AGP Executive Report

Parliament Watch: Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini has tabled a motion challenging Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s leadership, adding to a growing chorus of MPs scrutinising budgets, governance and major projects. UN Presence: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN’s work in Eswatini is not shrinking, but reorganising—more agencies, with representatives based regionally while staff continue programmes locally. Border Corruption Crackdown: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post after allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports. Culture & Identity: Eswatini’s fashion talent is taking centre stage at global events, including MTN Bushfire where media personality Phiwo Dhlamini wore local designs to spotlight homegrown craftsmanship. Health & Services: Parliament’s probe into Mbabane Government Hospital points to critical staff shortages across departments, with doctor-to-patient ratios far beyond sustainable limits. Community Support: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets worth E20,000 to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital through its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative. Women Farmers: The Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the heart of food and climate policy, highlighting their role in resilient food systems.

Culture & Memory: A reflection on June 16, 1976 goes beyond Afrikaans in schools, highlighting the uprising’s international links, worker struggles, collective leadership, and lasting lessons for today. Fashion & Identity: At MTN Bushfire, media personality Phiwo Dhlamini wore local designs to spotlight Eswatini’s fashion talent on a global stage, reinforcing a “Love Local” message. Arts & Heritage: Visual artist Sikhanyiso Khumalo shared how his work in curation and heritage preservation is shaped by regional connections, including his Zimbabwe journey. Community & Youth Arts: Hhohho South dominated regional Inyatsi finals qualifiers, booking spots for July 2 national finals with standout performances across dance and drill categories. Women & Food Security: The Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, calling them key to resilient food systems. Local Service Delivery: Eswatini Housing Board rolled out a real-time customer feedback platform to improve service delivery through direct customer input. Health & Staffing: Parliament’s probe into Mbabane Government Hospital points to critical staff shortages across departments, with hiring delays worsening the strain. Migration & Rights (Regional): Reports say Trump-linked “third-country” deportations have sent migrants, including Iranian women, to the conflict-hit Central African Republic, raising serious legal and safety concerns. Travel Rules (Global): Ireland announced new visa requirements for Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Nicaragua travellers, effective June 15, with transit visas also required.

Fashion & Identity: Phiwo Dhlamini turned MTN Bushfire into a runway for Eswatini-made style, wearing three curated looks to spotlight local designers and craftsmanship. Arts & Heritage: Visual artist Sikhanyiso Khumalo shared how his work and collaboration with Amagugu International Heritage Centre are helping keep African stories told by Africans. Youth Culture: Hhohho South booked 11 spots for the Inyatsi finals after strong regional performances in dance and drill categories, with finals set for July 2. Community Support: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital through its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative. Health System Pressure: A parliamentary committee report says Mbabane Government Hospital is crippled by critical staff shortages across departments, with long-unfilled posts linked to hiring delays. Housing Feedback: The Eswatini Housing Board launched a real-time customer feedback platform to improve service delivery using NPS-style responses. Food & Climate Policy: The Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, citing their role in resilient food systems. Regional Governance & Trade: Eswatini Competition Commission and ESWASA were urged to help SMEs compete fairly against large companies. Immigration & Rights Watch: Reports say the U.S. is deporting migrants to the conflict-hit Central African Republic, raising fresh concerns about safety and legal protections. Border Anti-Corruption: South Africa and Eswatini-linked border agencies intensified anti-corruption work at Oshoek Port of Entry to dismantle fraud networks.

Culture & Identity: Eswatini-born visual artist Sikhanyiso Khumalo reunited with Amagugu International Heritage Centre’s Allington Ndlovu at the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival, framing the moment as a shared push to protect African heritage and tell African stories through African voices. Community & Care: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets worth E20,000 to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital, part of its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative aimed at comfort during winter treatment. Housing Services: The Eswatini Housing Board rolled out a real-time customer feedback platform using NPS, letting residents share input via email links, SMS invites, social media and reception tablets. Health System Pressure: A parliamentary committee report says Mbabane Government Hospital is hit by critical staff shortages across departments, with doctor-to-patient ratios around 1:100 and long unfilled vacancies. Arts & Youth: Hhohho South booked 11 schools for the Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture finals after regional eliminations, with top scores in Ummiso, Sibhaca and Drum Majorettes. Policy & Rights: Reports say the US has deported migrants, including Iranian women, to the conflict-ridden Central African Republic under “third-country” arrangements, despite legal protections.

