Swaziland Newsletter No. 949 – 23 October 2026

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 949 – 23 October 2026

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

Serious corruption at ICT – Bennett

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times of eSwatini, 21 October 2026

SOURCE 

LOBAMBA: Businessman and former Senator Walter Bennett yesterday challenged senators to give him an opportunity to present information relating to what he described as serious corruption allegations at the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT).

This happened yesterday during a session where stakeholders were given an opportunity to make their submissions on the loan Bills that are currently being financed by government, through the Ministry of Finance.

Bennett said he was prepared to share information in his possession regarding the alleged corruption, provided senators guaranteed that it would be protected and that appropriate action would be taken.

He asked the Chairperson of the Senate Portfolio Committee of the Ministry of Finance, Tony Sibandze, how he should voluntarily share the information he had and who exactly he should engage.

“I will do this if you make an undertaking that this information will not be turned into something else. I can avail myself and present in person, after which you can invite me and I can present one or two documents,” he said.

In his characteristically outspoken manner, the businessman said he was even willing to appear before senators and volunteer the information in person but, insisted that he needed assurances that the information would not be disregarded.

The former senator raised the matter while making his submissions on the three proposed Finance Bills, one of them being the one that is meant for the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC).

The former senator first warned that Parliament must stop approving public funding without first ensuring that corruption and accountability concerns within the corporation had been addressed.

Bennett said Parliament would be passing loan Bills worth millions of Emalangeni involving the ministry, yet questions remained unanswered about the circumstances under which a senior officer was removed.

He said no explanation had been given regarding the removal, adding that the issue could also be discussed.

To read more of this report, click here

https://times.co.sz/46774/news/serious-corruption-at-ict-bennett/

 

Police ordered to pay E380 000 for torture

By Sibusiso Tsabedze, eSwatini Observer, 16 October 2026

SOURCE 

The High Court has ordered government and the national commissioner of police to pay E380 000 in damages to a man who was unlawfully arrested, assaulted and tortured by police officers who allegedly used a plastic bag to suffocate him during interrogation.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, Judge Sabelo Masuku awarded Sandile William Hlongwane E180 000 for unlawful arrest and detention and E200 000 for pain and suffering arising from the assault and torture he endured while in police custody.

The court also ordered the defendants to pay interest at 9% per annum on the E380 000, calculated from the date of judgment until final payment, together with legal costs for both the liability and damages assessment proceedings. Judge Masuku strongly condemned the torture method used by the investigating officers, describing it as incompatible with a civilised justice system.

“The method restraining a helpless, handcuffed suspect supine on a bench with hands cuffed beneath and inducing slow asphyxiation by sealing his face with a plastic bag, offends every tenet of a civilised system of justice,” the judge stated. He said the method violated the absolute prohibition against torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under Section 18(2) of the Constitution of Eswatini. “There can be no justification, no circumstances and no duty that can excuse it. It is abhorrent to the conscience of this court and to all right-thinking members of society,” Justice Masuku said.

The judgment follows an earlier ruling delivered on June 4 in which the court found the defendants liable for Hlongwane’s unlawful arrest and detention on August 15, 2020 as well as his assault and torture by Constable Detective Shiba and Constable Tsabedze.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/police-ordered-to-pay-e380-000-for-torture/

 

Civil society welcomes sex offenders register move

By Bongiwe Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 19 October 2026

SOURCE

 

SWAGAA Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini and One Billion Rising Eswatini Coordinator Colani Hlatjwako

Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini said the development was long overdue, considering that the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act was enacted in 2018.

The reaction follows government’s move towards operationalising the National Register for Sex Offenders by advertising the post of Registrar of the National Register for Sex Offenders. The post was advertised by the Civil Service Commission (CS). The recruitment marks a step towards putting the register into operation, following years in which provisions of the SODV Act had yet to be fully implemented.

The need for the register is contained under Part IX, Sections 56 to 59 of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act, 2018.

The register is intended to support the implementation of the law by providing a mechanism for recording sex offenders in accordance with the applicable legal requirements, strengthening efforts. She said the organisation was hopeful that the register would achieve its intended purpose of protecting children, women and other vulnerable groups from repeat offenders.

