AGP Executive Report

Parliament Watch: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has tabled a motion challenging Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s leadership, adding to a growing list of MPs questioning the premier on governance, budgets and major national projects. Anti-Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post after allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports, with charges laid under the Prevention of Corruption Act. UN Presence: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN’s work in Eswatini is not shrinking, but being strengthened under a restructured operating model. Health Funding Scrutiny: The Auditor General warns that slow grant absorption in the health sector is hurting implementation of a Global Fund HIV/TB project, leaving large balances unspent while services remain under pressure. Diplomacy: Eswatini’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Taiwan-Eswatini ties remain solid after reports of debate in Cabinet about switching to China. Sports: Mbabane Highlanders have axed captain Siphamandla “Maphara” Maseko and several other players as they overhaul their squad ahead of the new campaign. Regional Trade: SACU meetings are set for CTICC2 in Cape Town from 18–26 June, bringing together heads of state and ministers including Eswatini.

UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not shrinking its footprint, but strengthening it under a restructured model that keeps staff working locally even when some representatives are based elsewhere. Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested for allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports at Ngwenya Border Post. Health Funding Worry: The Auditor General flags slow absorption of Global Fund grants under the SWZ-C-NERCHA HIV/TB project, warning that delays come as the health sector remains under pressure. Diplomacy Update: Eswatini’s Foreign Affairs ministry says Taiwan-Eswatini ties remain solid after reports of debate over switching to China. Regional Trade Talks: SACU meetings are set for Cape Town’s CTICC2 from 18–26 June, bringing together leaders and ministers including Eswatini to discuss customs and cross-border trade. Local Business & Service: Eswatini Housing Board rolls out a real-time NPS feedback platform to improve customer service. Immigration Policy Abroad: Ireland announces new visa requirements for Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Nicaragua from 15 June. World Cup Culture: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut is drawing diaspora celebrations, with fans in Atlanta and beyond gearing up for the opener against Spain on 15 June.

World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde’s first World Cup run is already drawing global attention, from fans gathering at US airports to the Group H opener against Spain on Monday (June 15, 5pm BST). Local Culture & Fashion: Eswatini’s fashion talent took centre stage at the MTN Bushfire Festival, with media personality Phiwo Dhlamini wearing local designs to spotlight homegrown craftsmanship. Health System Pressure: Eswatini’s Auditor General warns slow grant absorption is hurting the health sector, as Global Fund money meant for HIV/TB work remains sluggish. Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee reports critical staff shortages at Mbabane Government Hospital across nearly every department, with doctor-to-patient ratios far beyond sustainable limits. Customer Service Push: The Eswatini Housing Board rolls out a real-time NPS feedback platform to let customers shape service delivery. Immigration & Rights: Reports say the US has deported migrants, including Iranians and Afghans, to the conflict-hit Central African Republic despite travel warnings, raising fresh legal and human-rights concerns.

Deportation Crisis: A US deportation flight landed in the Central African Republic carrying nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey and Georgia, with lawyers warning that people who had legal protections may be forced back to the countries they fled. Health Funding Watch: Eswatini’s Auditor General says slow absorption of health grants is hurting implementation of a Global Fund HIV/TB project, despite billions in the health budget. Local Health System Strain: Parliament’s probe into Mbabane Government Hospital points to critical staff shortages across departments, with doctors and nurses stretched far beyond sustainable levels. Diplomacy & Taiwan: Eswatini’s MOFA says Taiwan ties remain solid after reports of debate in Cabinet and parliament over any shift toward China. Regional Trade Talks: SACU meetings are set for CTICC2 in Cape Town from 18–26 June, bringing together leaders from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. Business & Services: Eswatini Mobile praised its sales team during quarterly refresher training, while Spar eyes own-brand labels to lift margins. Community & Culture: Sikhanyiso Khumalo’s story highlights culture, identity and heritage preservation through “art without borders.”

