Swazi Media Commentary: January 2025

Friday, 31 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 862 – 31 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 862 – 31 January 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.

US funding suspended

By Sithembile Hlatshwayo, eSwatini Observer, 30 January 2025

SOURCE

When the United States President Donald Trump issued an executive order to withdraw all funding, Emaswati held their collective breath.

Now, the country’s worst fears are being felt, following news of the suspension of HIV/AIDS funding by the United States (US).

…..

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is among the programmes that have been halted, pending a review of the initiatives.

Over 230 000 Emaswati, both adults and children, are currently living with HIV/AIDS according to global statistics.

National Emergency Response Council on HIV/AIDS (NERCHA) Information Centre Manager Sibusiso Ngubane stated that they had seen reports circulating in the media about the executive decisions taken by the newly sworn-in US president.

Following the news, Ngubane said they were still awaiting formal communication from their development partners, including UNAIDS and the US Embassy, regarding the way forward.

Currently, Ngubane said as an organisation, there was nothing they could say about the matter as they were still trying to ascertain what would happen going forward and how the decision would impact the country.

“Once our development partners communicate something, we may be able to clarify what has been communicated and how it will affect the country,” said the manager.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Khanya Mabuza, remarked that in light of the news, Eswatini needed to reposition itself and rethink its strategies. Mabuza noted that they were minimally aware of the pressure points and how they could destabilise HIV/AIDS efforts. He explained that, for instance, stopping people on treatment would mean that many would become ill and infectious.

“We have those programmes we know need to be implemented urgently; hence some will be executed in the mid-term, while others will be for the long term as they could have significant impacts on us.”

This, the PS stated, implied that Eswatini, they must ensure that treatment is not disrupted. He mentioned that the ministry was currently engaging and examining the programmes likely to be affected by the funding cut.

This, he said, would provide them with a clearer picture of who was impacted, as not all programmes were being halted. Mabuza indicated that the programmes likely to be affected had been identified.

“We need to qualify the services and also review their support plans and how they affect us as a country,” the PS stated.

Primarily, Mabuza said they would focus on the programmes that included lifesaving interventions and assess their costs to the country, as they were urgent.

The PS added that they would then consider educational programmes, behaviour change initiatives, rights, and many others. He emphasised the need to contemplate how these programmes would be mainstreamed or integrated within the next 90 days.

Mabuza expressed optimism as the country had begun integrating most of the HIV programmes.

“We are going to strengthen the integration of services and also assess what is needed in terms of staffing and running costs,” he assured.

He stated that Eswatini was on the path to sustainability but was looking towards 2030, where most programmes would be controlled locally.

Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) Executive Director Thembinkosi Dlamini stated that they were still trying to understand the impacts of the funding suspension and were attempting to unpack these ramifications.

Dlamini noted that they understood that if there were ongoing contracts, they should be maintained, whereas those that had not been issued should cease.

He warned that if the contracts were halted, it would have a devastating effect on the programmes, as PEPFAR contributed significantly to HIV/AIDS initiatives in terms of human resources and the procurement of commodities, which include antiretroviral treatment (ARVs), condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and PrEP rings, which were HIV/AIDS prevention methods.

The director stated that the suspension of PEPFAR funding could result in troubling outcomes in terms of sustaining the response to HIV/AIDS.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23482

Friday, 24 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 861 – 24 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 861 – 24 January 2025

Wife arrested for viewing husband’s WhatsApp messages, appears at Mbabane Magistrate Court

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 23 January, 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Dumsile Dludlu has been arrested for allegedly viewing her husband’s WhatsApp messages thus contravening the Computer Crime and Cyber Crime Act, the Times of eSwatini reported on Thursday morning.

Dludlu appeared at the Mbabane Magistrate Court and was remanded out of custody pending trial.

The Computer Crime and Cyber Crime Act comes with up to three hundred thousand Rands (R300,000.00) fine if found guilty, alternatively, five (5) years or more in prison.

The police previously warned that viewing “your love partner’s cellphone is now a crime in eSwatini”, this was confirmed by Prince Mvilawemphi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) when speaking to this Swaziland News earlier.

