AGP Executive Report

Women in Wine: Southern Africa’s wine boom is celebrated worldwide, but women—especially Black women—are still shut out of ownership, leadership and wealth in boardrooms, costing the region innovation and income. Church & Family Tensions: Nolwazi Kunene, second wife of late Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini, says a memorial service should have focused on his legacy, not marital divisions. Community Culture: The Embiveni Biggest Braai (Agape Love, 10th edition) is set to draw 10,000+ patrons next weekend at Mavuso, with Makhadzi headlining and major entertainment lined up. Immigration & Human Stories: Jamaica says two of three Jamaican nationals deported from the US to Eswatini have declined repatriation to Jamaica, while the third is still being contacted. Mental Health Crisis: WHO data flags Southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Lesotho and Eswatini among the highest-ranked countries. Child Protection Case: A couple in Eswatini faces charges after an alleged scheme to sexually exploit a 15-year-old girl for food and money. Disability Inclusion: Eswatini launches its first costed National Disability Plan to speed up disability inclusion across education, health, jobs, social protection and more. World Cup Fever: Match-day celebrations are rolling out nationwide, blending football with DJs, food and nightlife.

Immigration & Human Rights: Jamaica says two of three Jamaicans deported by the US to Eswatini have formally declined repatriation offers, telling Jamaica’s consulate they don’t want to return to Jamaica for now, while officials are still trying to reach the third man. Mental Health: A WHO-backed regional snapshot flags Southern Africa as a suicide hotspot, with Lesotho and Eswatini among the highest-ranked countries on the continent. Royal Diplomacy & Culture: King Mswati III called for stronger African cooperation after receiving credentials from Ghana and Angola envoys, urging implementation of agreements and deeper exchanges of ideas, expertise, business and cultural experiences. Disability Inclusion: Eswatini launched its first costed National Disability Plan to speed up disability inclusion, with UNESCO support and a focus on mainstreaming, education, health, jobs, social protection, gender equality and even sports and culture. Sports & Lifestyle: World Cup Final fever is spilling into Eswatini’s nightlife, with venues planning match-viewing celebrations blending DJs, food and all-day party vibes. Telecom & Community: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years by rewarding customers—nine winners will share E90,000 in cash prizes in a grand draw on 1 August. Travel Access: Spain is adding Eswatini to a new visa-free list for short stays (up to 90 days), while standard border checks still apply.

Disability Inclusion: Eswatini has launched its first costed National Disability Plan to speed up disability inclusion, with UNESCO backing through a Global Disability Fund programme that strengthened disability governance, CRPD-compliant budgeting, and a ten-area action framework. Royal Diplomacy: King Mswati III called for stronger African cooperation after receiving credentials from Ghana’s high commissioner-designate and Angola’s ambassador-designate, urging implementation of shared agreements and deeper cultural and business exchange. Land Restitution Push: eSwatini’s monarchy has renewed calls for South Africa to return land they say belongs to Eswatini, pointing to colonial-era boundary treaties and a long-running border restoration dispute. Jamaican Deportations Update: Eswatini-linked deportation cases continue as Jamaica’s foreign affairs ministry says two of three Jamaican nationals sent to Eswatini do not want to return to Jamaica for now, while efforts continue to contact the third. Broadcasting & Culture: IconConnect is pushing for a new free-to-air commercial radio licence, promising more listener-driven programming and greater diversity in Eswatini’s radio landscape. Youth Arts & Livelihoods: An arts programme is training unemployed youth and school dropouts in pottery and sculpture, aiming to turn creative skills into sustainable income. Sports & Heritage Wedding: Bianca Coster and rugby star Wandisile Simelane wed in a vibrant celebration blending Xhosa and Swati heritage. Child Protection Case: A couple in Eswatini faces charges over alleged commercial sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old in exchange for food and money, after the survivor disclosed abuse to her grandmother and police investigated. Mobile Money & Community: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years by rewarding customers, with a grand draw on August 1 offering a total E90,000 cash prize.

