Swazi Media Commentary: 2025

Friday, 7 March 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 867 – 7 March 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 867 – 7 March 2025

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.

Over 80 000 HIV+ patients, around 60 employees to suffer

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times Sunday, 2 March 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Following the reported closure of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) in Eswatini, around 80 000 emaSwati living with HIV are set to be affected.

This scenario is a blow to the country, which currently has over 210 000 people who are on antiretroviral therapy (ARVs).

The 80 000 who are taken care of, including being consistently monitored by the organisation include around 3 000 children in the Shiselweni and Hhohho regions.

As if that is not enough, this publication has uncovered that around 60 locals who were employed by the organisation are set to lose their jobs.

The EGPAF has been the highest beneficiary from USAID Eswatini.

This is because the entity in the past year received a larger share among the top partners of USAID Eswatini.

The entity was awarded E155 756 250 (US$8.307 million), when converted in yesterday’s exchange rate.

It was followed by Pact World, which received E127 818 750 and the third highest benefitting entity was The Luke Commission (TLC) with E125.44 million.

The organisation is among many others that have been affected following a decision by US President Donald Trump’s administration’s to terminate 90 per cent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts.

Health groups, non-governmental organisations and others who received money from the US aid agency to do good work had been living under a cloud of curiosity since Trump’s executive order froze the funding for a 90-day review on January 20, 2025.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149663-over-80-000-hiv-patients-around-60-employees-to-suffer.html

King Mswati’s extravagant lifestyle on the spotlight as USAID officially terminates R1.3billion health funding, CANGO Director says army HIV/AIDS prevention programs to be affected

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 28 February, 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: King Mswati’s lavish lifestyle funded with public funds is highly expected to be on the spotlight, subsequent to a decision by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officially terminating R1.3billion funding for critical health programs in eSwatini.

This decision comes after Donald Trump, the newly inaugurated US President halted donor funding for a period of ninety (90) days pending review, however, some eSwatini Non Governmental Organization (NGOs) were officially informed this week about the termination of the funding.

But King’s Spokesperson Percy Simelane previously told this publication that, the “King’s budget is normally based on available funds”, he was asked to clarify if Mswati will consider reducing his budget amid the looming financial crisis in Government and the entire country.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News on Friday morning, Thembinkhosi Dlamini, the Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) confirmed that, some organizations received letters from USAID, officially terminating donor funding for certain projects.

“You will recall that the funding was first suspended pending review and now, some projects funded by USAID have been terminated. This will not only affect NGOs but even Government because here, we are talking about R1.3billion for the entire country and for different programs, USAID was assisting health programs even in the army,” said the CANGO Director.

It has been disclosed that, soldiers were also benefiting from the donors as USAID was supporting their clinics within the Army Barracks including the provision of Antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs.

But amid the financial challenges in Government and the entire country, King Mswati spent millions hosting “Buganu Ceremony” and taking international trips with a huge delegation resulting to taxpayers paying over R200million for each trip as traveling allowances and other costs.

The King also owns two (2) private jets and a fleet of Rolls Royce cars in a country where about 70% of the population lives below the poverty line, with a collapsed health system.

Eswatini is also facing rampant corruption in the public administration and, the Government has not demonstrated a political will to fight corruption and end a culture of impunity.

See also

Elizabeth Glazer shuts down

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23535

NGOs’ blow as US ends USAID funding

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149635-ngos%E2%80%99-blow-as-us-ends-usaid-funding.html

Withdrawal of USAID funding a big blow

http://www.times.co.sz/feature/149666-withdrawal-of-usaid-funding-a-big-blow.html

Reduce King Mswati’s multibillion budget, fight corruption and escalate the collection of domestic taxes to mitigate deficit amid withdrawal of foreign donor funding

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8510

USAID cancelled R1.3billion funding: Job losses looming in Hotels and Guest Houses, some were generating significant revenue by hosting workshops for closed NGOs

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8508

USA funding withdrawal to impact development – CANGO Director

https://independentnews.co.sz/11285/news/community-news/usa-funding-withdrawal-to-impact-development-cango-director/

Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi says ‘yes we will cancel scholarships for University students who criticize Tinkhundla system as directed by MP Welcome Dlamini’

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 5 March 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Phila Buthelezi, the Minister of Labour and Social Security says, Government will cancel scholarships for all University students criticizing Tinkhundla system as directed by Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini.