The Prince was asked if “it’s true” that emaSwati will now be arrested for viewing their love partner’s cellphone and he confirmed the existence of the cyber security law.

“Yes, there is. It’s covered under illegal access to a computer system in the Cybersecurity Act of 2022.The 300k fine is the maximum, depending on the gravity of the case. A lenient Judge may impose a 5k fine”, said the Eswatini Communications Commission CEO.

Human Rights Watch eSwatini Report 2024

SOURCE

In 2024, Eswatini’s human rights record deteriorated, as civic space, judicial independence, and the rule of law remain under threat. The authorities have yet to apprehend the killers of human rights lawyer and opposition activist Thulani Maseko, who was shot in his home in January 2023. There is no indication that the government has undertaken or is prepared to undertake a credible investigation into Maseko’s killing. The rights of women and girls remain a concern as incidences of brutal intimate partner violence, rape, and femicide persisted throughout the year.

Civil and Political Rights

The authorities in Eswatini have failed to implement long overdue democratic reforms in the absolute monarchy. In power since 1986, King Mswati III maintained control over the executive, parliament and judiciary in 2024. On January 21, 2023, the King, during a public address, warned those calling for democratic reforms that mercenaries would deal with them. The king accused pro-democracy activists of causing instability in the country. Hours after that warning, Thulani Maseko, a human rights lawyer and activist was fatally shot and killed at his home in the presence of his wife and children.

Eswatini received a score of 17 out of 100 in Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2024 report. It scored 1 out of 40 on political freedoms and 16 out of 60 for civil liberties, with a conclusion that Eswatini was “not free.” The country’s score has been consistently low for years, correlating with its entrenched culture of impunity for human rights violations.

Conduct of Security Forces

The authorities have yet to hold anyone to account for the scores of activists killed, and the hundreds injured by security forces during the 2021 crackdown against pro-democracy demonstrations. Instead, the government has escalated its clamp down on dissenting views by arresting government critics on spurious charges, hindering peaceful assembly, and resisting longstanding calls for democratic reforms.

Subversion of the Rule of Law

In addition to the lack of an investigation into Maseko’s killing, the authorities have targeted and harassed his widow, who has been calling for justice and accountability for her husband’s death.

On July 15, a court in Eswatini sentenced two former members of parliament, Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza and Mthandeni Dube, to prison terms of 25 and 18 years, respectively. Both were initially arrested in 2021 for participating in and supporting pro-democracy protests, and remained in pretrial detention since then. In June 2023, the duo was found guilty of all the bogus charges against them, including terrorism, sedition, and murder under the 2008 Suppression of Terrorism Act (STA) as well as the 1938 Sedition and Subversive Activities Act (SSA). The hefty sentences handed to Mabuza and Dube highlight the lack of impartiality and independence of the judiciary. This is compounded by the lack of accountability and justice for the serious violations committed by law enforcement, including during the 2021 protests.

To read the full report, click here

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025/country-chapters/eswatini

20% of the population controls nation’s wealth

By Sifiso Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 22 January 2025

SOURCE

The country’s wealth distribution is controlled by 20 per cent of the population according to a comprehensive survey conducted by FinMark Trust, which said this was concerning.

According to the Blended Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Survey 2023 report, the country’s wealth distribution remains a concern, with a mere 20 per cent of the population controlling a staggering 80 per cent of the nation’s wealth.

The findings come after the Centre for Financial Inclusion (CFI), ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC), and the Central Statistical Office (CSO), conducted a comprehensive survey to better understand the financial landscape and access to financial services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Known as the FinScope Survey, this was a global initiative developed by FinMark Trust (FMT) in South Africa and was conducted in over 30 countries worldwide.

The study also revealed that the country faces significant social challenges, including a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of 24.8 per cent among adults which poses a substantial burden on the healthcare system and economy.