Science & Digital Push: Eswatini’s National Science Month 2026 opened at UNESWA Kwaluseni, with South Africa’s Science Minister Blade Nzimande urging SADC to treat science, tech and innovation as urgent priorities to close the digital divide and tackle climate, health, food and governance challenges. Regional Trade Talks: Cape Town’s CTICC2 will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, bringing together heads of state, ministers and officials from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa to discuss customs and ways to boost regional trade. Court Update (AKA/Tibz): Seven men accused in the AKA and Tibz murder case appeared in Durban High Court; the matter was postponed to 13 August for pre-trial steps, with the trial set for October–November. Health Systems Pressure: At the World Health Assembly, countries including Eswatini backed stronger, accountable systems to eliminate cervical cancer, focusing on HPV vaccination, community screening and better referral and treatment. Mbabane Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee report says Mbabane Government Hospital faces critical staff shortages across nearly every department, with long-unfilled posts linked to hiring freezes and slow replacement processes. Scam Alert (ERS): An ERS employee told court she was duped by “facata” scammers into a loan of over E340,000 after a WhatsApp call impersonating police and a bank official. World Cup Fever (Eswatini link): Cape Verde qualified for their first World Cup by beating Eswatini 3-0, and will open Group H against Spain on 15 June in Atlanta. Deportation Fallout (US/CAR): The US deported about 20 migrants, including Iranians and Afghans, to the conflict-hit Central African Republic, where the State Department warns Americans not to travel “for any reason.”

Mbabane Government Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee says Mbabane Government Hospital is short-staffed across nearly every department, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 1:100 and nursing units stretched beyond sustainable levels, while vacant posts can sit unfilled for over 18 months due to a hiring freeze and slow centralised replacements. Scam Watch (ERS): In Manzini Magistrate’s Court, an ERS worker testified that “facata” scammers used a WhatsApp call posing as police and a bank official to trick her into a loan of over E340 000, siphoning E267 500 from her account. Local Health Support: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets worth E20 000 to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital through its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative. Cross-Border Justice (AKA-Tibz): In Durban High Court, the AKA and Tibz Motsoane murder trial was pushed back after pre-trial issues, with the trial now expected to run from 5 October to 8 November and a further pre-trial conference set for 13 August. Digital Services: Google says Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Eswatini among supported locales. World Cup Build-Up: Cape Verde qualified for the 2026 World Cup for the first time after beating Eswatini 3-0, setting up a debut group stage against Spain.

Visa Update: Eswatini travellers face new Ireland visa rules from 15 June, as Minister Colm Brophy aligns Ireland with UK/Schengen practices. Courtroom Developments: The AKA and Tibz Motsoane murder case in Durban has been pushed back, with all seven accused appearing together and the trial now set for 5 October–8 November; the State will also help the defence seek better prison access for consultations. Immigration Scrutiny: A complaint says U.S. immigrants deported to Eswatini are held indefinitely in maximum security with limited medical care, food and clothing, with no clear way to challenge detention. Health & Tech in Eswatini: Eswatini Mobile donates 80 blankets to Mbabane Government Hospital, while MTN promotes digital health via the Siswati-localised Notsa Health App. Anti-Corruption at Borders: South Africa-Eswatini border anti-corruption efforts intensify at Oshoek Port of Entry through a multi-agency forum led by the SIU. Digital Research: Eswatini researchers report targeted sequencing uncovering TB drug resistance missed by routine tests.

Women Farmers’ Policy Push: The Rural Women’s Assembly of Southern Africa urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, saying rural women already hold solutions for resilient food systems. Eswatini TB Breakthrough: Researchers in Eswatini used targeted next-generation sequencing to uncover TB drug resistance (rifampicin and bedaquiline) that routine tests may miss, raising alarm over treatment failures. Court Update (Mbabane): A man accused of running a Bushfire Festival ticket scam appeared in the Mbabane Magistrate’s Court, facing multiple theft-by-false-pretences counts tied to fake payment proofs. Digital Banking Win: EswatiniBank’s Transact Nomakuphi draw paid out E10 000 to five customers, rewarding people for using digital channels. Local Governance/Jobs: Parliament heard that the ENPF board is dysfunctional, with MPs pushing for a select committee to investigate the impasse. Regional Trade & Finance: SADC finance officials called for stronger cooperation to protect regional financial systems and curb illicit flows, noting vulnerabilities across member economies. World Cup Buzz: Group H fixtures and standings are out as the 2026 tournament kicks off, with Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in focus.

