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Friday, 27 June 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 883 – 27 June 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 883 – 27 June 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. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite

Human rights advocates call for reforms

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi, eSwatini Observer (print edition), 26 June 2025 

Human rights and gender equality advocates as well as some traditionalists are calling for urgent reforms following widowed Mtsambama Member of Parliament (MP) Sibongile Mamba’s prolonged absence from parliamentary duties.

They argue that while culture is an important part of national identity, it should not be weaponised to silence or marginalise women. This follows a concern raised by Umhluma Women and Youth Foundation Executive Director Lungelo Zulu about the absence of Mamba from Parliament after the loss of her husband.

Africa Regional Coordinator for One Billion Rising Colani Hlatjwako said Mamba’s prolonged absence was not merely a personal matter, but a broad issue of structural inequality.

“As a country, it is time we move beyond cultural practices and traditions that continue to discriminate against and marginalise women. True equality means both access and the ability to lead without fear, limitation or prejudice. When we speak of equal participation, we are not only referring to numbers or representation, but also to creating a working environment that enables women to be effective and impactful.”

She stressed that systemic cultural barriers were still deeply embedded and prevented women from fully participating in leadership roles. “What has happened to MP Sibongile is not just a family matter, it affects the progress and well-being of the entire constituency she represents,” Hlatjwako added.

Meanwhile, traditionalists Elliot Mkhatshwa said women in leadership should not be forced to withdraw from public duties under the guise of tradition.

“A person of Mamba’s stature must not be subjected to such restrictions. If we want women to take part in leadership, we must stop tying them down with customs,” he said.

He argued that cultural practices should be adapted to suit modern-day realities, especially when they intersect with national governance.

Mkhatshwa suggested that a twomonth mourning period should suffice for women in leadership roles, and anything beyond that becomes an unfair constraint.

Attempts to get official comment from the House of Assembly leadership yielded no results. Speaker Jabulani Mabuza and Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga were both contacted, but neither responded to calls or messages by the time of publication.

 

Jacob Zuma’s daughter flees husband King Mswati citing polygamy woes

By Chris Matambanadzo, iHarare, 25 June 2025

SOURCE 


Former [South Africa] President Jacob Zuma’s daughter, Nomcebo Zuma, has reportedly left her royal marriage to King Mswati III of eSwatini, causing quiet ripples across the region’s political and traditional circles.

The 22-year-old junior wife, known as Inkhosikati LaZuma in the kingdom, is said to have walked away from palace life, complaining that she could no longer bear being in a polygamous setup where she “goes for months without seeing her husband.”

In line with Swazi tradition, when a wife disappears — a practice known as kwemuka — the husband sends a delegation to her family to plead for her return. In this case, a royal team was allegedly dispatched to Zuma’s homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, to try to resolve the matter.

Nomcebo’s marriage to King Mswati wasn’t officially announced by the palace but was exclusively reported by Swaziland News in 2024, when she was introduced as the King’s Liphovela (girlfriend) during the annual uMhlanga Reed Dance ceremony. Shortly after, she joined the royal household.

Now, her sudden departure has left both families in a tense standoff.

When contacted for comment by Swaziland News, King Mswati’s spokesperson Percy Simelane said he hadn’t been informed of the incident. He explained that his office only handles the King’s public matters, not private family issues.

“I am not aware, by design and principle, my Office portfolio does not stretch into the King’s private life, only his public life is my area of interest,” said the King’s Spokesperson.

Behind the scenes, sources claim that the royal delegation has been camped in Nkandla for days, trying to meet with Jacob Zuma — but the former president allegedly refused to even greet them.

According to insiders, Zuma told the envoys that he had never supported the marriage from the start, but only went along with it because his daughter was insistent. His silence now may be a sign that he’s standing by her decision to leave.

King Mswati, who is known for his lavish lifestyle and absolute power, has more than 14 wives and over 50 children, a fact that reportedly became overwhelming for Nomcebo.