Unemployment was identified as another pressing issue, with a staggering 49.2 per cent rate among citizens actively seeking work.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23432

CANGO Executive Director Thembinkhosi Dlamini says US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend foreign donor funding to affect NGOs in eSwatini including HIV/AIDS programs

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 22 January, 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Thembinkhosi Dlamini, the Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non Governmental Organizations (CANGO) says, the decision by newly inaugurated President of the United States (US) Donald Trump to suspend foreign donor funding will affect NGOs in eSwatini including HIV/AIDS programs.

Speaking to this Swaziland News on Wednesday, the CANGO Director said, most NGOs rely on donor funding sourced from the United States.

“This means the decision will affect many NGOs in the country in including HIV/AIDS programs because the US contributes a large amount to the Global Fund”, said the CANGO Director.

On another note, the Washington Times reported on Wednesday that, President Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending all U.S. foreign assistance programs for ninety(90) days pending reviews to determine whether they are aligned with his policy goals.

“It was not immediately clear how much assistance would initially be affected by the Monday order as funding for many programs has already been appropriated by Congress and is obligated to be spent, if not already spent. The order, among many Trump signed on his first day back in office, said the “foreign aid industry and bureaucracy are not aligned with American interests and in many cases antithetical to American values” and “serve to destabilize world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that are directly inverse to harmonious and stable relations internal to and among countries,” the Washington Times reported.

See also

Local transgender community fears losing funding from US

http://www.times.co.sz/news/149083-local-transgender-community-fears-losing-funding-from-us.html

Nonhlanhla Dlamini: Leading the fight against gender-based violence in eSwatini

Africa Renewal, 21 January 2021

SOURCE

Nonhlanhla Dlamini, Executive Director of the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA)

Nonhlanhla Dlamini believes every person has a right to a life of peace and safety. As the Executive Director of the Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA), she provides support, care and justice for GBV survivors. She explains her aspirations, as well as her historic election as one of the first women Members of Parliament in Eswatini:

What specific moment or experience made you decide to focus on fighting gender-based violence?

I was motivated by an incident where a 6-year-old relative of mine was raped by a stranger. We reported the matter to the police, but nothing ever happened. The Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA) already existed, but I did not know anything about them.

In 1997 I came across an advertisement for a job at SWAGAA in the newspaper and I just knew this was the place I wanted to work. When I learned more about what the organisation was doing, I asked myself why I did not get to know about them when I had no one to talk to or support me. So, when I saw this position advertised, I just knew this was my job. My goal was to make SWAGAA a household name so others would not go unsupported like we did.

How do you stay motivated, and have you ever questioned your path?

I have questioned that path several times, particularly when I get hurt. The world can be cruel. I wonder how people can do such evil things. It can be depressing. Sometimes I ask myself, out of all the jobs that I could be doing, why am I even doing this one? However, I get my motivation from the success stories of our work. If I quit, who else is going to do this? I am compelled to do it because there is a whole lot of people that are looking up to me for help.

You were elected MP back in the early 2000s, becoming the first woman ever to represent your constituency. What made you decide to run?

I was part of the team that drafted the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Bill, but we did not manage to have it proceed to legislation. Every time we inquired, we were told “It's in the pipeline”, but nothing ever happened. The mistake we often make, as advocates and women's rights activists, is always pushing for someone else to go and make the changes that we desire.

So, I made a decision to stand for the next elections, which were in 2008. I realised that for years, I had been part of a ‘Vote for a Woman’ campaign, pushing women to vie for seats and for people to vote for women during elections. I had never envisioned myself running for elections. This time I ran for parliament and I won the primary elections, but the secondary elections were not easy. I was the only female candidate against seven men. It was very rough, but I pushed hard with everything that I had to win. I won the parliamentary seat.

My first motion in Parliament was for the Minister of Justice to bring the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Bill within 30 days. His response was no. I kept insisting and that is how the Bill was eventually passed by Parliament.

Looking to the future, if you could change one thing about the gender-based violence in Eswatini, what would it be?

The most critical thing is prevention of GBV. Why is prevention key? Because once GBV takes place, it is difficult to pick up the pieces. And it is not just hard for the survivors only, even their family members become secondary victims. Everyone is affected. So, for me, the most crucial thing to focus on is preventing GBV because once it takes place, it is like spilled water. We may provide counselling and support to the survivors but we can never change the narrative.