“We are happy that finally government is working on operationalising the National Register for Sex Offenders,” said Dlamini. She explained that, without an operational register, convicted sex offenders have been able to secure employment in environments where children were present, exposing minors to the risk of sexual abuse.

Dlamini said some offenders deliberately sought employment in places that brought them into close contact with children, making it necessary to have a system that would prevent repeat offenders from accessing such opportunities.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/14946/

 

Campaigning for elections illegal for now – AG

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times of eSwatini, 16 October 2026

SOURCE 

SIBEBE – Hold your horses!

The campaign trail for the 2028 general elections has not yet officially opened, and anyone campaigning at this stage could be committing an offence.

Attorney General (AG) Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo has warned aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs) and those hoping to be re-elected that campaigning before the legally permitted period is against the law, cautioning that those who engage in the practice could face legal consequences if sufficient evidence is produced.

Khumalo was speaking during the final day of the retreat for MPs held at Sibebe Resort, where the legality of activities by aspiring candidates ahead of the 2028 national elections was questioned.

The issue was raised by Nkhaba MP Hope Shiba, who expressed concern over what he described as widespread campaigning across the country, coinciding with the Elections and Boundaries Commission’s (EBC) voter education and registration activities.

Shiba told the retreat that some individuals who are not sitting MPs were allegedly using community projects and other initiatives to market themselves to voters ahead of the elections.

He said some aspiring candidates were reportedly securing projects through Microprojects, raising questions about whether such activities amounted to campaigning before the official campaign period.

The MP said he had approached the EBC seeking clarity on the matter, but was reportedly informed that there was nothing wrong with individuals marketing themselves ahead of the elections.

This, he said, left him questioning the distinction between marketing oneself and actively campaigning for political office, as well as whether such activities could undermine the transparency of the electoral process.

Responding to the concerns, Khumalo maintained that the campaign period had not yet opened and that campaigning at this stage is unlawful.

“Campaigning now is against the law. It is an offence, but an offence must be accompanied by evidence,” he said.

The AG, however, explained that distinguishing between ordinary community assistance and electioneering could be challenging, as providing food parcels or other forms of assistance to members of the public did not automatically amount to campaigning.

To read more of this report, click here

https://times.co.sz/46449/news/campaigning-for-elections-illegal-for-now-ag/

 

See also

MPs fear losing in 2028 elections (Times of eSwatini)

https://times.co.sz/46518/news/mps-fear-losing-in-2028-elections/

Screen parliamentary candidates for criminal records (eSwatini Positive News)

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/screen-parliamentary-candidates-for-criminal-records-bulandzeni-indvuna/

 

Army Commander Lieutenant General Moses Mashikilisane Fakudze orders soldiers to collectively contribute R1million for his ‘goodbye’ party

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 17 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Army Commander Lieutenant General Moses Mashikilisane Fakudze has ordered all soldiers in the country to collectively contribute over R1million for his farewell party, he is highly expected to leave Office on the 11th November 2026 should His Majesty King Mswati decides not to renew his contract.

Colonel Delisa Tsabedze formed a Whatsap Group titled “UEDF Comd’s Contributions” and then added other senior Army officers and currently, the Group has over twenty (20) members and some are leaving it in large numbers.

Eswatini has about six thousand (6000) soldiers and the expected contributions amount to R1.2million with each soldier expected to contribute two hundred Rands (R200.00).

Lieutenent General Collen Lasco was added as a member of the Whatsap Group together with Major General Thabo Luhlanga, Major General Magongo, Brigadier General Phahlane Dlamini, Brigadier General Hoppy Vilakati, Brigadier General Nhlanhla Zwane, Colonel Mduduzi Mntambo, Colonel Victor Manyatsi, Colonel Phindile Mmema, Brigadier General Raymond Ndwandwe and Major General Moses Magongo.

But at the time of compiling this report, some of the Generals were leaving the Whatsap Group in large numbers after being added by Colonel Delisa Tsabedze and this journalist will obtain further information from the Whatsap Group as the preparations for the Army Commander’s farewell party continue this week.

