Swaziland Newsletter No. 949 – 23 October 2026

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 949 – 23 October 2026

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

 

Serious corruption at ICT – Bennett

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times of eSwatini, 21 October 2026

SOURCE 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read more of this report, click here

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

 

Police ordered to pay E380 000 for torture

By Sibusiso Tsabedze, eSwatini Observer, 16 October 2026

SOURCE 

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

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

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

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

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

To read more of this report, click here

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

 

Civil society welcomes sex offenders register move

By Bongiwe Dlamini, eSwatini Observer, 19 October 2026

SOURCE

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read more of this report, click here

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

 

Campaigning for elections illegal for now – AG

By Ntombi Mhlongo, Times of eSwatini, 16 October 2026

SOURCE 

SIBEBE – Hold your horses!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read more of this report, click here

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

 

See also

MPs fear losing in 2028 elections (Times of eSwatini)

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

Screen parliamentary candidates for criminal records (eSwatini Positive News)

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

 

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

By Zweli Martin Dlamini, Swaziland News, 17 October 2026

SOURCE 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

6 012 girls receive HPV vaccine in 10 days

By Sifiso Nhlabatsi, eSwatini Positive News, 20 October 2026

SOURCE 

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

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

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

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

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

To read more of this report, click here

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

See also

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

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

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

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

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

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 944 – 18 September 2026

 Swaziland Newsletter No. 944 – 18 September 2026

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

 

About one in four teens reported attempting suicide

By Sabelo Majola, eSwatini Observer, 12 September 2026

SOURCE 

An alarming picture of the mental health challenges facing young people in the country has emerged, with the ministry of health revealing that one in four learners aged between 13 and 17 years reportedly seriously considered suicide.

The figures were highlighted by the ministry of health as the country joined the global community in commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 under the theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, with the call to action: ‘Let’s Start the Conversation’.

Delivering the Minister of Health MP Mduduzi Matsebula’s speech, Acting Deputy Director of Public Health Dr Adman Shabangu said the figures were particularly concerning given that more than half of the learners surveyed reported having nobody to talk to about their worries.

The revelations place renewed focus on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of children and adolescents, while raising questions about the support available to young people experiencing distress.

“Suicide is also among the leading causes of death among our adolescents and young people,” Shabangu said.

He said the statistics should not be viewed merely as numbers, but as an indication of lives at risk and the wider impact suicide has on families, communities and the country.

The ministry also cited the latest World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, which places the country as having the second-highest suicide rate in the African region after Lesotho. The figure cited by the ministry was 31.8 deaths per 10 000 population.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/about-1-in-4-teens-reported-attempting-suicide/

 

Two U.S. government workers accidentally shot by soldiers during anti-smuggling operation in eSwatini

By Associated Press, 15 September 2026

SOURCE 

Soldiers in the African nation of Eswatini accidentally shot two U.S. government personnel last week, the country's government said.

The U.S. personnel were shot during an anti-smuggling operation by the Eswatini army in a rural region in the northeast of the country late Friday, Eswatini's government said in a statement late Monday.

The Americans sustained "minor injuries" and there was an investigation underway, Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The Eswatini government didn't immediately identify the U.S. personnel or say why they were present. The U.S. State Department said that it was aware of the shootings and the "affected U.S. personnel are safe," but also didn't immediately identify who they were. It said it was working with the Eswatini government on an investigation.

Army sources told Swaziland News that the soldiers accidentally shot a U.S. diplomat at a military roadblock. The sources told the outlet that soldiers were unaware that a car that made a U-turn next to a military roadblock was driven by an American diplomat and thought someone was illegally avoiding the roadblock.

Eswatini army spokesperson Sandile Gwebu told the AP that it was now "a diplomatic issue" handled by both countries and didn't give further details.

The Eswatini government said in its statement that "the incident is being treated with the seriousness it warrants."

Eswatini is a small kingdom of around 1.3 million people on the border between South Africa and Mozambique. It is ruled by King Mswati III, who holds supreme political power and is Africa's last absolute monarch.