Detention and deportation fallout: A complaint to the African Commission says Trump-deported men sent to Eswatini were unaware of their destination and have been held in maximum-security prison with little chance to challenge detention. Trade and tariffs: A new analysis argues Eswatini’s exclusion from China’s preferential tariff framework is driven by missing institutional support, including China not having an embassy in Mbabane. Digital money push: MTN says its Mobile Money API is helping businesses create new revenue streams, including easier payments for sectors like healthcare. Cross-border migration pressure: Eswatini freight drivers welcomed Ramaphosa’s call for regional, head-of-state level solutions to undocumented immigration, warning road freight underpins much of the economy. Finance and governance: Parliament is set to investigate the dysfunctional Eswatini National Provident Fund board after months without a functioning board. Regional cooperation: SADC finance ministers urged stronger anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing collaboration, noting only a few states, including Eswatini, have signed the agreement. Travel update: South African passport holders gained visa-free access to Togo, bringing visa-free destinations to 101. Local business win: EswatiniBank’s Transact Nomakuphi draw paid out E10 000 to five customers for using digital banking.

South Africa–Eswatini ties: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says Eswatini will deepen cooperation with South Africa in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including work toward a SADC University of Technology. ENPF board crisis: Eswatini MPs say the Eswatini National Provident Fund board is dysfunctional, with only the CEO left, as Parliament moves to investigate the impasse behind the seven-month deadlock. Court and banking: The High Court dismissed a bid by Petros Masithela Nxumalo for summary judgment against Standard Bank Eswatini in a claim of over E45.9 million tied to an Old Mutual insurance policy document. Money and stability: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it is keeping a cautious monetary stance, maintaining the discount rate at 6.75% to cushion households from imported inflation shocks. Trade and compliance: SADC is urged to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing cooperation, with Eswatini among the few states that have signed the regional agreement. Regional health: Kenya and Uganda launched an Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia border with ECSA-HC support, focusing on screening gaps and procedures. World Cup link to Eswatini: Cape Verde’s World Cup qualification came after a 3-0 win over Eswatini in qualifiers, with the “Blue Sharks” now set for their debut.

ENPF Deadlock: Eswatini MPs say the Eswatini National Provident Fund board is effectively dysfunctional, with only the CEO left, and have pushed for a seven-member select committee to investigate the impasse within 14 days. Higher Education Ties: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed Eswatini’s push to deepen cooperation with South Africa in higher education, science, innovation and ICT after a courtesy visit by SA’s Blade Nzimande. Customs & Trade Rules: With free trade agreements multiplying, Eswatini is among countries benefiting from WCO-supported training of origin-determination experts to help customs and businesses use preferential rules correctly. Green Business Push: Green entrepreneurs across the region, including eSwatini, are invited to pitch for funding in the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, with entries closing 30 June. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s natural resources minister stressed that shared river management under INMACOM is key for economic resilience, food security and climate preparedness. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe has been placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list, while the index again flags serious labour-rights concerns across several countries.

ENPF Deadlock: Eswatini MP Marwick Khumalo says the ENPF Board is now effectively dysfunctional with only CEO Futhi Tembe remaining, pushing for a seven-member select committee to investigate the impasse within 14 days. Community Support: Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla, Siphocosini MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula served meals and food packs to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting growth from cooking under a tree to a structured support centre for orphaned and vulnerable children. Youth & Culture: Twelve backing vocalists were selected after auditions to join gospel star Dr Tumi at Mbabane Alliance Church on July 5. Water & Climate Risk: A warning note says Eswatini cannot afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño signals for late 2026 increase, urging continued monitoring and preparedness. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared river cooperation under INMACOM is key to economic resilience, food security and climate readiness for Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde launched commemorative stamps marking its first World Cup qualification, after beating Eswatini 3-0 in qualifiers.