Efforts to reach members of the Zuma family for direct comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

See also

“I haven’t seen my husband in months!” Jacob Zuma’s daughter walks out of polygamous marriage with King Mswati over marital struggles

https://www.tv47.digital/a-royal-delegation-from-eswatini-has-been-sent-to-nkandla-kwazulu-natal-south-africa-to-negotiate-the-return-of-king-mswati-iiis-youngest-wife-106846/

 

Don’t shut down hos­pit­als – Ministry of Health

By Timothy Simelane, Times of eSwatini (print edition), 25 June 2025 

MBABANE: The Min­istry of Health has issued a stern warn­ing to health pro­fes­sion­als against shut­ting down oper­a­tions in pub­lic health facil­it­ies, labelling such actions as illegal.

Prin­cipal Sec­ret­ary (PS) in the Min­istry of Health, Khan­yak­wezwe Mabuza, stated the min­istry has received reports of health pro­fes­sion­als leav­ing patients stran­ded. “No one has the right to close down a hos­pital,” he asser­ted.

Prin­cipal Sec­ret­ary (PS) in the Min­istry of Health, Khan­yak­wezwe Mabuza, stated the min­istry has received reports of health pro­fes­sion­als leav­ing patients stran­ded. “No one has the right to close down a hos­pital,” he asser­ted.

Address­ing con­cerns about a lack of medi­cines and drug sup­plies, Mabuza cla­ri­fied: “That does not war­rant a shut­down of the facil­ity, because the doc­tor can still make a pre­scrip­tion for the patient to get the drug else­where.”

He fur­ther explained that even if one spe­cific drug is out of stock, other neces­sary med­ic­a­tions may still be avail­able to assist the patient.

When ques­tioned about lengthy meet­ings held by nurses, doc­tors and sup­port staff while patients wait unat­ten­ded, Mabuza emphas­ised that all meet­ings must be sanc­tioned by hos­pital man­age­ment and con­duc­ted in a man­ner that does not affect patients.

“If these meet­ings go on and on and are not sanc­tioned by the man­age­ment, we will con­sider such to be a go-slow strike,” Mabuza warned.

The min­istry’s Com­mu­nic­a­tions Officer Nsindiso Tsabedze, under­scored the illeg­al­ity of oper­a­tional shut­downs. He said some patients could find relief psy­cho­lo­gic­ally after meet­ing the doc­tor.

“To some patients, just meet­ing the doc­tor and hav­ing him inspect you, could be enough ther­apy,” he remarked.

The min­istry engaged the media fol­low­ing a series of meet­ings by pro­fes­sional staff at Mbabane Gov­ern­ment Hos­pital (MGH), where they sought solu­tions to short­ages of drugs, med­ical sup­plies, staff, secur­ity and other essen­tials. Dur­ing these MGH meet­ings, patients were observed wait­ing exhaust­ively, with some even­tu­ally return­ing home, and entire blocks of treat­ment and exam­in­a­tion rooms in the Out­pa­tient Depart­ment were locked. Only patients in wards reportedly received assist­ance from a lim­ited num­ber of nurses.

Mabuza announced that the min­istry would intro­duce a cus­tomer care point in hos­pit­als for patients to lodge com­plaints about a lack of atten­tion. The PS acknow­ledged that the min­istry had received two or three peti­tions from health­care pro­fes­sion­als and affirmed that efforts were under­way to resolve the repor­ted short­ages.

“We acknow­ledged the issues on these peti­tions. Some of them may not be true, but we appre­ci­ate that the staff reached out to the min­istry to have these issues resolved,” he said.

Mean­while, Tsabedze noted that des­pite Monday’s meet­ings at MGH, the min­istry had been aler­ted to another meet­ing planned for yes­ter­day. He said that was a cause for con­cern because patients were being affected.

“We gathered from the media that the con­cern is that there are no med­ical sup­plies and decided to address this issue,” he con­cluded.

 

King Mswati says eSwatini to establish Council of Chiefs to complete the country’s constitutional governance structure

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 25 June, 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: King Mswati says eSwatini will soon establish the Council of Chiefs to complete the country’s constitutional governance structure.

Addressing the Ghana’s National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Wednesday, the King said establishing the Council of Chiefs would place eSwatini as one of the African countries will formalized traditional leadership, Government online platforms reported.

