AGP Executive Report

SADC Electoral Watch: SADC will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with refresher training for observers set for 1–4 August and a mission launch planned for 6 August. Local Governance: MPs have called for a probe into alleged administrative bottlenecks at Mbabane City Council, questioning where money collected is going and demanding a report within 14 days. Health & Prevention: NERCHA says many young people in Eswatini still have unprotected sex despite access to condoms, citing partner pressure, financial hardship, and stigma. Public Service & Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee has been launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, to restore academic excellence and improve governance and sustainability. Safety & Justice: A drink-driving offender told Buhleni Circuit Court he only had “a few sips” before being arrested; he was convicted and sentenced to six months or a fine of E800. Community & Culture: Gospel legend Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane will launch a nationwide gospel talent search at Mhlangatane Sports Day as part of his 60th birthday celebrations. Regional Mobility: Eswatini is among Africa’s stronger passports in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 71 destinations. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final.

SADC Election Watch: Malawi Electoral Commission chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead a SADC Electoral Commissions Forum observer mission to Zambia’s 2026 General Election, with the technical team set to monitor key stages from Aug 5–16 and include eSwatini among 10 member commissions. Local Governance Probe: MPs have called for a probe into alleged administrative bottlenecks at the Mbabane City Council, asking the Housing and Urban Development ministry and its portfolio committee to investigate and report within 14 days. Public Service & Health: Eswatini’s NERCHA survey says young people are still having unprotected sex despite condom access, pointing to partner pressure, financial hardship, and stigma as major drivers. Education Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee is now officially underway, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability. Sports & Community: Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final, while PSPF is encouraging members to consider genetic profiling to reduce DNA and inheritance disputes. Economy & Travel: Henley’s 2026 passport ranking puts eSwatini among Africa’s top five strongest passports, with visa-free access to 71 destinations.

HIV Prevention Focus: NERCHA says young people in Eswatini are still having unprotected sex despite access to condoms, with partner pressure, financial hardship, and weak parent-child communication flagged as key drivers, while stigma continues to block prevention, testing and treatment. Public Service Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee has been launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, to implement recommendations from the UNESWA Task Team and World Bank review aimed at restoring academic quality, governance and financial stability. Family DNA Disputes: PSPF is encouraging members to get genetic profile testing so DNA can be stored and used to settle paternity and inheritance disputes after a member dies, reducing conflicts over death benefits. Local Governance Probe: MPs have called for investigations into alleged administrative bottlenecks at Mbabane City Council, including questions about where collected funds go and what happened with a suspended official. Road Safety Case: A Buhleni Circuit Court heard a drink-driving offender claim he only took a few sips before arrest; he was convicted and sentenced to six months or a fine of E800. Tourism & Safety: Triland Tourism Partners reassures travellers that Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique remain open and welcoming, rejecting intimidation, violence and xenophobia after concerns sparked by a viral incident in Mozambique. Sports Spotlight: Nsingizini Hotspurs beat Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final, after a goalless draw. Agribusiness Win: Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, recognised for her cattle and crop farming business and support for women in agribusiness. Sugar Industry Warning: Eswatini Sugar says the sector is at rock bottom despite E8bn revenue, citing global price pressure, lower grower returns and reduced sales volumes.

UNESWA Reforms: Professor Zodwa Motsa has been appointed to chair the University of Eswatini reforms implementation committee, tasked with rolling out recommendations to restore academic quality, governance and financial sustainability. Mbabane City Council Probe: MPs have called for investigations into alleged administrative bottlenecks at the Mbabane Municipal Council, including a request for findings within 14 days. ENPF Board Dissolved: The Eswatini National Provident Fund board has been dissolved with immediate effect after an impasse and concerns it had become dysfunctional, with the ministry citing the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Road Safety Court Case: A Buhleni Circuit Court heard a drink-driving offender say he only took a few sips before being arrested, and he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of E800. Sports—Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final. Agriculture—Entrepreneurship: Eli Khoza won the Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year award, taking home E10,000 for her agribusiness success. Tourism Safety: Triland Tourism Partners urged travellers to stay confident in Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique after safety fears linked to a Ponta do Ouro incident.