SADC Anti-Money Laundering Push: Botswana’s acting finance minister Wynter Mmolotsi urged SADC states to strengthen cooperation against illicit financial flows, warning that import dependence, weak diversification and external shocks are hitting trade, food security, energy and financial stability. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC global workers’ rights watch list after reported deterioration in protections for trade unionists, with arbitrary arrests and detentions cited. Local Care in Action: Eswatini’s DPM Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula joined hands to serve meals to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point. ENPF Board Dispute: Minister Apollo Maphalala defended Derrick Shiba’s appointment to the ENPF board, saying the law was followed and rejecting claims from a confidential legal opinion. Court on Police Torture: The High Court found two police officers liable for torturing a Lubombo mechanic, ordering damages to be determined later. Mbabane Water Disruption: EWSC announced planned water supply interruptions in many Mbabane areas today (5am–7pm), with restoration expected by 10am tomorrow. Central Bank Reserves: The CBE says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, as it reports reserve levels and import cover. World Cup Build-Up: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut is in focus after qualifying with a 3-0 win over Eswatini, setting up Group H clashes with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Central Banking Watch: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it will stick with a cautious approach to inflation shocks, keeping the discount rate unchanged and leaning on tools beyond interest rates to protect households. Court & Police Accountability: A High Court ruling found two police officers liable for unlawfully arresting, detaining and torturing a Lubombo mechanic to force a confession, with damages to be determined later. Water & Daily Life: EWSC warns of a planned Mbabane-area water interruption today (5am–7pm) for maintenance, with supply expected to be restored by 10am tomorrow. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared river cooperation is now an economic necessity, as INMACOM brings Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique together on Incomati and Maputo basins. ENPF Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defends the appointment of ENPF board member Derrick Shiba, arguing his ministry followed the law amid a seven-month impasse. World Cup Buzz (Cape Verde): Cape Verde’s first World Cup run is in focus, with Group H matchups including Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Ebola readiness at the border: Kenya and Uganda have launched a joint assessment at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to check Ebola preparedness, screening systems and Standard Operating Procedures, using WHO tools to spot gaps and fix them fast. Water and health at home: EWSC says Mbabane and surrounding areas will see a planned water interruption today (5am–7pm) for maintenance, with supply expected back by 10am tomorrow. Regional water security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared rivers are key to economic growth, speaking at INMACOM’s council meeting on managing the Incomati and Maputo basins. AI skills for public service: UNESWA and the Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy and responsible use. Governance dispute: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defended ENPF board chair Derrick Shiba’s appointment, saying his ministry followed the law amid a board deadlock. Economy and reserves: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, as reserves management continues to be strengthened. World Cup spotlight: Cape Verde prepare for their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, drawn in Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Immigration Reality Check: Despite rising anti-immigrant pressure in South Africa, IOM and UNHCR say there’s been no surge in requests for assisted returns, even as regional states like Nigeria and Ghana plan repatriations. Water Woes in Mbabane: EWSC warns of a planned water interruption today (5am–7pm) across many Mbabane areas, with supply expected back by 10am tomorrow. Central Bank Update: Eswatini’s central bank says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, as it seeks to strengthen reserves and manage global risks. Regional Trade Spotlight (SACU): Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed SACU’s role as a key customs union pillar for regional and global economic arrangements. Children’s Month Focus: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal WASH access for every child, linking safe water and sanitation to health and education. AI Skills for ERS: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Food Prices Warning: Tiger Brands cautions that fuel, logistics and input costs may force some food price increases in coming months. Health & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare as countries expand related services. Diplomacy Tensions: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing over alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing pressure on flight clearances. Sports & Culture: Comrades Marathon countdown continues ahead of June 14, while Miss Universe Zimbabwe delegates visited Baradzanwa Cultural Village in Zimbabwe.