Deportation Shock: The U.S. deported about 20 migrants, including Iranian and Afghan nationals, to the conflict-hit Central African Republic, despite court protections for some and a harsh U.S. travel warning for CAR. Eswatini in the Mix: Reports say the U.S. has used “third-country” deals that can send deportees to countries including Eswatini, raising fresh concerns about detention and basic care. Local Health Pressure: A parliamentary committee found critical understaffing at Mbabane Government Hospital, with doctor-to-patient strain and long-unfilled posts linked to hiring delays. Community Care: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital through its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative. Culture & Youth: Hhohho South dominated regional Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture eliminations, booking spots for July 2 finals. Lifestyle & Tech: Eswatini Housing Board launched a real-time customer feedback platform to improve service delivery. Sports Buzz: Manzini Wanderers faces internal debate over buying elite league status after relegation.

Migration & Human Rights: Lawyers say the Trump administration is preparing to deport nearly two dozen people to the Central African Republic, including Iranian women with court protection, raising fresh fears about third-country removals. Eswatini in the spotlight: A separate report says U.S. immigrants held in Eswatini’s maximum-security prison are denied basic care and have no real way to challenge detention. Policy & travel: Minister Brophy announces new visa requirements for several nationalities travelling to Ireland, including changes affecting Eswatini travellers. Women & food security: The Rural Women’s Assembly urges governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, citing their role in resilient food systems. Local community care: Eswatini Mobile donates 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital. Culture & values: Speakers at an African inter-parliamentary conference, with Eswatini’s Senate President Lindiwe T. Dlamini, stress protecting African sovereignty, cultural identity and values. Sports & identity: Manzini Wanderers faces internal debate over a controversial plan to buy elite league status after relegation.

Immigration & Human Rights: A complaint says U.S. immigrants deported to Eswatini are held indefinitely in maximum-security conditions with limited medical care, food and clothing, with families describing severe mental distress. Women & Food Security: The Rural Women’s Assembly of Southern Africa urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, highlighting rural women’s role in resilient food systems. Local Health & Care: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital through its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative, framing it as compassion and hope during treatment. Economy & Fair Competition: The Eswatini Competition Commission and Eswatini Standards Authority were called “pillars” for unlocking growth by helping SMEs compete fairly against large companies. Culture & Community: A funeral parlour denied “bricks in coffin” claims after a church leader’s burial dispute, while families await a court order to exhume remains. Sports & Identity: Manzini Wanderers faces internal tension over a proposal to buy elite league status after relegation.

Migration & Diaspora Tensions: Unrest in Belfast over anti-migrant anger has locals in the Emaswati diaspora watching closely, fearing foreign-targeted violence could spread. Deportations & Human Rights: A report says U.S.-deported migrants sent to Eswatini were locked in maximum-security detention with little chance to challenge their detention, raising fresh concerns about third-country deals. Regional Mobility & Work: Eswatini freight drivers welcomed South Africa’s call for coordinated, cross-border solutions to undocumented migration, warning that road freight is vital to the kingdom’s economy. Health & Youth on the Move: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge, including Eswatini, to reduce stigma and improve access to sexual health and child protection. Culture & Community Care: Eswatini leaders joined to serve meals to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting local support for orphaned and vulnerable kids. Local Business Spotlight: vida e caffè marked its 400th store, celebrating coffee culture and lifestyle growth across Southern Africa, including Eswatini. Sports & Identity: Manzini Wanderers face internal conflict over a proposal to buy elite league status after relegation, sparking debate about rebuilding “organically.” Water & Daily Life: A global drinking-water safety assessment flags unsafe water risks, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked.