Visa updates for Eswatini travellers: Spain has granted visa-free short stays (up to 90 days in any 180 days) to eight African countries including Eswatini, alongside Botswana, Cape Verde, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda and Seychelles—South Africa was left out. Football development: The Eswatini Football Association has appointed Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou as Talent Coach for two years, aiming to strengthen grassroots pathways and national team structures. Tourism safety message: Triland Tourism Partners says Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique remain open and welcoming, after concerns and a viral incident in Ponta do Ouro raised xenophobia fears. Trade and jobs links: A new Taiwan trade promotion office was launched to boost public-private cooperation with diplomatic allies. Regional policy and services: Ehlanzeni District Municipality mayor Enoch Shabangu outlined plans to tackle water shortages, illegal mining and unemployment. Eswatini economy watch: Eswatini Sugar says the industry is at rock bottom despite E8bn revenue, citing weaker global prices and lower grower returns. Sports (Mbabane): Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final. Human stories: A missing teen case at Mfabantfu has resurfaced, with one girl reportedly disappearing again.

Banking Ties: Egypt and Eswatini’s central bank governors met in Cairo to discuss deeper banking cooperation, cash circulation know-how, and Eswatini’s plans to join PAPSS for easier cross-border payments. Sports Spotlight: Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw to book a spot in the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final. Youth & Community: Dumbarton Academy students completed a World Challenge trip in eSwatini, volunteering at a Neighbour Care Point and helping improve facilities. Learning Push: Industrial Court Judge Lungile Msimango urged professionals to embrace lifelong learning as ESAMI launched its Eswatini alumni association. Health & Safety: Eswatini’s sugar industry says it’s at “rock bottom” despite E8bn revenue, citing global price pressure and lower grower returns. Governance: The ENPF board was dissolved after months of dysfunction and an impasse, with the ministry citing the need to protect workers’ savings. Missing Teen Update: One of the Mfabantfu missing girls has disappeared again, according to her mother, as questions continue around the case.

Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs booked a place in the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final after edging Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw, with goalkeeper Sibusiso “Bharaba” Dlamini the hero. Missing Persons: A second 16-year-old girl reported missing at Mfabantfu has disappeared again, according to her mother, after the pair were found earlier in Mbekelweni. Economy/Jobs: Eswatini’s sugar industry is described as “rock bottom” despite E8bn revenue, with global prices blamed for an 8% drop in grower returns and lower sales volumes. Humanitarian Update: OCHA says Mozambique is the only Southern Africa country still facing continuous conflict-driven humanitarian needs in the second quarter, tied to insecurity in Cabo Delgado. Politics/Accountability: Parliament is set to scrutinise Funduzi Forensic Services after explanations about its lead investigator appeared inconsistent. Travel/Immigration: Jamaica confirms visa-free entry for citizens of 16 African countries including Eswatini, while Russia’s unified e-visa list for 2026 includes Eswatini among only a few African states.

Eswatini’s ENPF crisis deepens: The Eswatini National Provident Fund board has been dissolved with immediate effect after months of governance disputes and an impasse, with the Labour minister saying the fund can’t keep operating when its mandate is undermined. Jamaica–Eswatini deportation fallout: Jamaica says two of its three citizens deported by the US to Eswatini have formally declined repatriation to Jamaica, while officials continue trying to contact the third. Regional travel perks: Hong Kong has published a visa-free list for African countries, including Eswatini, with different stay periods; Russia’s unified e-visa list for 2026 also includes Eswatini (along with Kenya and Zimbabwe). Sports governance in focus: Eswatini’s parliamentary sports committee is benchmarking Zimbabwe’s football administration after a benchmarking visit and meetings with key stakeholders. Economy and investment: Eswatini reports five major projects moving into implementation via EIPA, totaling E7.4bn in investments and about 4,850 jobs. Health and society: WHO data flags southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini among the highest-ranked countries.