“Having a Council of Chiefs would place Eswatini as one of several African nations with formalised Houses of Chiefs or similar traditional leadership structures. This new Council will serve as a platform for chiefs to advise the state on matters of tradition, custom, and cultural preservation, reinforcing their pivotal role in Eswatini’s monarchical democracy. The King said the country’s commitment to this structure underscores a political will to harmonising tradition with modernity, ensuring that the wisdom of chiefs continues to shape national policies in a rapidly evolving world. Provision for such a structure is contained in Chapter 14 of the national Constitution and is said to align with a broader African trend of recognising traditional leadership within governance frameworks. The King emphasised that Eswatini’s chiefs, under the Tinkhundla system, are central to the Nation’s identity, administering communities, resolving disputes, and upholding the values of ubuntu- unity, respect, and progress. The new Council of Chiefs will amplify their role, ensuring their centuries-honed wisdom informs national laws and policies,” reads the Government online report.

On another note, the King who applauded Ghana traditional leadership for preserving culture, paid tribute to Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and Eswatini’s King Sobhuza II for their visionary leadership in securing independence for their Nations while safeguarding traditional governance structures.

 

Mswati’s Council of Chiefs plan signals deeper entrenchment of monarchy, not democratic reform

By Anele Dlamini, Swaziland Democratic News, 26 June 2025

SOURCE

In a recent address to Ghana’s National House of Chiefs in Kumasi, King Mswati III announced Eswatini’s plan to formally establish a Council of Chiefs a move presented as a step toward preserving cultural heritage and enhancing traditional governance. This, however is a calculated effort to deepen the monarchy’s control and further entrench the undemocratic Tinkhundla system, rather than pave the way for genuine political reform.

The King claimed the Council of Chiefs would advise the state on matters of tradition and culture, ensuring the “wisdom of chiefs” continues to shape national policy. While similar structures exist in other African countries, Eswatini’s unique political context where political parties are banned and the king holds absolute power means this council will likely serve to reinforce royal authority rather than balance it. Under the Tinkhundla system, chiefs already play a central role in local governance, community dispute resolution and enforcing allegiance to the monarchy. Formalising their role into a national council only strengthens the regime’s grip on the grassroots.

The King further claims that this step demonstrates political will to “harmonise tradition with modernity.” Yet in reality, it signals a refusal to engage in the kind of democratic restructuring that citizens and civil society have long demanded. Instead of opening pathways to inclusive governance, Mswati is doubling down on traditional authority conveniently controlled and aligned with royal interests.

Adding to growing concerns is the King’s continued practice of including his children in structures of governance and international trips, as was seen again in Ghana. These appearances go beyond symbolic family representation; they suggest a deliberate strategy to groom and position the next generation of royals within state and diplomatic spaces. This pattern reinforces dynastic rule and signals the monarchy’s intention to maintain a firm hold on power for generations to come.

Ultimately, while the Council of Chiefs is being promoted as a tool for cultural preservation, it appears to be part of a broader strategy to solidify the monarchy’s control, suppress democratic aspirations and close the door on political reform in Eswatini.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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Friday, 20 June 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 882 – 20 June 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 882 – 20 June 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. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite

 

Cabinet given 14-day ultimatum

By Nokuphila Haji, eSwatini Observer, Press Reader edition, 19 June 2025

SOURCE 

MPs say health system falling apart, demand plans, not promises • Claim there is no political will to solve crisis

Members of Parliament (MPs) have given Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini 14 days to return to the House of Assembly with satisfactory responses backed by actions in addressing the prevalent drugs shortage in public health institutions.

This was the resolution taken by the MPs following a heated debate after some legislators were for the adjournment of the sitting while others called for Cabinet to be excused and be given time to address the issue.

Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo said he was of the idea that the premier takes up the issue with Cabinet and address the drugs crisis in public hospitals, and return with responses in 14 days.

He said after the 14 days, he expected Dlamini to deliver a statement on which direction the country would be taking in addressing the issues that marred the health sector.

He said this would not benefit them, adding that the nation was losing hope in them because the debate yielded no positive.

The premier was in the House to respond to motions concerning his office like the government grand plan, employment policy and others. He said they should not even discuss the health issue, but halt everything so that the nation would note that their legislators were hard at work.