Army Spokesperson Major Sandile Gwebu declined to comment about the Whatsap Group seeking to harvest money from the financially struggling soldiers for his farewell party.

But the Army Commander addressed the Commanding Officers on Friday formally informing them about the idea of organizing the “farewell party” for him, he then pleaded with them not to leak the information to this journalist.

“Sengesaba nekukhuluma ngoba ngeke kuphele ngisho ten (10) minutes utawubese sekabhalile Zwemart kutsi bengitsini lana”, said the Army Commander.

 

6 012 girls receive HPV vaccine in 10 days

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi, eSwatini Positive News, 20 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: A total of 6 012 schoolgirls have received Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses in Eswatini in just 10 days, as the Ministry of Health intensifies efforts to protect children against cervical cancer.

According to the ministry’s latest update, the figures were recorded between October 7 and 16, 2026, under the ongoing school-based HPV vaccination campaign targeting nine-year-old girls.

Of the total number vaccinated, 5 911 girls received their first dose, while 101 received their second dose, reflecting the campaign’s efforts to reach eligible children at different stages of vaccination.

The exercise involves health practitioners visiting primary schools across the country to administer the vaccine, while also reaching girls who missed their previous doses.

The campaign is aimed at strengthening early protection against HPV, a virus responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/6-012-girls-receive-hpv-vaccine-in-10-days/

See also

Alcohol and obesity fuel eSwatini’s chronic disease crisis (eSwatini Positive News)

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/alcohol-and-obesity-fuel-eswatinis-chronic-disease-crisis/

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 948 – 16 October 2026

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 948 – 16 October 2026

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

eSwatini Parliament’s vigorous debate calls upon Government to take over public transport or subsidize

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 12 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Eswatini, a tiny Kingdom where about 70% of the population lives below the poverty line has already started experiencing the negative impact of the ongoing United States-Israel war against Iran that triggered a surge in fuel prices, resulting to an increase in the costs of basic commodities.

Proposed bus fares increase has started to dominate the public discourse as Parliament debates the issue and this, comes as public transport owners struggle to sustain their businesses amid the ever increasing costs of fuel.

Senator Lorraine Nxumalo suggested that, just like in other countries, Government must consider taking over the public transport industry and provide buses, kombis and shuttles at affordable prices.

“In other countries, Government is fully involved in the operations of the public transport industry and our Government must consider doing the same or subsidize the industry”, she said.

King’s appointee Senator Princess Ncengencenge warned about a looming chaos and surge in suicide cases amid frustration triggered by financial challenges, the Senator said a majority of emaSwati are financially broke and cannot afford the bus fares surge.

“We might see an increase in suicide cases as a result of frustration, the issue of public transport fares is very serious and does not only affect the owners but all emaSwati and other businesses outside the transport industry”, said the Senator.

But some Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Assembly supported other MPs who run public transport businesses.

Manzini Regional MP Thandeka Mavuso and Sigwe MP David Cruizer Ngcamphalala expressed full support for the proposed bus fares increase, citing high costs of running public transport businesses and surge in fuel prices.

See also

Should Govt subsidise buses to keep fares affordable? (eSwatini Positive News)

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/should-govt-subsidise-buses-to-keep-fares-affordable/

 

 

Pastors take GBV fight to the streets, call for a peaceful eSwatini

By Noxolo Dlamini, eSwatini Positive News, 10 October 2026

SOURCE

 

PIGG’S PEAK: Church leaders took a strong stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), marching from the Pigg’s Peak Post Office to the Church of God of Prophecy in a call for the nation to unite against the killing of women and children.

The march was aimed at raising awareness about GBV and encouraging citizens across the country to reject all forms of violence, as pastors called for a peaceful society where women and children can live without fear.

Goodwill Tsabedze pastor at the Church of God of Prophecy, Ndzingeni Branch, said the initiative was intended to sensitise the entire nation about gender-based violence, noting that public awareness was important in building a peaceful country.