Jamaica Visa-Free Moves: Jamaica confirmed visa-free entry for citizens of 16 African countries, including Eswatini, South Africa and Ghana, while Nigeria remains excluded. Third-Country Deportations: Jamaica says two of its citizens deported by the US to Eswatini declined repatriation offers, with officials still trying to contact the third man. Eswatini Governance: The ENPF board was dissolved after months of dysfunction and an impasse, with the labour minister citing the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Royal & Culture: King Misuzulu formalised his union with uNdlunkulu KaMawewe, paying 70 cows in a traditional ceremony. Sports Benchmarking: Eswatini’s parliamentary sports committee visited Zimbabwe to learn from football governance and oversight. Regional Travel Rules: Russia’s 2026 unified e-visa list includes only three African countries—Eswatini, Kenya and Zimbabwe—while other Africans must use regular visas. Health Crisis Watch: WHO data flags southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini among the highest in the region.

ENPF Crisis in Eswatini: The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) board has been dissolved with immediate effect after months of governance disputes and failure to meet for over six months, with Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi citing an impasse and the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. US Third-Country Deportations: Jamaica says two of its three citizens deported by the US to Eswatini have formally declined repatriation to Jamaica, while officials continue trying to contact the third man; rights groups have criticised the growing third-country deportation practice. Visa Access for Eswatini: Russia has published its 2026 unified e-visa list, with Eswatini among the few African countries eligible for the scheme. Regional Health Alarm: A WHO update flags southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini listed among the highest-rate countries on the continent. King Mswati on Cooperation: King Mswati III called for stronger African cooperation after receiving credentials from Ghana and Angola envoys, urging implementation of existing agreements. Economy & Jobs: Eswatini’s investment promotion push reports five major projects moving into implementation, totaling E7.4bn in investments and about 4,850 jobs.

US Deportations to Eswatini: Jamaica says two of three citizens deported to Eswatini by the US have formally declined repatriation to Jamaica, telling officials they do not want to return “at this time”; the ministry says it is still trying to reach the third man. Immigration Costs Debate: Eswatini’s Justice Minister Prince Simelane says third-country deportees receive monthly E500 allowances and supervised town visits, after an MP questioned whether the E5.1 million deal covers all 160 deportees. Travel Rules: Russia has published its 2026 unified e-visa list, with Eswatini among the few African countries eligible; separate updates also show visa-free access changes across the region. Public Health Warning: WHO data flags southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini among the highest-ranked countries. Local Events: Organisers expect over 10,000 people at the Embiveni Biggest Braai next weekend, headlined by Makhadzi. Business & Jobs: Eswatini says five investment projects moved into implementation via EIPA, totaling E7.4bn and about 4,850 jobs. Consumer Alert: A Ford transmission recall covers some 2026 Transit and Tourneo models sold in Eswatini, with free inspections and repairs urged.

Third-Country Deportations: Jamaica says two of three citizens deported by the US to Eswatini have declined repatriation to Jamaica, telling officials they want to return to their families in the US instead, while Jamaica is still trying to contact the third man. Parliament Oversight: In Eswatini, MPs questioned the safety and cost of the US third-country deportation arrangement after claims that deportees receive E500 monthly allowances and are occasionally taken on supervised town visits. Visa Moves for Eswatini: Spain has added Eswatini to a 2026 visa-free list for ordinary passport holders for short stays up to 90 days, and DR Congo published its 2026 eVisa eligibility list that includes Eswatini. Health Alert: WHO data shows Southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Eswatini listed among the highest rates on the continent. Disability Inclusion: UNESCO-backed support helped Eswatini launch and operationalise its first costed National Disability Plan to accelerate disability inclusion.