Responding to the MP in Parliament on Tuesday, the Labour Minister stated that, there’s a clause in the scholarships agreement restricting the students from criticizing Government or the Tinkhundla system.

“We will definitely cancel the scholarships for those students because they are in violation of the scholarships agreement,” said the Labour Minister.

On another note, the Mbabane East MP suggested that, all University students studying abroad who then join political parties and criticize the Tinkhundla system must have their scholarships cancelled.

Eswatini is an absolute Monarchy, political parties are banned and citizens who criticise the Government are not only arrested, tortured or even killed but, denied scholarships and jobs.

Friday, 28 February 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 866 – 28 February 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 866 – 28 February 2025

Justice delayed as courts backlog at 29 690 cases

By Kwanele Dlamini, Times of eSwatini, 25 February 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: “Delayed justice is worthless.” In the country, a collage of challenges is contributing to the delay in serving the public justice; resulting in some accused persons returning to the societies where they are accused of inflicting pain through a variety of criminal acts. As such, this has led to a huge backlog of cases, tipping the scales at 29 690 in all the courts.

Aside from the backlog of cases and shortage of human resources, among other challenges, the infrastructure assigned to the Judiciary is said to be insufficient as judicial officers share courtrooms and are also in a dilapidated state.

These inefficiencies, according to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Annual Performance Report for the financial year 2024/25, are the genesis of the backlog of cases in the courts. The veracity of these findings is still to be tested, as the report is yet to be debated in Parliament. The report was tabled in Parliament by the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane.

There has been a significant shortage of personnel in the courts and Master’s Office due to the non-appointment of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which was last in office around August 2024. To date, a new JSC is still to be appointed. Ever since the expiry of the term of Office of the JSC last year, contracts of employment of acting judges, magistrates and assistant masters, could not be renewed. The appointment and renewal of employment contracts for these officers is the responsibility of the JSC. Section 159 of the Constitution provides that there shall be an independent Judicial Service Commission for Eswatini, which shall consist of the following; the chief justice, who is its chairman, two legal practitioners of not less than seven years of practice and in good professional standing to be appointed by the King as well as two persons appointed by the King.

According to the annual report, many posts in the Judiciary for judges, magistrates, assistant registrars, assistant masters, clerks, secretaries, typists and estate examiners need to be filled.
The report contains a comprehensive overview of the status of court cases across various jurisdictions within the reporting period. A recurring theme is the presence of pending or backlog cases. Many courts show a significant number of cases carried over from previous quarters, indicating potential delays in the judicial process.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149610-justice-delayed-as-courts-backlog-at-29-690-cases.html

eSwatini absolute Monarchy Government defying all court orders delivered in favour of dismissed Teachers Union President

By Bongiwe Dlamini, Swaziland News, 25 February 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Mbongwa Dlamini, the dismissed President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) is currently sitting at home despite the existence of three (3) court orders reinstating him, including the payment of his outstanding salaries.

Eswatini is an absolute Monarchy, court orders that do not favour the Government are vigorously defied with impunity.

The police are normally unleashed to enforce court orders that promote the persecution of political activists and human rights defenders, citizens are also persecuted for demanding adherence to court orders.

As a result, police led by Assistant Superintendent Nuro Ntibane allegedly assaulted Lot Vilakati, the SNAT Secretary General and other Executive members merely for visiting the Offices of the Ministry of Education-Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to demand the reinstatement of the SNAT President including the payment of his outstanding salaries.

Education Minister Owen Nxumalo promised to work on the matter when addressing the SNAT Executive members on Monday but on the other hand, the State “has filed an application for leave to appeal the decision as a systematic way to delay the matter further and, defy the court orders”.

Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala when addressing the Annual Judicial Conference in Rwanda last week, confirmed that, court orders are not respected in some African countries, Maphalala is currently under political pressure to reverse a court order awarding junior police officers their salary increment.

Country runs out of dialysis treatment

By Sithembile Hlatshwayo, eSwatini Observer, 27 February 2025

SOURCE

OVER 230 dialysis patients receiving treatment at Mbabane Government and Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospitals have pressed the panic button as they have been advised that there is only a week’s supply of medication.

This follows the suspension of the dialysis services at the RFM Hospital about a week ago, after running short of the supplies. Such has resulted in an influx at the Mbabane Government Hospital.

Currently, over 300 patients receive dialysis treatment in the country. Mbabane Government Hospital assists around 190 patients, RFM over 45 while the Hlatikulu Government Hospital assists over 40.

Dialysis is provided by two companies; Nipro and Fresenius which are South African (SA) based. Nipro is servicing the Hlatikulu Government and Fresenius supports the RFM and Mbabane Government Hospitals.

Information gathered by this publication from a reliable source is that the country ordered supplies provided by the SA company which is currently undergoing major changes within their management and these are now affecting supplies locally.

A source close to the matter stated that some of the supplies paid for under the existing contract remain with the supplier and had left the country in this situation.

The source stated that when the ministry requested the supplies, they were informed that the transition did not allow for them to release anything but to hold on until everything is sorted.
supplies

Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Health Khanya Mabuza confirmed that the country had been having challenges with supplies lately.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23520

eSwatini’s success against snakebite under threat after USAID funding freeze

By Paul Eccles, Bureau of Investigative Journalism, 21 February 2025

SOURCE

Country that ‘achieved the impossible’ in reducing deaths to zero now faces closure of key treatment centre

In Eswatini, remarkable progress has been made against snakebite, one of the world’s most deadly neglected diseases. Yet this success is now under urgent threat from funding cuts, intensified by Donald Trump’s recent freeze on US foreign aid.

Snakebite is a major killer in many African countries, where effective treatment has been plagued with issues for years. In 2023 it killed an estimated 20,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa alone. A major investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) this month revealed an antivenom market in sub-Saharan Africa blighted by ineffective medicines, bad regulation and fraudulent research.

Eswatini, however, stands in marked contrast to many of its neighbours as an extraordinary success story – and recorded zero snakebite deaths for the first time in its recent summer season, when rates are typically high. At its peak the disease is estimated to have caused more than 60 deaths a year in the country.

Central to this progress has been the Luke Commission, a hospital that has come to act as the country’s go-to referral destination for people with serious snakebites. Earlier this month it closed its doors to most patients following sudden cuts to its funding from USAID, the US government’s main overseas aid agency.

The hospital told TBIJ that the US funding cut was one of a number of factors that led to the closure.

“We’re at risk of going back to the dark ages,” said Thea Litschka-Koen, a leading snakebite expert in the country. “Now we’ve got nowhere to send [snakebite patients]. We’ll go back to losing more than 60 lives a year.”

Eswatini’s success in tackling snakebites has been described by the World Health Organization’s leading expert on snakebite, Dr David Williams, as “an example to the rest of Africa, and to the world”.

He put it down to a “holistic approach” that incorporates educating people on how to respond to a snakebite alongside access to good-quality medicine and care.

Much of Eswatini’s healthcare for snakebite has come via the Luke Commission, which Litschka-Koen says has treated more than 1,000 snakebite patients over the past six years.

However on 6 February, the hospital closed its doors. At the end of January, management had received written notice from the US government of an immediate pause in its support. In a statement posted on its website on 15 February, the hospital said: “Due to the [USAID] funding pause and a written stop order requiring immediate compliance, we have temporarily closed the campus to most patients.”

A sign outside the Luke Commission this month

It is among the many health facilities around the world whose futures have been thrown into uncertainty in the wake of Donald Trump’s move to shut down USAID altogether.