Regional Migration & Work: Eswatini Drivers Association welcomed South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for coordinated, heads-of-State action on undocumented migration, stressing that road freight underpins about 70% of Eswatini’s economy and that AfCFTA can help keep cross-border movement smoother. Xenophobia Debate: South Africa’s enforcement push is being framed as governance, not hostility—while observers warn the June 30 ultimatum and anti-immigrant protests could still inflame tensions. HIV, Mobility & Child Protection: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” is shifting attitudes around HIV testing and sexual health in Beitbridge, working with mobile communities including truck drivers, traders and deportees across Eswatini and the region. Eswatini–SA Education Links: Eswatini’s PM Russell Dlamini and South Africa’s Blade Nzimande reaffirmed cooperation in higher education, research, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. Culture & Values: Speakers at an African inter-parliamentary conference—reported with Eswatini’s Senate President—argued sovereignty and African value systems must be protected, including stronger moral formation through families, faith and schools. Local Community Care: Eswatini Mobile CEO and MPs joined Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla to serve children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting resilience and growing support for orphaned and vulnerable children. Sports & Identity: Manzini Wanderers face internal division over a proposal to buy elite league status after relegation, with critics warning it could undermine club identity and competitive integrity. AI for Public Service: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with University of Eswatini to train 650 staff in AI literacy via the UNESWA AI Academy. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list as unionists face increased violations, with Eswatini also named among countries in the worst tier.

Xenophobia & Migration Tensions: South Africa’s Ramaphosa faced criticism for a diplomatic response that didn’t ease fears as anti-immigrant groups near a June 30 ultimatum, with enforcement and political rhetoric keeping the pressure on foreign nationals. HIV & Cross-Border Health: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing, sexual health and child protection across Eswatini and other Southern African countries. Regional Education & Innovation: Eswatini and South Africa are strengthening ties in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, with plans for a SADC University of Technology putting innovation and skills at the centre. Children’s Rights & WASH: Eswatini launched Children’s Month with a clear push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene so children can stay healthy and in school. Community Support for Children: Deputy PM, MP and Eswatini Mobile leaders served meals to children at the Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting growing local care for orphaned and vulnerable children. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list as unionists face rising violations—while Eswatini also appears among countries flagged in the index. Culture & Values: African lawmakers at a family, sovereignty and values conference stressed protecting African identity and resisting cultural imperialism, including stronger moral formation through families, faith and schools. Tech for Government Workers: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy.

Higher Education & Innovation: Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met South Africa’s Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Blade Nzimande, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation in universities, research, innovation and ICT—plus support for the proposed SADC University of Technology. Children’s Rights & Health: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month, calling for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene so children can stay healthy and in school. Community Care: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula served meals at the Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting growth from a tree-based start into a structured support centre for orphaned and vulnerable children. AI for Skills: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 staff in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Culture & Heritage: South Africa’s Blade Nzimande visited KwaMagogo, urging preservation of the historic site tied to ANC and Umkhonto weSizwe support during apartheid.

Children’s Month Launch: Eswatini officially kicked off 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal WASH access—safe water, sanitation and hygiene—linking poor services to preventable illness, school absenteeism and barriers to girls’ dignity. Community Care & Youth Support: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula visited Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point to serve meals and food packs, highlighting the centre’s growth from cooking under a tree to structured support for orphaned and vulnerable children. Education & Equity: SAFTU demanded action over South Africa’s education crisis, pointing to thousands of vacant teaching posts and wider school shortages that leave learners without stable, well-resourced classrooms. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list as unions face increased violations and harassment, with Eswatini also named among the worst violators in the index. Culture & Heritage: South Africa’s KwaMagogo Centre (Trelawney Park) was visited by SA ministers in a push to preserve the site’s role as a safe haven for ANC and Umkhonto weSizwe members during apartheid. Digital Skills for Government: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Sports & Gender: ANOCA Zone VI’s Gender Equality and Diversity Forum opened in Victoria Falls, with Eswatini among regional teams focusing on women in leadership, safe sport and digital safety.