I often say people come here carrying a ‘suitcase’ but when you sit down with them you realize how much more that person is actually carrying. Our motto as an organisation is that when you come in with a [heavy] suitcase, by the time you leave, you may not be able to put down the suitcase, but at least we can help make it feel lighter so you are able to walk around with it.

The reason some people commit suicide is because their suitcases feel so heavy that they feel there is no hope. Our duty is to make sure that we make that the suitcase feel lighter.

Do you consider yourself a human rights defender? Why?

Absolutely! I consider myself a human rights defender 100 per cent because I am continuously standing up for the rights of women and girls in Eswatini.

I have advocated for better legislation in the country. I have also advocated for better services in the country, be it in the police, hospitals, or the justice system. I have done everything that needs to be done under the sun to stand for the rights of the citizens of this country, and to advocate for the rights of women and children in the country. I know people believe in me.

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Friday, 17 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 860 – 17 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 860 – 17 January 2025

The human cost of climate change: eSwatini suffers amid global disasters

By Ncaba Ntshakala, eSwatini Sunday, press reader edition, 12 January 2025

SOURCE

In 2024, natural disasters unleashed chaos worldwide, leaving countries grappling with the extensive physical, financial, and emotional repercussions of these catastrophic occurrences.

Among those impacted, Eswatini confronted significant hurdles as it dealt with the aftermath of severe storms that exacerbated the nation’s existing vulnerabilities.

As reported by Munich RE, a prominent player in reinsurance and risk solutions, global losses from natural disasters soared to E6 trillion (US$320 billion) in 2024. This marks a dramatic rise from the adjusted figure of E5 trillion (US$268 billion) in 2023, highlighting the escalating influence of climate change on weather patterns and the frequency of disasters.

Although Eswatini’s contributions to global disaster statistics may seem minor, the ramifications of severe weather events in this small southern African nation have been catastrophic. In 2024, intense rains and storms led to widespread destruction across various regions, resulting in collapsed buildings, eroded roads, and irreversible damage to vital infrastructure.

To address the situation, Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister embarked on a nationwide tour to evaluate the damage firsthand. The tour exposed the immense challenges that lie ahead, as the nation faces the formidable task of rebuilding communities and restoring essential services. The financial strain on the national budget is enormous, with preliminary estimates indicating that storm-related damages could amount to hundreds of millions of Emalangeni.

Eswatini’s recovery will heavily depend on both internal resources and international support. The Kingdom has sought assistance from global partners to alleviate the financial burden and expedite recovery efforts. Despite the country’s resilience, the journey to rebuild will be fraught with obstacles as climate-related disasters continue to escalate in frequency and severity.

December gender-based violence [GBV] increases 52% to 170 cases

By Sebentile Shongwe, Times of eSwatini, 10 January 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: In December alone, 170 cases of abuse were reported to SWAGAA, underscoring the magnitude of gender-based violence (GBV) in Eswatini.

With a population of just over 1.3 million, Eswatini has been grappling with GBV such that per week, a life is lost through the act and as such, 80 minors beneath the age of 11 being raped in 11 months. This is a 52.35 per cent increase in the abuse recorded in the past month when compared to December 2023 where 89 cases were recorded by Swatini Action Group Against Abuse (SWAGAA).A report issued by SWAGAA, provided a critical overview of these cases, highlighting key trends and patterns that can inform prevention and intervention strategies.

SWAGAA Executive Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini said these statistics do not fully reflect the magnitude of the challenge, as they only represent cases reported to SWAGAA.
The report, which analysed data collected through SWAGAA’s helpline and offices, provides a critical overview of the extent and nature of GBV in the country. “These statistics, while concerning, likely represent only a fraction of the actual cases. Many survivors remain silent due to fear, stigma, and lack of access to support services,” Dlamini said. Emotional abuse emerged as the most prevalent form, accounting for 50 per cent of cases reported through the helpline. Physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse followed, underscoring the multifaceted nature of GBV.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/148900-december-gbv-increases-52-to-170-cases.html

‘Unemployed people are stripped their dignity’

eSwatini Observer, Press Reader edition, 14 January 2025

SOURCE

The Swaziland Unemployment People Movement Chairperson, Lucky Dlamini, says unemployed people are being stripped their dignity because no one wants to protect them by giving them a basic income grant.