He said they would wait for the response from government because if they failed to do so, the nation would also lose hope in them. He said the PM should take the issue as a collective and attend to it fully.

“They should bring responses not because they have to respond but answers that are backed up by action. The situation is dire, it has never been this bad before,” he said.

Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane asked if it would be wrong to ask Cabinet to excuse them so that they could discuss the issue and return with a report.

He noted that there was political resistance and no political will on the issue.

He said the situation was dire on the ground and they should have

received a concrete report on the issue. He said health officials were rioting endlessly because there was no medication in hospitals.

He said there were powerful stakeholders, but they were also not sure of their identity. He said if there was political will, the ministry would have fixed the issue by now. He added that the ministry hinted at disposing drugs, yet that was the supplier’s duty.

“Can the PM be granted 14 days as the head of Cabinet to sort this issue out? This is now supposed to be addressed by the PM so that he can give us the direction that we have to take because this is the same response that we get everyday. Can Cabinet return with the responses that we need not what we are doing now,” he said.

Lobamba MP Michael Masilela said they should adjourn the debate and also suspend the sitting so that they could allow Cabinet to address the health challenges.

Ngudzeni MP Charles Ndlovu also called for the adjournment of debate and allow Cabinet to return with responses on the health crisis in 14 days. The speaker said they could not allow some motions into the House while others take time to be debated.

He said the challenge was that the other MPs did not support Khumalo, but stated their motions.

Khumalo said the motions that appear from what they had were without notice. He emphasised that in the 14 days Cabinet should work on the responses.

Attorney General Mashampu Khumalo said if they considered motions without notice, they should also look at Standing Order 74. He said if they raise a motion without notice, they might operate in the context of Standing Order 74.

He said motions that could be considered for the adjournment of the House or debate were allowed if the motion was of an urgent matter of public interest.

 

World Food Programme eSwatini Country Brief, May 2025

Relief Web, 19 June 2025

SOURCE 

In Numbers

227.2 MT of food assistance distributed to 861 NCPs

USD 0.5 million six months net funding requirements, representing 14 percent of total requirement (June to November 2025)

26,682 people assisted in May 2025

Operational Updates

Children Social Food Safety Net

In May 2025, WFP provided support to 26,628 orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs) in 861 neighbourhood care points (NCPs). WFP is also supporting the government of Eswatini with the development of standard operating procedures for NCPs to provide guidelines for the Social Centres in alignment with the NCP strategy. This aims to improve the efficiency and standardization of NCP operations while fostering accountability and ensuring proper registration of NCPs.

Livelihood Projects

Under the UBRAF-funded livelihoods support, WFP has assisted 30 beneficiaries with income-generating activities aimed at strengthening resilience among vulnerable populations affected by HIV. The project focuses on improving food and nutrition security through sustainable livelihoods, particularly for individuals living with or affected by HIV and those living with disability. In May 2025 four beneficiaries who were awaiting delivery of layer chickens have now received them and have started selling eggs, contributing to improved household income and self-reliance.

Climate Resilience

WFP, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), FAO, NAMBoard, CFI, and the Ministry of Tinkhundla Administration and Development (MTAD), trained 24 participants (17 youth and 7 community leaders) on improved vegetable production, market access, post-harvest handling, financial management, and shifting from subsistence to business-oriented farming

To download full report

https://reliefweb.int/report/eswatini/wfp-eswatini-country-brief-may-2025

 

School teacher Nompilo Mamba who took pictures and videos of armed police abducting children during political unrest leaves eSwatini in fear for her life

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 16 June, 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Nompilo Mamba, the Mbabane John Wesley Secondary School teacher who took pictures and videos of armed police officers abducting children inside the classroom during the political unrest, has left eSwatini and secured a job in Ireland.

On Tuesday 12th October 2021, this Swaziland News reported that police armed with guns, invaded John Wesley Secondary School in Mbabane grabbing school children who were suspected to be protesters.

The armed police officers arrived after learning that children from Mater Dolorosa (MDS) and John Wesley were protesting.