The Luke Commission told TBIJ that it had received money from USAID for more than 15 years and the support accounted for about a quarter of its total funding. The money allowed the hospital to allocate unrestricted funding to its snakebite programme.

The hospital told TBIJ its closure is temporary. It also said cuts from USAID followed the long-term financial strain of Covid and issues with other funding allocations.

It said it is “doing everything in its power” to keep its snakebite programme running but admitted that “sustainability remains a serious concern … Without sustained resources, this progress is at risk”.

“I am broken,” said Litschka-Koen, who founded and runs the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation.

“It’s a terrible tragedy,” said Philip Price, scientific director of antivenom company EchiTAb-Plus-ICP. “Eswatini had achieved the impossible.”

EchiTAb-Plus-ICP is the global distributor in an antivenom project that has played a central role in the turnaround in Eswatini. Along with the Eswatini Antivenom Foundation, the Luke Commission is one of the main buyers of the Echitab antivenom for Eswatini, buying hundreds of vials per year in order to maintain a steady supply for the country.

Eswatini underwent “three years of hell” with unreliable antivenom supply, according Litschka-Koen, until her not-for-profit Eswatini Antivenom Foundation (EAF) began working with the Instituto Clodomiro Picado, a research centre in Costa Rica, to create an antivenom tailored to work against snakes found in Eswatini. Litschka-Koen said the new antivenom has been “life-changing.” The collaboration benefited from international funding, which is often scarce for snakebite.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025-02-21/eswatini-success-against-snakebite-under-threat-after-us-funding-freeze

and to read the full investigation, click here

https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025-02-13/the-new-snake-oil-antivenoms-that-are-as-useless-as-water

Judiciary and the media must operate independently from Government, credible journalists, Judges don’t need Tinkhundla as they can work anywhere in the world

Opinion by Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 24th February, 2025

SOURCE

The Judiciary in this country is fast becoming a Spaza shop just like the captured media, judgments that do not favour the Government are systematically defied through consistent reviews.

But before I blame the ruling Tinkhundla undemocratic system of Governance, let me hasten to state or highlight that, the regime has what is known as “enablers” being individuals who surrendered themselves to do the ‘dirty work’ on its behalf.

Indeed, Tinkhundla is not a human being with a “chief code” or identification documents but, an undemocratic regime that needs “enablers” so that it’s political machinery could function smoothly and, effectively.

Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala recently addressed the Annual Judicial Conference in Rwanda where he expressed serious concerns that, the Judiciary is not respected in African countries.

Perhaps, the Chief Justice was literally afraid to single-out eSwatini and opted to generalize, this is a Judge who wants his judgments to be taken seriously.

The CJ is currently under political pressure to reverse a judgement awarding junior police officers a salary increment under Phase two(2) and worth-noting, in that judgement, Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala tried to systematically explain to the Tinkhundla regime that, the judgement was in the interest of state security.

But unfortunately, his explanation fell on deaf ears, the regime is now after him and even if can survive the current political storm, he will be expected to behave and be an unapologetic defender of the Tinkhundla regime.

The Chief Justice is literally under pressure to resign, in the eyes of the regime Maphalala is a used “political condom” that belongs to the dustbin and, the regime now wants fresh ‘durex condoms’.

In politics, ‘political condoms’ are often changed to renew strength and inspire public confidence as the masses are easily tricked, by the appointment or introduction of new faces hoping things will change.

Well, in my career as a journalist I once had an opportunity to be invited for lunch in Mbabane by Judge Thomas Masuku, one of the most respected Judges in eSwatini and the entire continent.

About fifteen (15) years ago, I asked Judge Masuku to advise me what I must do in order to become a respected and credible journalist and, this is what he said;

“Being a journalist is almost similar to being a Judge. You are the ‘Judge’ in the court of public opinion, people conclude that some individuals are corrupt or credible based on the information you provide to them. Therefore, you must remain independent, fair and impartial at all times and avoid being captured”.

