresh perspective and unique sound to the national stage. From compelling vocalists to innovative producers, this year’s shortlist highlights the remarkable depth of emerging talent within the eastern district. The annual awards continue to serve as a vital springboard for rising star power, celebrating artists who redefine the cultural landscape of the Kingdom. With the shortlist set, the focus now turns to the public. Organisers are urging fans across the country to rally behind their favourite creators and make their voices heard. Now it is your turn to...

LOBAMBA – Could the country witness something similar to the Madlanga Commission that is currently ongoing in neighbouring South Africa? This is the question that begs an answer following a recommendation made by the Prime Minister (PM), Russell Mmiso Dlamini, of the establishment of a single, wide-ranging commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption across all sectors, instead of setting up separate commissions for individuals or departments. The PM made the remarks in Parliament yesterday during the debate on his office’s First Quarter Performance Report for the 2026/27 Financial Year, following calls from Members of Parliament (MPs) for investigations into alleged corruption in various ministries. In South Africa, the Madlanga Commission is the informal name for South Africa’s Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System. It is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, from whom it takes its name....

MBABANE- Eswatini is in line for a FIFA-standard stadium after CAFpledged to develop football infrastructure in all 54 member countries. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe said the continental body would partner with governments and the private sector to build, upgrade and maintain venues to Confederation of African Football (CAF) and International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) levels. Motsepe revealed this during a media address held at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa a few days ago. The president discussed, among other things, the performance of African nations in the recently concluded 2026 World Cup, which was won by Spain and co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA). “We will also strengthen and expand the partnerships between our member associations, governments and the private sector to develop, support, sponsor and grow football in each of the 54 African countries,” Motsepe said. He said these partnerships...

MBABANE- Former Nsingizini Hotspurs midfielders Thubelihle Mavuso and Sizwe ‘Madumane’ Khumalo finally made their long-awaited debuts yesterday, July 23, 2026. The Eswatini duo featured for Zimbabwean title-chasers Hardrock in a clash against relegation-threatened Agama, a side featuring international compatriot Newman ‘Strong’ Philiso. Khumalo was named in the starting line-up while Mavuso was named among the substitutes. Philiso, the former Mbabane Swallows full-back, also started the match, marking his first appearance since returning from an injury lay-off over two weeks ago. Eswatini’s latest football exports had faced a frustrating delay in making their bows for the Kwekwe-based outfit. Hardrock’s Thubelihle Mavuso. July 5 marked exactly a month since Nsingizini Hotspurs announced the high-profile sale of the midfield pair. Because the Castle Lager Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (PSL) runs on a calendar-year schedule, the current campaign remained in full swing throughout their transition. Although the league’s mid-season transfer window officially opened on...

LOBAMBA – “What we have received is 8.5 per cent and not 85 per cent”. This was a submission that was made by Mahlangatja Member of Parliament, Mgucisi Dlamini during the portfolio committee debate of the Ministry of Public Service First Quarter Performance Report for the Financial Year 2026/2027 yesterday. During the debate, the MPs mounted a scathing attack on government over the implementation of the 2025 Salary Review, arguing that the much publicised 85 per cent salary adjustment had left many civil servants and public office bearers disappointed after receiving what they described as significantly lower increases than expected. At the centre of the debate was the contention that the figures communicated to the public did not correspond with the actual amounts reflected in employees’ salaries. MPs argued that the disparity had created confusion and frustration among civil servants, many of whom had expected a far greater adjustment following...

MBABANE- Eswatini Champions League representatives Nsingizini Hotspurs have added strength to their technical bench with two South African experts ahead of their upcoming CAF campaign. The Shiselweni-based outfit have acquired the services of Tlale ‘Zhuu’ Mophuleng as their new Goalkeeper Coach, alongside fellow countryman Lindokuhle Ngubane, who comes in as the club’s new Performance Analyst. Lindokuhle Ngubane comes in as the club’s new Performance Analyst. Mophuleng arrives with a rich background in football development and high-level competition, having previously worked in South Africa’s National First Division (NFD) with Platinum City Rovers. He also gained valuable youth development experience at the renowned Johannesburg-based Stars of Africa Academy, a pedigree expected to sharpen Hotspurs’ defensive department ahead of the demanding continental assignment. Tlale ‘Zhuu’ Mophuleng will serve at the new Goalkeeper Coach. Ngubane’s introduction as performance analyst will add a modern, data-driven dimension to the technical setup, helping the technical bench dissect...

MBABANE- The Eswatini trio are now aware of their swimming schedule as they prepare to take to the pool at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games will today be officially opened by His Majesty King Charles alongside Queen Camilla, with competitions getting underway tomorrow (July 22, 2026). Boxing and swimming are the only early sports the country will be competing in. According to the schedule, local swimmers are set to take to the pool on Saturday after arriving in Scotland on Tuesday. According to a schedule shared by Eswatini Swimming Association (ESA) Chief Executive Officer Nozipho Mahlalela, two swimmers will be competing in the freestyle events. Hayle Hoy and Damien De Sousa will compete in the sessions that will start at 10:30 am and end at lunchtime. Hoy will make her Commonwealth Games debut in the 200m freestyle event, while De Sousa will make a splash in the...

MBABANE – Fresh investigations into the illegal online gambling syndicate have uncovered links between the criminal enterprise and senior politicians, police officers and immigration officials. It is believed that these assisted the criminal enterprise in carrying out its operations without detection. The revelations are contained in fresh court papers filed before the High Court after members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), working alongside INTERPOL forensic specialists and other international law enforcement agencies, successfully extracted information from more than 400 electronic devices seized during coordinated raids that dismantled the alleged syndicate earlier this year. The electronic devices, which include mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, tablets and other digital equipment, were seized from several premises, including Castle Hotel in Mbabane, where police allege the syndicate operated one of its principal command centres. Investigators say the forensic examination has transformed what initially appeared to be an illegal online gambling investigation into...

MBABANE-Eswatini international attacking midfielder Sizwe Gwebu’s future with Uganda Police hangs in the balance if reports surrounding his name are anything to go by. The other international players, such as Lindo ‘Bhabhalazi’ Mkhonta with ZESCO United and Chippa United forward Justice ‘Figa’ Figuareido have already reported to their respective clubs for pre-season. However, allegations indicate that Gwebu remains in the country and is not seeing eye to eye with his club. He should have returned to Uganda over a week ago to resume his duties. It is alleged that there was a breach of contract from the Uganda Police of an outstanding salary of five months. Gwebu confirmed that he was still in Eswatini. “It is true that I have not returned to Uganda. I am still weighing my next move. I am doubtful of returning to Uganda,” he said. Gwebu penned a two-year deal with the side marking his...

HLUThI – Police have launched an investigation following an armed robbery at Our Lady of Sorrows Mission, where a 50-year-old priest was bound by the perpetrators. According to sources, the victim serves as a father at the mission church. Police reported the incident unfolded in the evening of July 18, 2026, at approximately 6:30pm, when father was making his way back to his residence after conducting services at the church. While returning home, the father is reported to have been suddenly approached and confronted by two unidentified men. “The assailants forcibly restrained and tied up the priest before gaining entry into his house. Once inside the residence, the robbers carried ransacked the house and stole electronic devices comprising two mobile phones and two laptop computers,” narrated a source. In addition to the electronics, estimated at a combined value of E19 200, the intruders stole cash in multiple currencies – US$150...