Tsabedze said initiatives of this nature could contribute towards achieving peace by encouraging people to recognise the seriousness of GBV and take a united stand against it.

The march provided church leaders with an opportunity to communicate their position on violence and call on communities to become part of the efforts to address the problem.

The pastors condemned the killing of women and children, highlighting the need to protect vulnerable members of society and promote respect for human life.

GBV remains a concern that requires cooperation among families, communities, churches and other stakeholders. Raising awareness is one way of encouraging people to speak out against abuse, support victims and challenge behaviours that contribute to violence.

Churches also have an important role to play in community awareness by using their platforms to promote peace, respect and responsible behaviour. Through their congregations and outreach activities, religious leaders can encourage people to reject violence and support those affected by abuse.

The march in Pigg’s Peak therefore served as a call for collective responsibility, urging citizens not to remain silent in the face of violence against women and children.

The route from the Post Office to the Church of God of Prophecy carried the message of the church leaders into the community, reinforcing their call for a society that values and protects every life.

As the pastors continue to advocate against GBV, their message remains clear: ending violence requires awareness, unity and a commitment from every member of society to promote peace.

See also

‘No to GBV!’ church leaders call for an end to killing of women and children (eSwatini Positive News)

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/no-to-gbv-church-leaders-call-for-an-end-to-killing-of-women-and-children/

 

Politicians say no to forfeiting gifts

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times of eSwatini, 14 October 2026

SOURCE 

SIBEBE: Members of Parliament (MPs), including Cabinet ministers, have expressed strong reservations about the proposed legislation that would require them to declare and forfeit gifts valued at E5 000 or more.

This transpired during the MPs’ retreat at Sibebe Resort, where the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration/Integrity presented the Leadership Code of Conduct Bill, 2025, which seeks to regulate the conduct of public officers, including parliamentarians.

The proposed legislation sets out restrictions on the acceptance of gifts, donations and hospitality by public officers, with the argument being that these could influence their official duties or decisions.

Under the Bill, gifts, donations or commissions received by public officers in their official capacity would not automatically become their personal property.

Instead, such items would be regarded as belonging to government or the organisation represented by the recipient, with the official required to declare them to the relevant institution.

The Bill specifically states that public officers should not directly or indirectly accept property, gifts or hospitality valued at E5 000 or above where these are likely to influence them to perform certain favours.

For MPs, it was explained during the retreat that gifts falling within the provisions would have to be declared and forfeited to Parliament.

However, the proposals did not appear to sit well with some legislators, who were heard grumbling as the presentation progressed. Some openly suggested that the Bill would never see the light of day.

The session also brought to the fore the cultural significance of gift-giving in Eswatini, with MPs arguing that receiving gifts, including livestock, was a longstanding practice in their communities.

It was explained that traditional leaders could receive gifts as part of Eswatini culture, while pastors could also be given gifts by members of their congregations.

Some MPs revealed that they had received goats and cattle on numerous occasions, with a few joking that the number of animals they had accumulated had forced them to build kraals. Before the MPs made their submissions, Speaker of the House of Assembly Jabulani Mabuza clarified that the Bill had been tabled in Parliament but had not yet been passed into law.

To read more of this report, click here

https://times.co.sz/46322/news/politicians-say-no-to-forfeiting-gifts/

 

PS Naniki seeks MPs’ guidance on female pupils’ trousers ban

By Sabelo Majola, eSwatini Observer, 15 October 2026

SOURCE 

The ministry of education and training is seeking guidance from Parliament on whether to review the 2017 school uniform policy or continue implementing it in its current form, particularly on the ban of trousers at schools.

Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi said this while addressing Members of Parliament (MPs) during the second day of their three-day retreat at Sibebe Resort yesterday.

Mnisi acknowledged that Emaswati have constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, but these rights should be exercised responsibly and should not undermine the rights of others.

She said every school fell under a chieftaincy and that pupils were expected to observe a standard of dresscode that respected the country’s traditions and way of life.

The PS said it was customary for locals to dress decently when visiting places such as royal kraals and argued that the same respect should be observed at schools.