See also

‘Accidental Maphiveni Military Roadblock shooting of diplomat won’t compromise eSwatini diplomatic relations with the United States’ (Swaziland News)

https://swazilandnews.co.za/articles/38784

Questions raised online after U.S. government personnel accidentally shot by eSwatini soldiers (Briefly News, South Africa)

https://briefly.co.za/world/africa/253491-questions-raised-online-government-personnel-accidentally-shot-by-eswatini-soldiers/

 

Rural schools expose teacher hardships

By Mlondzi Nkambule, Times of eSwatini, 16 September 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Crumbling classrooms, makeshift staffrooms and pupils repairing school walls have exposed the conditions teachers face in rural schools.

The conditions were uncovered during a tour by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), the Government Negotiations Team (GNU) Secretariat and representatives of the Hhohho Regional Education Office (REO).

The team visited selected schools in the Hhohho Region to assess the challenges faced by educators and determine the extent to which rural conditions justify the hardship allowance being pursued for teachers.

At Gobolondlo Primary School, the team was shown two structures which were previously used as classrooms but have remained derelict since their roof was blown off in 2019.

The structures have not been rehabilitated seven years later after construction experts reportedly advised that they were beyond repair.

The state of the classrooms formed part of the evidence being gathered by the team as it assesses the working conditions of teachers in rural schools.

From Lufafa, the team proceeded to Gobolondlo Primary School, where another picture of the challenges facing rural schools emerged.

At Lufafa, pupils were found mixing water and sand to repair damage to a stick-and-mud structure currently being used as a staffroom.

Information gathered during the visit indicated that the structure was previously used as a teacher’s quarter before being converted into a staffroom.

The conditions observed during the tour have added weight to SNAT’s argument for teachers working in identified hardship areas to receive an allowance.

SNAT Secretary General Lot Vilakati said the assessment would continue in other parts of the country, with the next stop being the Shiselweni Region, specifically Gege.

Vilakati said the purpose of the tours was to establish the realities faced by teachers before the parties continue discussions on the proposed hardship allowance.

“Upon completion of these tours, we are hopeful that the discussions we will have will yield positive results for the educators in the country who need this allowance,” he said.

He said teachers would not be subjected to different treatment once schools qualifying for the allowance had been identified.

“There will be no special treatment or preference. Everyone who deserves it will get the allowance,” said Vilakati.

The tour is expected to provide the negotiating parties with first-hand information on the conditions at schools, particularly those located in rural and difficult-to-reach areas.

The team is expected to continue assessing schools as part of the process before further negotiations on the hardship allowance.

A stick and mud structure at Lufafa Primary School that is used as a staffroom and sometimes as a chicken shed by agriculture learners. (Pic: The SNAT Platform Facebook page)

See also

Remote Schools Assessed for Hardship Allowance (eSwatini Positive News)

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/remote-schools-assessed-for-hardship-allowance/

 

Civil Society wants Human Rights Commission Bill strengthened

By Phiwase Phungwayo, eSwatini Observer, 15 September 2026

SOURCE 

The country’s long-awaited watchdog over human rights and public administration could finally be given the teeth to do its job, but civil society wants Parliament to go further before the proposed law is passed.

Melusi Simelane, Human Rights Policy Analyst and Head of Civic Rights at the Southern Africa Litigation Centre, said the Human Rights Commission Bill of 2025 presents a crucial opportunity to establish an independent and credible institution capable of holding the Executive to account.

He said while the Bill proposed significant new powers for the commission, including subpoena powers and unannounced inspections of detention facilities, several provisions still needed to be strengthened to ensure the institution could effectively fulfil its constitutional mandate.

He said the Bill of 2025 was, therefore, significant because it sought to strengthen the commission’s powers and potentially pave the way for its accreditation by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). Among the proposed powers welcomed by civil society are the ability to subpoena individuals and documents and to conduct unannounced visits to detention facilities.

However, Simelane said the Bill still contained provisions that needed to be addressed if the commission was to operate independently and effectively.

One of the major concerns, he said, was the commission’s accountability.

Simelane argued that the commission should report to Parliament rather than the Executive, as its mandate included scrutinising public administration and holding government institutions accountable.