After entering the classroom, the officer was seen notifying his colleagues that he had caught some of the children before grabbing them to the Police Station where they were reportedly tortured.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News earlier, Mbongwa Dlamini, the President of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) confirmed the matter saying the students from MDS were grabbed by the police and detained in a classroom at John Wesley.

“What we can confirm is that the protest started at MDS and proceeded to Wesley Secondary. The police then grabbed the children who were from MDS and detained them in a classroom while waiting for a van to take them to the police station”, said the SNAT President.

Phindile Vilakati, the Police Spokesperson declined to respond our questions regarding the abduction of the children.

But Nompilo Mamba, the teacher who took the pictures and exposed the abduction of the children, subsequently received threats from the police officers and State agents were allegedly plotting to abduct her as well.

Efforts to seek a comment from the teacher proved unsuccessful, she is reportedly working in Ireland-Europe.

Eswatini is an absolute Monarchy, human rights defenders are arrested, tortured or even killed for demanding democracy.

 

John Wesley Secondary School teacher Nompilo Mamba who took pictures of armed police abducting children during political unrest leaves eSwatini in fear for her life


SA faces steep costs in Swazi lilangeni after ditching Taiwan

SA Freight News, 13 June 2025

SOURCE 

Eswatini’s cargo transporters – air, rail and road – as well as freight forwarders and warehouse lessors are excited by the prospect of Taiwan relocating its business interests, including manufacturing concerns, from South Africa to their country.

There is wide consensus that the small, landlocked nation’s limited resources will be offset by a winning advantage as Africa’s only country to still maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. “My company hauls cargo for Taiwanese companies in South Africa,” said the manager of a road freight firm based at the Matsapha Industrial Estate, halfway between Mbabane and the commercial hub of Manzini, who prefers to remain anonymous.

The manager said the company moves especially Taiwanese goods and exports to Eswatini.

The relocation of factories owned by business interests from the Republic of China to Eswatini “will open the biggest new opportunity for our freight industry since apartheid”, the manager added.

In the 1980s, several multinational companies moved out of South Africa to avoid apartheid-era sanctions and relocated to what was then still officially Swaziland.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.freightnews.co.za/article/sa-faces-steep-costs-swazi-lilangeni-after-ditching-taiwan

 

eSwatini’s education system receives a major boost

By Siphesihle Dlamini, eSwatini Daily News, Press Reader edition. 18 June 2025

SOURCE

Enhancing the educational landscape of Eswatini, the Minister for Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, received a generous donation of 200 computers and 10,000 books on Tuesday at the Ministry’s Headquarters. The donation, made possible by the collaboration between Computers for Africa and the Eswatini Literacy Project, aims to equip schools across the nation, particularly those in rural areas, with essential resources to improve learning outcomes.

The event was marked by a spirit of gratitude and optimism, as stakeholders gathered to celebrate this milestone in Eswatini’s quest for quality education.

The Chairperson of the Eswatini Literacy Project, Senator Ntfombiyenkhosi Dlamini, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading among students. “We have established this organization to promote the culture of reading in students, particularly from schools in rural areas,” Dlamini stated. The initiative aims to bridge the educational gap by ensuring that every child has access to books and learning materials that can enrich their knowledge and imagination.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.pressreader.com/eswatini/eswatini-daily-news-9y77/20250618/281539411925259

 

Did Swaziland’s government order men to marry five wives or risk jail term?

By Elizabeth Ogunbamowo, Dubuwa, 18 June 2025

SOURCE 

Claim: Several Facebook posts claimed the government of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) ordered its men to marry five wives or risk being jailed.

Verdict: False! The government made no such request and had debunked the claim years earlier. 

 

In Africa, discussions around polygamy often gain traction on social media. In most cases, women tend to oppose the idea, while men frequently defend it, citing unverifiable research claims that suggest polygamy is “natural” to the male gender.

Recently, a claim surfaced on Nigerian social media alleging that the government of Eswatini issued a controversial directive supporting polygamy.

The claim, shared on Facebook on May 29, 2025, alleged that the Swaziland government had ordered men to marry five wives, warning that any man who opposed the directive would risk imprisonment.