She clarified that the ministry’s position did not mean it was encouraging female pupils to wear short skirts simply because trousers were not permitted. Instead, she said parents and guardians had a responsibility to ensure that children were properly and decently dressed.

Mnisi said the ministry was concerned about the safety of pupils, particularly girls, alleging that some men viewed those dressed inappropriately as targets for their sexual desires rather than as pupils whose futures needed to be protected.

She said these men included teachers, workers in the transport industry and others. The PS said the ministry could not fold its arms and do nothing while pupils faced the risk of sexual abuse, adding that some eventually became rape victims.

Mnisi further clarified that the dresscode was not her personal policy but a government policy dating back to 2017. She said the policy had been deliberately developed with relevant education stakeholders before receiving Cabinet approval.

According to Mnisi, she was simply an instrument of government tasked with implementing its policies and was not imposing her personal beliefs on schools. She said she should therefore not be regarded as being ‘offside’ for enforcing the policy, as some people had concluded. Instead, she said, any criticism of the policy should be directed at government, which had approved it.

“We have just celebrated the Teachers Day recently where each selected school won a prize of E5 000 for dressing decently. That is what we encourage as a ministry. We want to see pupils dressed properly and decently,” she said.

Mnisi also pointed to school uniform practices in other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, saying pupils wore uniforms that covered their knees and were presentable. She said the ministry wanted similar standards to prevail locally.

However, Mnisi acknowledged that there had been informal feedback suggesting that many parents and guardians wanted their children to be allowed to dress as they considered fit and proper. She said the ministry could not do much about that without further guidance from Parliament, on whether the existing policy should be reviewed or maintained. The ministry recently moved to stop the adoption of trousers as part of the official school uniform, with Mnisi warning headteachers against deviating from the existing policy.

See also

Ministry bans trousers for female pupils (eSwatini Observer)

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/ministry-bans-trousers-for-female-pupils/

 

Taiwan again rolls out the red carpet for an authoritarian monarch for National Day

By Brian Hioe, New Bloom (Taiwan), 14 October 2026

SOURCE 

King Mswati III of Eswatini was recently in Taiwan for National Day. As a result, the red carpet was once again rolled out for the authoritarian monarch, who presides over Africa’s last absolute monarchy, by the Lai administration.

In particular, apart from Mswati III’s presence at National Day, President Lai Ching-te and Mswati III visited Taiwan’s Air Force Command. Lai touted support from Mswati III on establishing the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park, as well as Eswatini’s role as Taiwan’s gateway into Africa. Eswatini is Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in Africa.

Ties between Eswatini and the Lai administration have been in the spotlight in recent years, especially after a dramatic visit to the country by Lai. In May, a planned trip by the Taiwanese president for King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his accession to the throne was abruptly canceled.

This occurred because countries that Lai would have passed over on his flight to Eswatini, Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles revoked overflight permissions shortly before Lai was to set out. This was largely interpreted as China flexing its muscles in terms of its influence in Africa, with the Lai administration suggesting that China threatened to revoke debt cancellation for Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles if they did not comply.

Lai still later traveled to Eswatini aboard Mswati III’s private aircraft. This took place with Lai abruptly traveling to Eswatini, then only announcing that he had arrived after the fact. Presumably, this was to minimize the space for China to react. Lai arrived in Eswatini by traveling on King Mswati III’s personal aircraft, a former China Airlines plane that was sold to the monarch in 2015. Lai later returned on the same aircraft, taking a winding route that tested the operational limits of the plane, but similar to the route taken by then-US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during her August 2022 trip to Taiwan.

Still, one notes that–as is broadly the case with Taiwan’s diplomatic relationship with Eswatini–there was little criticism of Eswatini’s record on human rights afterward. Eswatini is an absolute monarchy. The constitution was voided in 1973, and political parties were banned, as a result of which free and fair elections still do not take place in Eswatini today. Although Mswati agreed to constitutional changes in 2005, he retains his grip on power. Under Mswati III’s rule, life expectancy has halved in Eswatini since 2000.