To read more of this commentary, click here

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8469

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Friday, 21 February 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 865 – 21 February 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 865 – 21 February 2025

Finance Minister’s budget speech highlights economic milestones

eSwatini Financial Times (Press Reader edition), 15 February 2025

SOURCE

Eswatini’s economy is forecasted to achieve an unprecedented 8.3% growth rate in the 2025/26 fiscal year,

Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg announced during Friday’s budget speech under the theme “Transformation for Growth!” This growth projection places Eswatini among the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Rijkenberg attributed the growth to sustained economic policies and deliberate steps taken by the government to boost both the recurrent and capital budgets. “The capital budget, which we have increased by 14.4%, is crucial for driving growth.

Our intentional approach ensures that this is a pro-growth budget,” he said. The minister detailed several key milestones: Recurrent budget increase of 8.4% to support essential services. An economic growth rate of 8.3% in 2025/26, compared to 5% in 2023 and 4.8% in 2024.

Expenditure increase of E3.19 billion, while maintaining a projected budget deficit of just 3%, one of the lowest in the region. Despite declining Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) receipts by E2.6 billion, Eswatini has relied on its SACU Stabilization Fund to cushion the impact, drawing E1 billion to support this year's budget.

“The establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, expected to launch in April 2025, will consolidate and professionalize government holdings for the benefit of the nation,” Rijkenberg revealed.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/eswatini-financial-times-9y78/20250215/281775634876698

E30 million for state security, nothing for courts

By Nonduduzo Kunene, Times of eSwatini, 17 February 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: E30 million has been budgeted for the procurement of State security equipment. The 2025/26 Budget Estimates Book shows that the taxpayer will fund this procurement, which falls under Head 05, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS). “E30 000 000 local funds to procure State security equipment,” the estimate book reads. While the specific type of equipment is not stated, State security equipment generally encompasses hardware and systems designed to protect a State, its citizens, and its interests from various threats. This includes physical security measures like CCTV, access control and intrusion detection, as well as specialised equipment for intelligence gathering and national defence.

In the 2024/25 financial year, the taxpayer paid E20 million for the same purpose. Overall, the project will cost E315 million. A further E20 million has been allocated for the rehabilitation and fencing of police houses, prioritising those damaged by storms. “E20 million local funds for rehabilitation of structures affected by wind-storms: Mbabane PTS, Simunye, Mafutseni, Siteki and Malkerns.” This project was allocated E18.9 million in 2024/25 and is expected to receive a further E22 million. Overall, it will cost E180 800 000 over four years.

To date, E38.9 million has been allocated. An additional E9 million has been allocated in the 2025/26 financial year for the construction of institutional housing for police (phase one).
“E9 000 000 local funds to clear arrears for construction of additional housing at Mbabane, Lubulini and Hlane police camps.” In 2024/25, the project was allocated E11 million. Overall, E170 million has been budgeted for the project over four financial years. In the 2025/26 financial year, E86 million has been allocated for police capital projects. Regarding State security, the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) has been allocated E30 million for the construction of barracks.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149480-e30-million-for-state-security-nothing-for-courts.html

See also

Will Govt prevent cash crisis in 2025/26 fully funded budget?

http://www.times.co.sz/thinking-aloud/149466-will-govt-prevent-cash-crisis-in-2025-26-fully-funded-budget.html

Wage Bill cannot be high with civil servants living in poverty, working for Government now worse than being a dagga dealer

https://swazilandnews.co.za/fundza.php?nguyiphi=8407

304 000 face food shortage in eSwatini – FAO

By Bodwa Mbingo, Saturday Observer (eSwatini) (Press Reader edition), 15 February 2025

SOURCE

The country’s latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis has estimated that 304 000 people are facing acute food insecurity between October 2024 and March 2025.

This is contained in the country’s latest Global Information and Early Warning System issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) this week.

This number, according to the assessment is about seven per cent more than the assessed food-insecure population in 2023/24.

“The deterioration in acute food insecurity is attributed to the impact of the El Nino-induced drought on local food production, which caused income losses and constrained households’ food supply from own production.

Additionally, high maize prices further constrain households’ economic access to food,” reads the assessment report in part.