Several Facebook accounts reposted the claim, which has since gone viral. Some Nigerian users, who shared the post, expressed a desire for a similar law to be enacted in Nigeria, while others joked about relocating to the Southern African country. 

Given the virality of the claim and its potential to mislead the public, DUBAWA fact-checked it.

Verification

Eswatini is a country in the Southern African region. It is referred to as the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies, ruled by King Mswatini III, who assumed power in 1986 after his 18th birthday. 

The country, formerly known as Swaziland, was renamed kingdom of Eswatini in 2018 to mark the country’s 50th independence anniversary. 

Public accounts of King Mswatini’s harem note that he has at least 15 wives, while his father reportedly had over 70 wives. This context may lend superficial credibility to the claim that he ordered men to marry at least five wives.

However, a Google keyword search showed that the claim previously trended online in 2019. At the time, the context surrounding the claim was that the government promised to fund the marriage ceremonies and provide houses for the couples and that failure to comply could result in a life sentence. 

The reports further stated that the alleged directive was prompted by the country’s growing female population and a shortage of men.

However, findings showed the claim had been debunked in the past. Media reports quoted government spokesperson Percy Simelane, who described the reports as “malicious” and “poisonous” at the time.

“His Majesty has not made any pronouncement to that effect as it has never been an issue raised,” Simelane had said.

He also said such a report was an insult to the monarchy and the culture of eSwatini and a disgrace to journalism.

The rumour was also debunked, as seen here

DUBAWA went through the official social media accounts of the Eswatini government on Facebook and X and found no such directive. 

Also, a video posted in May 2024 on YouTube showed officials of Eswatini debunking a similar claim that the country was giving “free wives” to men from Uganda and other African countries to increase its population.

Findings indicate that polygamy is legally permissible in Eswatini, provided it is consensual. However, there are ongoing concerns regarding women’s rights and the discriminatory aspects often associated with such unions, particularly with traditional and customary practices.

While some argue that polygamy contravenes Article 3 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees equal rights for men and women in the enjoyment of all civil and political freedoms, others maintain that polygamy does not infringe upon women’s rights any more than monogamy does.”

Meanwhile, DUBAWA fact-checked a similar claim, which was in support of polygamy in January 2024 and found it to be false. 

Conclusion

The claim that the government of Eswatini ordered men to marry five wives or risk a jail term is false.

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Friday, 13 June 2025

Swaziland Newsletter No. 881 – 13 June 2025

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 881 – 13 June 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. The newsletter and past editions are also available online on the Swazi Media Commentary blogsite

 

Urgent statement to the Swazi government on the abduction and killing of children

Lioness Sibande, Secretary General, SPLM, Swati Newsweek 10 June 2025

SOURCE 

The Swaziland Peoples Liberation Movement urgently calls on the Tinkhundla Government to take immediate action against the rising syndicate responsible for the abduction and brutal murder of innocent children. The lives of Swazi children are at stake, and we demand swift and decisive measures to put an end to this atrocity.

We calling for two immediate actions of, the closure of schools until adequate security measures are in place.

Deployment of soldiers and police nationwide to prioritize the safety of children.

We call on parents to keep their children at home until the government takes this crisis seriously and demonstrates a genuine commitment to protecting the future of our nation.

A message to the Prime Minister of Tinkhundla Government is, how many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken? Your silence and inaction are unacceptable. We know that your children are educated in neighbouring countries, protected by state security. But what about the vulnerable children of Swaziland?

We call on the Swaziland National Association of Teachers SNAT, to urge educators to stand with parents in safeguarding our children’s lives. Schools must be closed until the Ministry of Education implements security measures, enforces strict protection protocols, and ensures that all students follow a synchronized timetable to prevent isolation and vulnerability. Extra classes that expose children to risk must be halted immediately.

The Ministry of Education Has Failed Us, it has turned a blind eye to this crisis, abandoning its responsibility to protect the nation's children. This negligence must end now.

A Call to Action for All Swazis:

We must unite as a nation to protect our children. We urge communities to form citizen-led patrols and safety forums, taking turns to watch over neighbourhoods and ensure children are safe. History will judge us if we allow complacency to prevail.