Pro-democracy protests rocked Eswatini in the summer of 2021, with the public calling for the right to vote. In the violence that followed, 28 were shot, with demonstrators alleging that at least twenty were killed. Tear gas was used by police against demonstrators, and Internet services were suspended, with a curfew declared in major urban centers, in which buildings were burned during the turmoil, including Manzini and Mbabane, as well as the industrial center of Matsapha.

Much as occurred during Taiwan’s authoritarian period, Eswatini also sees the killing of dissidents. In 2023, opposition politician Thulani Maseko was killed by unknown gunmen in a shooting widely suspected of being ordered by the monarchy. Maseko was a human rights lawyer and public intellectual. At the time, Mswati III stated, “People should not shed tears and complain about mercenaries killing them,” implying that he had ordered the killing.

Nevertheless, after the demonstrations, Taiwan announced that it would be donating 637 million NT to the government for reconstruction–an act that makes it complicit in the government’s crackdown on the protests. Either way, Taiwan simply chose to act as though the protests had never occurred.

Indeed, in spite of its human rights violations, Taiwan has continued to blithely engage in trade relations with Eswatini. And Mswati III’s visit to Taiwan and plans for the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park are the latest such example. Still, in the absence of international criticism of Taiwan’s ties to Eswatini, there will be little incentive for the government to make any changes.

See also

Taiwan is a diplomatic ghost the world can’t ignore for much longer (The Observer, UK)

https://observer.co.uk/news/international/article/taiwan-is-a-diplomatic-ghost-the-world-cant-ignore-for-much-longer?utm_campaign=564698_TheObserverDaily_260331&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotdigital

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

Blog: https://swazimedia.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/142383985790674

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 947 – 9 October 2026

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 947 – 9 October 2026

News from and about Swaziland, compiled by Global Aktion, Denmark (www.globalaktion.dk) in collaboration with Swazi Media Commentary (www.swazimedia.blogspot.com), and sent to all with an interest in Swaziland - free of charge. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite.

 

Lawyer forces ‘Times of eSwatini’ to correct social media post declaring ‘Messi the greatest footballer of all time’

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 8 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Lawyer Kuhle Mabuza-Dlamini has successfully forced the Times of Eswatini to edit its social media post, declaring Lionel Messi, the “greatest footballer of all time”.

The lawyer posted on her social media page that, saying she “is blocking the Times for feeding the Nation with subjective opinions not facts” she suggested that the reporting was supposed to read; “one of the greatest footballer of all time is retiring” reminding journalists that their reporting should be based on facts not their own opinion.

The debate on who is the ‘greatest’ between Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been a ‘headache’ for journalists not only in Eswatini but around the world as fans “are very sensitive and expect the media to be fair between the retiring greatest footballers”.

The Times subsequently corrected their reporting to “one of the greatest footballer of all time, Argentina’s Captain Lionel Messi, played his last official match for the National Team this morning”.

Lawyer Kuhle Mabuza-Dlamini who commands a huge following on social media, subsequently welcomed the correction saying; she will “now unblock and follow the Times again”.

Lawyer, Kuhle Mabuza-Dlamini

 

Three US-linked third-country nationals leave eSwatini voluntarily

By Stanley Khumalo, Times of eSwatini, 7 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE:  Three Third Country Nationals sent to Eswatini under a bilateral arrangement with the United States have voluntarily returned home.

Government confirmed on Wednesday that the three nationals, from Yemen, Belize and Laos, requested to leave Eswatini and reunite with their families.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, in a statement, conveyed that three Third Country Nationals (TCNs), who arrived in the Kingdom under the existing bilateral arrangement with the Government of the United States of America, have voluntarily departed the Kingdom and returned to their respective countries of origin at different intervals in recent weeks.

She said the first TCN, a national of Yemen, voluntarily departed the Kingdom on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, following his request to return to his country of origin.

Mdluli said: “The second TCN, a national of Belize, voluntarily departed the Kingdom on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, following his request to return home. The third TCN, a national of Laos, voluntarily departed the Kingdom on Sunday, October 4, 2026, also following his request for voluntary repatriation to his country of origin.”