WHO Internship Access: The World Health Organisation opened its Global Internship Programme to citizens of all 194 member states, including Eswatini and dozens of African countries, with placements across Switzerland and offices worldwide. Investment Push: Five projects moved from planning to implementation via EIPA, unlocking E7.4bn investment and an estimated 4,850 jobs, according to a Commerce ministry report tabled in Parliament. Disability Inclusion: UNESCO-backed support helped Eswatini launch its first costed National Disability Plan, with a framework covering coordination, education, health, jobs, social protection and more. Third-Country Deportations: Eswatini’s Justice ministry says US third-country deportees receive monthly E500 allowances and get supervised town visits, as MPs question safety risks and the total cost for up to 160 deportees. Land Claim Tension: Eswatini urged South Africa to return land it says belongs to the kingdom, citing historical boundary treaties and a 2025 Border Restoration Committee. Regional Mobility: Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago published visa-free lists that include Eswatini, while Spain added Eswatini to its short-stay visa waiver for Schengen travel. Local Skills: A cellphone repair training programme launched at Vulamasango School is set to expand into community iHubs, aiming to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship.

Immigration Update: Two Jamaican nationals deported to Eswatini say they do not want to return to Jamaica for now, with Jamaica’s foreign ministry saying consular help is ongoing and a third man is still being contacted. Transport Safety: The National Consumer Commission has recalled certain 2026 Ford Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vehicles sold in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini due to a transmission fault that can cause loss of first gear or reverse; owners are urged to get free inspection and repairs at authorised dealers. Regional Trade: Botswana has taken over SACU chairmanship from South Africa for the next 12 months, with leadership roles shifting across the Summit, Council of Ministers and Commission. Local Economy: Eswatini’s sugar industry reported E8bn revenue in 2025/26, despite tough global prices and rising costs, citing improved sales and production performance. Youth & Skills: A cellphone repair training programme launched at Vulamasango School aims to expand into community iHubs, giving unemployed and out-of-school youth practical digital skills and entrepreneurship support. Sports Calendar: ENPF has opened registrations for the 2026 Imbube Marathon, warning fees rise after July 30. Connectivity & Business: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years in telecom with a grand draw on August 1, awarding nine customers E10,000 each (E90,000 total).

Eswatini Telecom & Skills: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years with a grand draw on August 1, awarding nine customers E10,000 each (E90,000 total), while a new cellphone repair training programme at Vulamasango School could expand into community iHubs nationwide. Consumer & Safety: The National Consumer Commission has recalled certain 2026 Ford Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vehicles in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini due to a transmission defect that may cause loss of first gear or reverse; owners are urged to visit authorised dealers for free inspection and repair. Migration & Travel Rules: Spain has added nine CARICOM countries to its visa-free list and also granted visa-free short stays (up to 90 days) for ordinary passport holders from eight African countries including Eswatini; South Africa and Zimbabwe also continue publishing visa-free entry lists for African travellers in 2026. Justice & Accountability: Regional women MPs say they face emotional abuse and unclear roles in Parliament, calling for changes to election laws. Public Order: HMCS has launched a manhunt after an inmate escaped from Matsapha Correctional Centre. Local Governance & Oversight: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accuses the Auditor General of procedural unfairness over forensic reports tied to a drug recall investigation.

Telecom & Prizes: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years in the market with a grand finale draw on August 1, awarding nine customers E10,000 each (E90,000 total). Public Safety: HMCS has launched a manhunt for inmate Banele Messia Matsebula after his escape from Matsapha Correctional Centre around 2pm; he’s serving a five-year SODV sentence. Broadcasting: IconConnect says its proposed Free-to-Air commercial radio licence could bring more listener-shaped programming, pending ESCCOM’s public consultation. Governance & Accountability: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accuses Auditor General Timothy Matsebula of abusing office and breaching fairness in forensic drug/medicine investigations. Regional Mobility: South Africa’s 2026 visa-free list includes Eswatini, while Spain’s 2026 policy grants visa-free short stays (up to 90 days) to Eswatini among eight African countries. Sports: ENPF urges early registration for the 2026 Imbube Marathon before July 30, warning fees rise by E100 after the early-bird deadline.