No Minister, Government Official, Police Officer, or Chief will stand up for your child, you must rise and be the change you seek. Let us not be the generation that ignored the cries of the innocent.

 

See also

Government raises alarm over child kidnappings

https://independentnews.co.sz/15572/news/government-raises-alarm-over-child-kidnappings/  

 

China grants zero-tariff access to 53 African nations, eSwatini excluded

By William Narh, Citi Newsroom, 12 June 2025

SOURCE 

China has announced a new zero-tariff policy for exports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, further deepening its economic foothold across the continent.

The initiative excludes Eswatini—the only African nation that recognises Taiwan—underscoring Beijing’s firm adherence to its One China policy.

The announcement followed high-level talks in Changsha, Hunan Province, between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African officials, and was formalised in a joint communiqué.

The tariff exemption is part of China’s broader push to position itself as Africa’s principal trade and investment partner amid escalating global trade tensions.

The joint statement criticised rising protectionist measures in global trade, particularly those recently imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, and called for a return to dialogue and multilateralism in resolving disputes.

Read more

https://citinewsroom.com/2025/06/china-grants-zero-tariff-access-to-53-african-nations-eswatini-excluded/

 

Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi praises trade unions and other stakeholders after successful removal of eSwatini from list of ILO countries violating workers’ rights

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 6 June, 2025

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Phila Buthelezi, the Minister of Labour and Social Security has praised trade unions and other stakeholders after the successful removal of eSwatini in the list of countries violating human rights.

In a statement released on Friday, the Labour Minister attributed this success to the existence of improved social dialogue and tripartism in the country.

“The Ministry congratulates all our social partners for believing in the strength of engagements at a national level and avoiding hanging the dirty linen of the country in the international community,” said the Minister through the statement.

The International Labour Organization(ILO) has removed eSwatini from the list of countries violating human rights, to be discussed by the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) during the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva

 

More than entertainment: bringing fire to the SDGs through dialogue, art and action

United Nations eSwatini, 9 June 2025

SOURCE

 


For the 18th year, the vibrant MTN Bushfire Festival lit up the scenic Malkerns Valley of the Kingdom of Eswatini on the last weekend of May 2025. And, for the third consecutive year, the United Nations in Eswatini partnered with the festival’s “Bring Your Fire Zone” to harness the transformative power of music, dialogue, and arts to spread urgency about achieving the SDGs. From university auditoriums across the Kingdom ahead of the festival to the rolling green fields of the festival grounds, this partnership has sparked meaningful and passionate conversations on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the country’s aspirations especially those of its youthful population. This year, the dialogue spotlighted Food Systems, Climate and Pollution, Health & Gender Equality, HIV, and the Sustainability of Arts and Culture Festivals for their intrinsic value and contribution to the creative economy.

Widely recognized as one of Africa’s premier music and arts festivals, the three-day MTN Bushfire draws an estimated 20,000 attendees each day from 60 countries on average, offering a dynamic mix of music, art, and cultural exchange. The festival has earned international acclaim - CNN named it one of the “7 African music festivals you really have to see,” while the BBC hailed it as a “Top African Festival.”

Thus, for UN Eswatini, the festival is more than just entertainment. It is serious business and an invaluable platform. For a start, the festival is the most important event in Eswatini’s creative economy, contributing approximately USD$3.7 million to the national economy and creating between 900 and 1,200 jobs over the three days. For Eswatini’s relatively small economy, that’s a big deal. It is also celebrated for its strong commitment to social responsibility including promoting the circular and green economy. A portion of every ticket sold supports local initiatives, such as Young Heroes and Gone Rural boMake, which provide assistance to orphans and rural communities throughout Eswatini. 

Under the rallying call, Bring Your Fire, the UN-MTN Bushfire partnership has evolved into a powerful platform for youth engagement - one where creativity fuels action, dialogue drives ideas, and young voices help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

This year, eight UN agencies - UNHCR, UNESCO, IOM, UNFPA, WHO, WFP, UNAIDS, and FAO - have joined forces with the Bushfire team to co-create moments that inform, inspire, and engage.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatini.un.org/en/295914-more-entertainment-bringing-fire-sdgs-through-dialogue-art-and-action

 

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