These departures, she said, form part of the ongoing arrangements concerning TCNs temporarily residing in the Kingdom. Mdluli said government continues to engage with the relevant authorities and partners to facilitate requests for voluntary repatriation, where made, in accordance with the applicable arrangements and procedures.

She conveyed government’s appreciation to the countries and relevant authorities that have cooperated with the Kingdom in facilitating the transit of the TCNs as they travelled to their respective countries of origin.

Such cooperation, she said, has contributed to the smooth and orderly facilitation of their journeys home. Mdluli reiterated Eswatini’s commitment to ensuring that the rights, dignity and well-being of TCNs are respected and protected throughout their temporary stay in the Kingdom, while safeguarding the security and interests of the Kingdom and its people.

The acting government spokesperson said the Administration will continue to provide updates on any significant developments concerning TCNs in the Kingdom, as appropriate.

 

SWADNU calls for rein­state­ment of health work­ers

By Nokuphila Haji, eSwatini Observer (press reader edition), 2 October 2026

SOURCE 

The Swazi­l­and Demo­cratic Nurses Union (SWADNU) has called for the imme­di­ate rein­state­ment of health work­ers whose con­tracts ended on Septem­ber 30.

The union is call­ing on gov­ern­ment, mem­bers of Par­lia­ment, Cab­inet min­is­ters and min­istry of health to ensure that the affected work­ers were brought back into the health sys­tem.

The work­ers, who were fun­ded through health grants, include HIV test­ing and coun­selling (HTS) coun­sel­lors, phle­bot­om­ists, data clerks and expert cli­ents, accord­ing to SWADNU.

In a state­ment, the union said the work­ers had played an import­ant role along­side nurses in provid­ing HIV-related ser­vices, includ­ing pre­ven­tion of mother-to-child Trans­mis­sion of HIV (PMTCT) and work linked to the 95-95-95 HIV tar­gets.

SWADNU said the ter­min­a­tion of the con­tracts would increase the work­load of nurses, who it described as already short-staffed and over­stretched.

“Dev­ast­at­ingly, the dis­con­tin­ued con­tracts for the work­ers vis­ibly implies that the work­load would now pile up for the already acutely short-staffed, over­stretched and bat­tling with burnout nurses,” the union said.

It warned that the loss of the work­ers could under­mine pro­gress made in the coun­try’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

“The gains that we have achieved as a coun­try on HIV/AIDS mat­ters would now be reversed, with jet-like speed the nation would be plunging again in the pool of the already soar­ing high HIV fig­ures again,” the state­ment reads.

SWADNU said it was pre­pared to take to the streets if the affected work­ers were not rein­stated within a fort­night. The dis­pute fol­lows let­ters issued by the min­istry of health inform­ing some grant-fun­ded employ­ees that their con­tracts would end on Septem­ber 30.

In a let­ter dated Septem­ber 4, 2026, the min­istry informed affected employ­ees that their con­tracts, fun­ded by the

United States Gov­ern­ment through the National Emer­gency Response Coun­cil on HIV and AIDS (NERCHA), would expire at the end of Septem­ber.

The min­istry said the affected employ­ees would receive pay­ment for out­stand­ing annual leave days and any ter­minal bene­fits due under their con­tracts and the Employ­ment Act, 1980.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/eswatini-observer-9zb3/20261002/281612427336482

 

E558M to fund eSwatini’s health security defence plan

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi, eSwatini Positive News, 7 October 2026

SOURCE 

EZULWINI: Government will require an estimated E558 million to implement Eswatini’s National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) over the next five years, as the country moves to establish a fully integrated, multi-sectoral defence system against public health emergencies.

The NAPHS, officially launched by Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula at Royal Villas on Wednesday, sets out interventions to be implemented from 2026 to 2030 under a comprehensive One Health Framework, bringing together human health, animal health, agriculture, environmental management and disaster risk management.

Matsebula described the plan as more than a policy document, saying it was intended to serve as a “shield to protect our citizens” and an operational blueprint for safeguarding the country against public health risks.