He also raised concerns about its funding, saying the legislation appeared to provide primarily for the commission’s salaries and administrative costs without adequately funding the activities necessary for it to fulfil its mandate.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/1civil-society-wants-human-rights-commission-bill-strengthened/

 

Ministries urged to put disability in their budgets

By Lindelwa Myeni, eSwatini Positive News, 15 September 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Disability inclusion should no longer remain a policy commitment on paper, but must be backed by actual Government budgets, programmes and resources capable of improving the everyday lives of persons with disabilities.

This was the central message delivered to Government ministries and key stakeholders during sensitisation workshops on the Costed Eswatini National Disability Action Plan 2024–2026.

Hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and the Federation Organisation of Disabled People in Eswatini (FODSWA), with support from UNESCO, the workshops sought to strengthen understanding of the national plan and help ministries translate its commitments into practical action.

Participants were encouraged to ensure that disability inclusion is considered from the earliest stages of Government planning instead of being treated as an afterthought once programmes and budgets have already been finalised.

At the heart of the discussions was disability-responsive budgeting — ensuring that Government ministries deliberately allocate resources towards removing barriers that may prevent persons with disabilities from accessing services, opportunities and participating fully in society.

UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa Officer for Social and Human Sciences Memory Zulu stressed that disability inclusion requires financial commitment across Government.

To read more of this report, click here

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/ministries-urged-to-put-disability-in-their-budgets/

See also

When silence speaks: deaf rights are human rights (eSwatini Positive News)

https://eswatinipositivenews.online/when-silence-speaks-deaf-rights-are-human-rights/

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

Find us:

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

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

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 923 – 17 April 2026

 

Swaziland Newsletter No. 923 – 17 April 2026

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

 

Rule of Law Under Strain in eSwatini: A Submission on Judicial Independence and Civic Space

International Commission of Jurists, 13 April 2026

SOURCE 

On April 10, 2026, the ICJ filed a submission to the Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Eswatini, in preparation for the review of the human rights situation in the country scheduled for November 2026.

In this contribution to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Eswatini, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) raises concerns and makes recommendations about the following concerns:

• Failure to secure judicial independence;
• Failure to safeguard the independence of lawyers;
• Repression of rights to dissent, and protest; and
• Failure to investigate human rights abuses.

Eswatini accepted numerous recommendations on those concerns during its Third (2021), Second (2016), and its First UPR Cycle. Eswatini has repeatedly accepted UPR recommendations relating to the suppression of the rights of human defenders, the failure to investigate human rights violations against human defenders, and the enhancement of judicial independence. Despite this, little, if any, progress has been made in implementing such recommendations. In fact, the Eswatini government has doubled down on the application of repressive laws and the suppression of dissent to such an extent that the chilling effect on human rights defenders remains at a point of crisis.

Read the full submission here

https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FINAL-ESWATINI-ICJ-UPR-SUB-10-APRIL-2026.pdf

 

eSwatini police officers embark on crackdown against pro-democracy activists ahead of King Mswati’s forty (40) years on the Throne celebration

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 15 April 2026

SOURCE

MBABANE: Eswatini police are allegedly fabricating criminal charges just to detain members of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) to ensure that King Mswati’s forty (40) years on the Throne and birthday double celebration is held without any disturbance or protests. 

But this Swaziland News reported on the 27th February 2026 that, between the 14th and 24th April 2026, Eswatini police will embark on a crackdown on pro-democracy activists to ensure that, the event “takes place without protests”, this was after Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini obtained a draft intelligence report that was used to compile an operation order. 

Indeed on Wednesday this week, the police raided the home of ex-PUDEMO Deputy President Zodwa Mkhonta and went on to list a leader of the PUDEMO Youth League Nontsetselelo Nkambule as a wanted person, the cops fabricated attempted murder charges against her.

But apart from detaining the political activists, it has been disclosed that, the police officers “want to grab their cellphones and go through the political organization’s Whatsap Group and communications with other political leaders to identify plans and strategies”, of the organization.

Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, the Eswatini Police Spokesperson, declined to comment.

Eswatini is ruled by King Mswati as an absolute Monarch, the country where political parties are banned, is not a democracy.

See also

State Police Intelligence conducting investigation to ascertain why pro-democracy leaders are quiet amid fears political activists are planning to topple King Mswati’s undemocratic regime, PUDEMO Spokesperson says struggle stronger in silence (Swaziland News)

https://swazilandnews.co.za/articles/529

 

King to army: Stand against invisible enemies dividing nation

By Joseph Zulu, eSwatini News, 11 April 2026

SOURCE

 

King Mswati III during the 53^rd Army Day

NOKWANE: Eswatini has a new threat – invisible enemies.

His Majesty King Mswati III has urged the nation’s armed forces to confront what he described as ‘invisible enemies’ that are increasingly threatening national unity and stability, saying modern security challenges extend far beyond traditional warfare.

In his speech, His Majesty warned that Eswatini now faces evolving threats that include instability, lawlessness and growing national division. He called on soldiers to remain alert not only to external dangers, but also to internal forces that weaken national cohesion.

This is what the King said: “The nature of our enemies has evolved. Today’s soldier must stand firm not only against physical aggression, but also against instability, lawlessness and division within society.”

Ingwenyama delivered the remarks during the 53^rd Army Day held at the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) headquarters in Nokwane yesterday. The army was created in 1973. It is now 53 years old.  The event was attended by among others, Mathews Phosa, the former Treasurer General of the African National Congress (ANC) and ex-Premier of Mphumalanga Province.

Members of the royal family, Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, diplomats and members of the public gathered to mark the annual event that honours the country’s military. The Head of State also highlighted the importance of adapting to technological changes shaping modern warfare. He urged the army to continuously train and upgrade their skills to remain effective in a changing global environment.

However, he cautioned that technology should never replace human discipline and presence, insisting that ‘boots on the ground’ remain essential to maintaining peace and security.

On the issue of invisible enemies, the King expanded on his warning, noting that division among citizens, disregard for law and erosion of shared national values can be just as dangerous as external threats.  He implored them to remain observant and to support efforts that promote respect, discipline and national cohesion across all communities.

He also highlighted the importance of leadership within the armed forces, encouraging senior officers to continue guiding younger soldiers with integrity and a strong sense of duty.

Ingwenyama said discipline within the ranks is crucial in maintaining an effective and trusted defence institution He said Army Day is a moment to recognise the commitment, courage and sacrifice of soldiers who continue to serve the nation under difficult and often harsh conditions along the borders and within the country.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.times.co.sz/news/readmore.php?bhsadjgfoh=King+to+army%3A+Stand+against+invisible+enemies+dividing+nation&yiphi=3517&bvhdgsj=News

 

Four men deported by US to eSwatini have right to see lawyer, court rules

By Rachel Savage, The Guardian (UK), 10 April 2026

SOURCE 

JOHANNESBURG: Four men deported by the US to Eswatini and denied in-person legal counsel for nine months while detained in a maximum security prison have the right to see a local lawyer, Eswatini’s supreme court ruled.

The men, from Cambodia, Cuba, Vietnam and Yemen, were sent to the small southern African country, formerly known as Swaziland, in July despite having no connection to the country, as part of Donald Trump’s administration’s efforts to ramp up deportations.

The US government had labelled the men dangerous criminals. Their lawyers said they had already served sentences for crimes committed in the US. Eswatini’s correctional services refused to let a local lawyer see the men, although they allowed them to make calls to their US lawyers, the lawyers said.

The court rejected the government’s argument that “the inmates persistently showed no interest” in meeting the human rights lawyer Sibusiso Magnificent Nhlabatsi, in a judgment handed down on Thursday.

The three judges ruled: “There can be no real harm in granting the respondent access to the detainees … it then will be up to the detainees, if they do not wish to see the respondent, to tell this to the respondent to his face.”