The report adds that maize import requirements are expected to rise moderately in 2024/25 with the El Niño-induced drought in 2024 estimated to have caused a 25 per cent decline in maize production compared to the five-year average, driven large by yield reductions.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/saturday-observer-eswatini-9ZB4/20250215/281934548666802

Over 700 benefit from Red Cross, NDMA food aid

By Bongumusa Simelane, eSwatini Observer (Press Reader edition), 20 February 2025

SOURCE

OVER 700 residents under Pigg’s Peak Inkhundla have received food parcels courtesy of Baphalali Red Cross Society and the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).

The food distribution programme conducted by Red Cross targeted the most vulnerable members of society. All the chiefdoms under Pigg’s Peak constituency received the food aid. The chiefdoms included Ka-Ndeva, Bulembu, Nsangwini, Nginamadvolo, Pigg’s Peak, and Luhlangotsini.

According to Red Cross Society’s Field Officer Celani Malaza, the food distribution exercise would be in three cycles, stating that this was the first.

“The first cycle mainly targeted the most vulnerable in these chiefdom. In the second and third cycle, all those who have been registered to benefit from the programme will get the food aid,” he said.

Part of the food that was donated to Pigg’s Peak residents

Malaza said the programme targeted five constituencies in the northern

Hhohho region, namely Pigg’s Peak, Ndzingeni, Ntfonjeni, Mayiwane and Timphisini.

He explained that NDMA had provided the food and that Red Cross was responsible for the distribution to the various communities.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/eswatini-observer-9ZB3/20250220/281719800311774

World Bank expands support to electrify rural eSwatini, reaching 200,000 people

World Bank media release, 13 February 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: A new World Bank financed project is helping set Eswatini on the path to universal energy access by 2030. The Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) project for Eswatini will help the country reach the remaining 12% of the population with electricity access, ensuring that households in the most remote and disadvantaged areas benefit from improved access to energy and greater economic opportunities.

“This initiative is about the people of Eswatini, ensuring that every Liswati has access to electricity. Eswatini remains committed to universal energy access, as reaffirmed in our endorsement of the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration at the recent Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit,” says Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister, Honorable Thulisile Dladla.

The newly announced support builds on the ongoing Network Reinforcement and Access Project Eswatini. It will follow an integrated approach for electrification following the country’s Rural Electrification Plan and the National Energy Policy 2018. ASCENT Eswatini aims to provide electricity access to 200,000 people, ensuring that 50,000 new households are connected to electricity over the next five years. This represents a 20% increase from the 249,014 households connected in 2023.

To read more of this release, click here

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2025/02/13/world-bank-expands-support-to-electrify-rural-afe-eswatini-reaching-200-000-people.print

Affordable housing and resilient cities — eSwatini’s Vision for 2030

eSwatini Daily News (Press Reader edition), 13 February 2025

SOURCE

THE Government has unveiled strategic plan to address Housing and Urban Development.

The government of Eswatini is setting its sights on a brighter urban future with the launch of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) Strategic Plan for 2025–2030.

This ambitious plan aims to reshape the country’s urban landscape by focusing on affordable housing, sustainable land use, and climate resilience.

At the heart of the plan is a bold commitment to increasing the stock of affordable housing by 20% within the next five years.

The Ministry also pledged to upgrade informal settlements and regulate the rental market to ensure fairness and affordability. These efforts will be supported by key policies such as the Sectional Titles Act and a revamped Housing Policy, designed to make homeownership a reality for more citizens.

The plan isn’t just about building homes it’s about creating well-planned, inclusive communities. A spatial development strategy will guide future urban growth, incorporating green building codes, modern transport systems, and improved waste management services.

Urban governance plays a crucial role in the success of the strategy. The Ministry is empowering local governments to take charge of urban development by offering capacity-building programs for municipal leaders and investing in risk management tools.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/eswatini-daily-news-9y77/20250213/281535116703691

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Friday, 7 March 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 867 – 7 March 2025

Friday, 28 February 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 866 – 28 February 2025

Friday, 21 February 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 865 – 21 February 2025