Child Welfare & Community Service: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Siphocosini MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula served meals and food packs to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting how the NCP grew from cooking under a tree in 2023 into a structured support hub for orphaned and vulnerable children. Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: Government officially launched Eswatini’s 2026 Children’s Month with a clear push for universal WASH access, stressing how unsafe water and poor sanitation undermine health, schooling and girls’ dignity. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index placed Zimbabwe on a “watch list” for worsening workers’ rights, with Eswatini named among the worst violators in the report’s top tier. Immigration & Belonging: South Africa’s anti-migrant enforcement is intensifying amid xenophobia fears, but international agencies say there’s no clear sign of a mass exodus of foreign nationals. Regional Culture & Faith: South Africa’s Minister Blade Nzimande visited KwaMagogo, a historic ANC safe haven in Eswatini–SA liberation history, while “Father Sipho” in Idaho keeps Catholic parishes running through roaming pastoral service.

World Cup Culture: Cape Verde’s “Blue Sharks” share how football turned tears into pride after beating Eswatini to qualify for their first World Cup, with the squad’s mixed identities and “no stress” spirit set for Group H. Public Health at Borders: Kenya and Uganda, via ECSA-HC, are assessing Ebola preparedness at Busia One Stop Border Post—checking screening gaps and standard operating procedures to stop threats crossing undetected. Immigration Tensions: South Africa’s anti-immigrant crackdown is raising fears of a mass exodus, but IOM and UNHCR report no surge in requests for assisted voluntary returns. Water & Children’s Rights: Eswatini officially launches Children’s Month with a push for universal WASH—safe water, sanitation and hygiene—linking poor services to illness, school absenteeism and barriers to dignity. Local Governance & Work: ERS signs an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy, aiming to build responsible capacity for digital transformation. Creative Industries: ESWACOS opens applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to help creators finish and market original work. Women & Sport: Eswatini’s Shura Council joins global talks on women parliamentarians, focusing on equality, online safety and tackling stereotypes.

ENPF Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala says his ministry followed the law in nominating Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba to the Eswatini National Provident Fund board, defending the appointment amid a seven-month impasse. Water & Health: A new global drinking-water quality assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked. Children’s Rights & WASH: Eswatini officially launches Children’s Month, calling for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene to protect children’s health and schooling. Digital Skills for Tax Work: Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Women, Farming & Empowerment: The WIFE festival spotlights women farmers and entrepreneurship, using performances and community engagement to push food security and economic empowerment. Creative Industries: ESWACOS opens applications for a fund supporting local creators with up to E5,000 per project to develop and market original works. Local Justice & Immigration: Court reports allege immigration officials issued invalid/forged documents, while another case involves an online gambling kingpin withdrawing bail ahead of trial.

Immigration Reality Check: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration push is raising fears of a foreign-national exodus, but IOM and UNHCR say there’s been no surge in requests for assisted voluntary returns. Water & Health: Eswatini officially marks Children’s Month with a call for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child, linking safe WASH to dignity, learning, and fewer preventable illnesses. Digital Skills for Tax Staff: The Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Women in Sport: Eswatini’s participation is highlighted at the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, focusing on leadership, safeguarding, and tackling online abuse. Creative Industries Boost: ESWACOS opens applications for a fund supporting local creators, offering up to E5,000 per project to help turn ideas into publishable, market-ready work. Local Justice & Migration Scrutiny: A court case alleges immigration officials issued forged documents, while another report notes bail withdrawal by an alleged online gambling kingpin facing trial in Mbabane. Culture & Community: A winter relief drive in Dalimpofu pairs soup-kitchen support with donated jackets to restore dignity and strengthen community ties. International Spotlight: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists from Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa visit Zimbabwe’s Baradzanwa Cultural Village, underscoring regional cultural exchange.