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/10/trump-administration-deport-men-eswatini-court-rule

 

See also

Supreme Court ruling on legal access offers limited relief for US deportees (Amnesty International)

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2026/04/eswatini-supreme-court-ruling-on-legal-access-offers-limited-relief-for-us-deportees/

 

The emperor has no clothes: how rhetoric fuels repression in eSwatini

By Melusi Simelane, Washington Blade (US), 10 April 2026

SOURCE 

King Mswati III’s anti-LGBTQ comments can have deadly consequences

In an absolute monarchy, the words spoken by the sovereign can swiftly become a baton striking a citizen. When King Mswati III speaks, his words do not simply drift into the air as political “opinion”; they often quickly turn into, sometimes violently, state policy. This reflects the reality of Eswatini, where the right to freedom of expression, including the right to hold dissenting political views, is increasingly being systematically eroded by the very voice that claims to uphold “traditional values.”

To understand the current crisis facing the LGBTIQ+ community in Eswatini, one must view it through the lens of a broader strategy: the weaponization of culture to justify the erosion of democratic institutions, the rule of law, and human rights protections. As observed across Africa, from the streets of Harare and Dar es Salaam to the parliamentary courtrooms of Dakar and Kampala, African leaders are increasingly using the marginalised as an entry point to dismantle civil society. In Eswatini, this strategy has manifest its most brutal expression in the king’s recent harmful rhetoric concerning sexual orientation and gender identity.

The danger of the king’s words lies in how the state apparatus interprets them as a divine mandate for persecution. Recently, we have seen this “Rhetoric-to-Policy Pipeline” operate with chilling efficiency. Shortly after the Minister of Education made public vitriol against the existence of LGBTIQ+ students, reports emerged of children being expelled from schools. In a country where the king is culturally and traditionally called the “ingwenyama” (the lion), the bureaucracy acts as his pride; when leadership suggests that a particular group is “un-African” or “deviant,” the machinery of the state, along with the emboldened segments of the public, moves to purge that group from society.

For an openly gay man who has dedicated most of his adulthood to advancing equality and dignity for all, especially marginalized communities, these are not merely policy changes; they pose existential threats. When a powerful leader speaks, they offer a moral shield for the dogmatist and a legal roadmap for the policeman. In Eswatini, where political parties are banned, and the “tinkhundla” system (constituency-based system) — a system that systematically silences dissent and favors those aligned with the sovereign — is celebrated as the sole “authentic” form of governance, any identity that falls outside the narrow, state-defined “tradition” is seen as treason. By branding LGBTIQ+ rights as “ungodly” and essentially unwelcome in Eswatini, the monarchy effectively views the mere existence of queer Swazis as a subversive act against the crown.

To read more of this report, click here

https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/04/10/the-emperor-has-no-clothes-how-rhetoric-fuels-repression-in-eswatini/

(Melusi Simelane is the founder and board chair of Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities. He is also the Civic Rights Program Manager for the Southern Africa Litigation Center)

 

King Mswati’s senior wife Inkhosikati Nomsa LaMatsebula urges Nation including corporate companies to support Autism eSwatini

By Musa Mdluli, Swaziland News, 11 April 2026

SOURCE 

MBABANE: Autism Eswatini Patron King Mswati’s senior wife Inkhosikati Nomsa LaMatsebula has urged Nation, the business community, and development partners to support the organisation in raising ten percent (10%) of the total cost required to construct a dedicated autism centre in Eswatini, Government online platforms reported.

Speaking during the 2026 Autism Challenge Hiking event in Kholwane on Saturday as part of the Commemoration of the World Autism Awareness Day, Inkhosikati framed autism “not as a burden” but as a different way of experiencing the world.

“Autism is not a tragedy to be ignored; it is a different way of experiencing the world-one that requires our respect, compassion, and deliberate action. We need to intensify our efforts and be strategic in pulling the required resources for creating sustainable systems that will strengthen support for all persons with autism in Eswatini. Together, we can make this possible,” she said.

On another note, Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula supported the Inkhosikati’s call, revealing that 1 in 6 emaSwati have autism, accounting for 16.7% of the population, according to the results of the first autism survey conducted in the Lubombo region.

 

SWAZI MEDIA COMMENTARY

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