Dlamini said if government could protect the right of these people by giving them a grant of E1 500 monthly so they could meet their basic needs, their dignity can be protected.

He said this would also help jobseekers and avoid issues of unemployment.

According to Dlamini, more people are set to join the list of unemployment since would be graduating and completing Form V and be unable to continue with their studies due to lack as government scholarships are limited.

“Unemployment is a serious issue in the country and government needs to take urgent action because it does not help for them to speak and do nothing. Government needs to transform its policies so that they can be inclusive, ”Dlamini said.

He added that government should consider giving people capital so that they can be able to start businesses. He said people have experience but have no money to start their own businesses.

“Government should also consider giving each inkhundla E10 million so that people can use that money to start businesses and employ others,” he said.

Dlamini said 792 000 of the country’s population had to be employed but highlighted that only 260 000 people were employed. He said this showed that more still needed to be done when it comes to the issue of unemployment.

He said there were still a lot of job opportunities

eSwatini Prime Minister attends Mozambique presidential inauguration amid controversy

By Siphokazi Khumalo, Swaziland Democratic News, 15 January, 2025

SOURCE

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE: Eswatini’s Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, is in Maputo today, January 15, 2025, to attend the inauguration of Mozambique’s newly elected President, Daniel Chapo. The ceremony comes on the heels of Mozambique’s hotly contested elections, which were marred by allegations of vote rigging and irregularities raised by opposition parties, including PUDEMOS leader Vernicio Mondlane.

The disputed results have fuelled political tensions and unrest in Mozambique, leaving the country grappling with heightened instability and economic strain. Despite the challenges, Chapo’s administration is poised to take charge in a deeply divided nation, with regional leaders, including Prime Minister Dlamini, expressing solidarity with the new government.

This inauguration underscores broader concerns about democratic processes in Southern Africa, as calls for transparency and accountability grow louder across the region. The international community continues to watch closely as Mozambique navigates this pivotal moment in its political history.

Govt’s efforts to save emaSwati from cancer

By Nonduduzo Kunene, Times of eSwatini, 15 January 2025

SOURCE

EZULWINI: The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, working hand in hand with stakeholders, is developing Radiation Safety to save emaSwati from cancer.

Radiation safety is a set of practices and precautions aimed at protecting people from the harmful effects of radiation. The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Simelane, yesterday called upon all stakeholders to join hands and support the government in the process of formulating the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Act and the regulations in order to speed up all the crucial activities that rely on these pieces of legislation. The minister stated that the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Bill had already been tabled in Parliament as is in the legislative process.

Yesterday, the minister met with all the stakeholders among government ministries and departments including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development, as well as the police among others during a workshop, where these experts in their various fields were sensitised and made the necessary recommendations to the regulations. The formation of the regulations is crucial in operating some pieces of the proposed legislation. The minister noted that without the legislation, the country cannot offer some medical services especially those where radiation and nuclear is used such as chemotherapy and other forms of radiotherapy.

Speaking during the workshop said the proposed law is not in the health sector only as there are so many sectors that use radiation. She went on to state that the reason they worked on the regulations even before the law was passed was to speed up the process so that once the law is passed, the regulations will also be tabled to operationalise the sections that require regulations. The minister said the public will also be sensitised, because some of the areas where the radiation would be used are within communities therefore, the public needs to know how to be safe around these areas. She highlighted that radiation works in all sectors, hence the ministry notes the mammoth task ahead of it in terms of sensitising the nation about their safety.

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Friday, 10 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 859 – 10 January 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 859 – 10 January 2025

Police accused of torturing man to death

By Wonderboy Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 7 January 2025

SOURCE

A Mabuza family of Ntamakuphila in Siteki is demanding answers from Siteki police, who are alleged to have tortured and killed a family member in full view of other family members.