“Today, our country is building a fully integrated, multi-sectoral defence system under a comprehensive One Health Framework, that requires an estimated budget of E558 million to implement interventions over a period of 2026 to 2030,” said Matsebula.

The minister said the investment was necessary to ensure that Eswatini could detect, prevent and contain health emergencies before they escalate, particularly as the country remains connected to regional and international movement of people and goods.

He said Eswatini could no longer afford to wait for health emergencies before strengthening its preparedness systems.

According to Matsebula, the country’s health security priorities include strengthening early warning and surveillance systems, expanding local laboratory capacity and institutionalising multi-sectoral mobilisation during emergencies.

He said early warning systems needed to be strengthened through responsive community-level networks capable of detecting pathogens before they reached national borders.

The minister also identified the decentralisation of diagnostic systems as a priority, saying this would allow dangerous biological threats to be confirmed and managed locally without unnecessary delays.

The third priority is improved coordination between human health, animal welfare, agriculture and environmental sectors to ensure rapid responses when emergencies occur.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/e558m-to-fund-eswatinis-health-security-defence-plan/

 

King Mswati’s R35million alleged bribe’ for advocating for Taiwan to be recognized by the United Nations as an independent State

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 2 October 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: King Mswati is highly expected to receive $2million (about R35million in current exchange rate) from Taiwan after advocating for the Chinese Province to be recognized by the United Nations (UN) as an independent State.

This comes after the King, in violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2758 of 1971 that recognized and endorsed the “One China Policy”, addressed the UN General Assembly in New York, the United States last and called for the UN recognition of Taiwan, a Chinese Province.

Documents in possession of this Swaziland News and sourced through the Taiwan Embassy and Eswatini Government communications systems suggest that, the money is normally processed and disguised as a donation for the King’s Palaces security upgrades when in fact, Palaces renovation are funded by Government and included in the National Budget.

But King Mswati’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane when responding to this publication earlier on the subject matter, denied that the money was a bribe.

The King’s Spokesperson first asked this journalist to send the documents so that he could share an informed comment, he then denied these the money was a bribe processed as a token of appreciation by Taiwan for the King’s consistent advocacy for Taiwan to be recognized as an independent State.

“The letters in question conform to Government House Style for requesting for financial assistance from its development partners and we have no reasons to believe they were agents of ulterior motives,” said the King’s Spokesperson.

Simelane did not clarify why the King now receives money from Taiwan for security upgrades when Parliament approved and released a multibillion royal budget and why the money “is processed every after the King” addressed the UN General Assembly and advocate for the recognition of Taiwan.

But an insider who shared a highly confidential document, confirming the chain of communication between Mswati’s Government and the Taiwanese Embassy when facilitating the alleged bribe, told this publication that the King normally demand his payment shortly after returning from the UN General Assembly.

“As you can see in the documents, the facilitation of the payment was rushed because the King said he wanted his money urgently after delivering the speech. Previously the payment was US$1,000,000,00(about R18million), it was then increased to US$2,000.000.00”, said the royal insider.

Reached for comments on Saturday afternoon, Mlungisi Makhanya, the President of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), accused the King of manipulating the Sovereignty of the country to engage in what he described as dollar diplomacy while depriving emaSwati of opportunities that comes with the establishment of diplomatic relations with China.

“We have an urgent duty as emaSwati to take back our Sovereignty autonomy and independence from Mswati who is abusing it to prostitute our Sovereignty for monetary benefits like it is the case here where the interest of the Nation is not prioritized but his interests are there ones that are considered. We have said Tinkhundla has been conducting what we call “dollar diplomacy” where diplomatic relations are established and maintained on the basis of payments to the establishment”, said the PUDEMO President.

The PUDEMO President said even if the money was disguised as a grant for development, the question would be; is it subject to accountability by Parliament and the Office of the Auditor General (AG)?

Makhanya said monies received from development partners on behalf of the country must be declared and be accounted for, he noted that, the R40million “is normally paid straight to Mswati” without being declared or accounted for.

On another note, King Mswati is highly expected to travel to Taiwan next week after welcoming Ching-Lin Tsuei, the new Taiwan Ambassador to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

 

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