Gift Nkosingiphile Mabuza died on Christmas day while in the hands of the police. This is according to family members who allege that Gift was tortured by the police within the homestead before they took him away to the police station, where he eventually died.

The deceased was buried at his parental home on Saturday.

Narrating the events of the fateful day, Gift’s aunt, who only identified herself as Gogo Mabuza said the police arrived at the Mabuza homestead after they had reported him (Gift) to the police for assaulting another family member.

Gift was said to have hacked his cousin with a sharp object on the head after they had a misunderstanding while at home. She noted that Gift often shared the same room with his cousin, Sethu Mabuza.

Gift is said to have hacked Sethu on the head at around 11 am and he was rushed to the hospital after sustaining a gaping wound on the head.

Gogo Mabuza said the matter was reported to the police after the nursing staff at the hospital demanded a police report before attending to Sethu. She alleged that two police officers who were on general patrol attended to the incident.

“They arrived at around noon with the intention of taking Gift in for questioning. However, Gift had left home at the time and had headed to one of the drinking spots in the area,” she alleged.
According to the family members, the police returned to the homestead at 8 pm on the same day.

Another family member, who witnessed the alleged torture, Philile Simelane said Gift was already sleeping in his house when the police arrived.

“He was drunk, so he went to sleep early on that day”, said Simelane.

The police are said to have forcefully entered the one-room house after Gift refused to open for them.

Upon entering the house, Simelane said the police started torturing Gift as he was resisting going with them. Simelane said the torture lasted for slightly over five minutes.

“We tried to stop the police from torturing Gift, but they didn’t listen,” said Simelane.

She further alleged that the torture happened behind the door and as such, they were unable to push the door.

Simelane alleged that the police eventually took Gift, who had visible injuries on the head, away. Another family member said Gift had one of his eyes damaged during the torture.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23345

Banning of boreholes by Government

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 7 January, 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Jan Sithole,the then Secretary General of the now defunct Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions(SFTU) warned emaSwati that, almost everything will be taxed in eSwatini or utilized for the benefit of the ruling elite.

It has been reported that, after increasing electricity and water, Government is now considering banning emaSwati from using solar systems and owning boreholes within their homes, those who might wish to use underground water or solar systems will be required to have taxable permits.

But Jan Sithole when addressing thousands of workers at Salesian Sports Grounds-Manzini in 1995 at the height of the series of ‘Khukhulela-ngoco strike action’ said, there will come a time when the Tinkhundla Government will tax even chickens and ovacados.

The strike actions backed by various political parties including the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) intensified even in 1996 under the twenty-seven(27) demands banner.

“Kuyawufika sikhatsi lapho khona loHulumende lona uyawutselisa ngisho tinkhunkhu takho ekhaya, kubalwe nemakotapeni akho kutsi esihlahleni mangakhi”, said the then SFTU Secretary General who later founded and became the President of the Swaziland Democratic Party (SWADEPA).

It has been reported that, Musawenkhosi Mwelase, the Acting Director in the Department of Water Affairs within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, announced a looming Government decision to ban all emaSwati from owning boreholes within their homes.

This comes a few months after King Mswati’s Government through Parliament, increased water tariffs in a country where about 70% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Mwelase was speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting this week, Jabulile Mashwama, the King’s mother-in-law is the Managing Director of the Eswatini Water Services Corporation.

The banning of the boreholes within emaSwati’s homes would mean all citizens will be forced to use the expensive water supplied by the Water Services Corporation managed by the King’s mother-in-law.

World Vision to invest E125 million towards universal water coverage in 15 areas

by Ncaba Ntshakala, eSwatini Daily News, 9 January 2025

SOURCE

World Vision Eswatini (WVE) has unveiled plans to invest over E125 million in its ambitious initiative to achieve universal water coverage across 15 Area Programmes.

This substantial commitment forms part of a project valued at over E250 million. This was contained in the organisation’s report for the financial year 2023–2024.

In the report, WVE emphasized its dedication to enhancing access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Eswatini.

The organization asserted that it continues to advocate for a collaborative or co-financing partnership with the government to realize this vision.

A-pupil-at-Khalakahle-Methodist-Primary-School-washing-hands-on-a-water-tank-installed-in-the-school-by-World-Vision-Eswatini

According to the report, the WASH programme has already achieved a performance rate of 103% towards its set targets for FY24, a notable improvement from the 91% reported in FY23.

This progress was said to reflect significant strides in ensuring sustainable access to clean water and improved hygiene practices in communities, schools, and healthcare facilities.

To read more of this report, click here

https://swazidailynews.com/2025/01/09/world-vision-to-invest-e125-million-towards-universal-water-coverage-in-15-areas/

eSwatini AGOA trade benefits renewed for 2025
By Nokukhanya Musi, Voice of America, 8 January 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: The southern African nation of Eswatini has secured continued eligibility for benefits under the U.S African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for the 39 companies currently trading under AGOA, including some of Eswatini’s biggest brands. U.S. Trade Representative spokesman Sam Michel confirmed Eswatini’s eligibility in late December. Eswatini’s exclusion from the trade agreement in 2015 followed the country’s failure to meet benchmarks for democratization and respect for human rights and highlighted how the country’s political situation negatively impacted the country’s economy.

In a written statement issued on December 21, U.S. Trade Representative spokesman Sam Michel said the decision to continue Eswatini’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act was based on an annual AGOA eligibility review, which concluded that the list of eligible and ineligible countries will remain unchanged for 2025.

Eswatini, an AGOA member for 23 years, exported some $23.5 million worth of goods in 2022. It is among more than 30 African nations, including Namibia, South Africa, and Mozambique, eligible for the U.S.-led trade initiative, aimed at boosting trade and economic ties between the United States and Africa through duty-free access.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.voanews.com/a/eswatini-agoa-trade-benefits-renewed-for-2025/7929476.html

Strong religious beliefs lead to critical blood shortage

By Sebentile Shongwe, Times of eSwatini, 6 January 2025

SOURCE

MBABANE: Eswatini is grappling with a critical blood shortage.

The situation is exacerbated by religious scepticism surrounding blood donation, among other factors. According to Dr Velephi Okello, the Director of Health, the country is facing a severe shortfall of blood supplies, putting patients in urgent need of medical care at risk. She attributed part of this crisis to strong religious beliefs that prevent people from donating.

“The insufficiency is due to the decrease in donor numbers,” Dr Okello explained, adding that the ministry is actively encouraging regular donations. She noted that over the past few years, the primary donors for the Eswatini National Blood Transfusion Service (ENBTS) have been high school pupils.

“When schools are closed, we appeal to the general public to donate through outreach campaigns in communities and shopping malls,” she said. However, Dr Okello expressed uncertainty about how long the available blood supplies would last. “Since blood cannot be procured or bought, the ministry continues to plead with the public to make donating blood a habit rather than waiting until a relative is in need,” she stressed.

Currently, when a patient requires transfusion, they often have to call family members to come and donate, irrespective of the blood type.

To read more of this report, click here

http://www.times.co.sz/news/148832-strong-religious-beliefs-lead-to-critical-blood-shortage.html

15 rape cases in 7 days

By Bongiwe Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 3 January 2025

SOURCE

Police have reported a shocking number of 15 rapes, which are said to have happened over the festive period from December 25 to January 1st.

This translates to an average of two cases reported daily over seven days.

Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, said rape was the most committed offence during the festive season reporting that out of the 15 cases, police successfully arrested five suspects.

Vilakati said the police were working around the clock to bring all law-breakers to book.
While she did not reveal where the cases were reported, reported incidents which continue to be a headache not only for the police, but women and girls who are at the receiving end of the brutal violation included that of two elderly women of Nginamadvolo aged 72 and 74 who were allegedly raped by Bayanda Simelane 22, who is currently awaiting trial.

Another was of a four-year-old girl who was raped allegedly by her 36-year-old biological father in Pigg’s Peak. The incident came to light after the child’s grandmother noticed the minor’s changed behaviour, which included bed wetting and being visibly uncomfortable around her father.

To read more of this report, click here

http://new.observer.org.sz/details.php?id=23323

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