Immigration & Travel Updates: Mozambique published its full 2026 eVisa eligibility list for African travellers, clarifying that even visa-exempt visitors may need to use the eVisa portal if they plan longer stays or require a different visa category. Regional Mobility: Mauritius also released its 2026 visa-free tourist list, naming 21 African countries including Eswatini, while South Africa’s 2026 visa-free access remains in place for a set of African nations (with stay lengths depending on passport and nationality). Eswatini Spotlight: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years with a grand finale draw on 1 August, giving nine customers E10,000 each (E90,000 total). Culture & Youth: A Southern Africa–wide arts push backed by UNESCO support aims to strengthen AI ethics and protect artistic freedom, while another youth arts programme is helping school dropouts earn income through pottery and sculpture. Local Media: IconConnect’s proposed free-to-air commercial radio licence moves toward public consultation, promising more listener-shaped programming.

Connectivity & Tech: Amazon’s satellite internet push is set to reach South Africa via Herotel’s new residential broadband service, aiming to close the rural connectivity gap. Local Business & Community: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years with a big E90,000 cash giveaway—nine customers each win E10,000 in a grand draw on 1 August. Broadcasting & Media: IconConnect’s proposed Free-to-Air commercial radio licence could bring more listener-shaped programming, with ESCCOM public consultation still pending. Culture & Lifestyle: Social media star Bianca Coster ties the knot in a traditional wedding with Stormers centre Wandisile Simelane, spotlighting a modern Swazi–South African love story. Travel & Mobility: Multiple countries publish 2026 visa-free/online-visa lists—South Africa keeps visa-free access for Eswatini among others, while Spain expands visa waivers to Eswatini and a small set of African states. Migration & Rights: Amnesty and other voices keep challenging US “third-country” deportations to Eswatini over due process concerns. Regional Governance: King Misuzulu tells Zimbabwe that shared history shouldn’t excuse ignoring immigration laws. Sports & Society: EEMPA urges Kota Festival organisers to register and follow legal requirements before the 24 October event.

Immigration & Rights: UN experts are questioning how authorities handled the killing of a human rights defender by police in the Philippines, urging a reopened investigation and stronger accountability. Regional Mobility: South Africa kept visa-free access for several African countries in 2026, including Eswatini, while Zambia also published its 2026 visa-free list for eligible travellers. Travel Rules Tighten: The UK introduced new entry-clearance requirements for Eswatini and many other African countries, warning that travellers could be refused boarding without the right documents. Third-Country Deportations: Amnesty and other voices are raising fresh concerns about US “third-country” deportations to Eswatini, including claims of unlawful removals and due-process problems. Local Media & Culture: IconConnect is pushing ahead with a proposed new free-to-air commercial radio licence, promising more listener-shaped programming after ESCCOM’s public consultation. Community & Lifestyle: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years with cash prizes—E90,000 total—plus customer awards and a big draw on August 1. Faith & Community Life: Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini’s burial arrangements are set, with services planned at Bethany. Sports & Society: Bianca Coster’s traditional wedding to Stormers centre Wandisile Simelane is trending as a modern culture-and-sport love story.

Travel & Visas: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania all published 2026 visa-free lists, with Eswatini included on Kenya’s and Tanzania’s selective exemptions and Uganda listing 21 African countries visa-free. UK Entry Rules: The UK tightened travel rules again, requiring entry clearance for nationals of Nigeria and many other African countries (including Eswatini) when travelling or transiting. Spain/Europe Access: Spain says only eight African countries get visa-free entry in 2026, while the rest must apply for a Schengen visa. Migration Pressure in Eswatini: Amnesty International calls recent US “third-country” deportations to Eswatini unlawful, as more arrivals raise due-process concerns. Culture & Media: Eswatini Observer launched a podcast series with MTN support, bringing arts and culture conversations to a wider audience. Local Business & Awards: Eswatini Mobile celebrated staff at its Red Star Awards, with winners taking Cape Town trips. Faith & Community: Apostolic Faith Church International kept services suspended after a crime-scene incident, pending police clearance. Sports/Events Compliance: EEMPA urged Kota Festival organisers to register and meet legal requirements before the October 24 event. Entrepreneurship: The BAWSS Cellar, a proudly Eswatini luxury sparkling wine brand, was launched as a lifestyle and celebration project.

US Deportations to Eswatini: Amnesty International says the latest US “third-country” deportation batch is unlawful, calling it cruel and racist, and urges Eswatini to stop facilitating transfers. Immigration Pressure in the Region: King Misuzulu tells Zimbabwe that shared African history shouldn’t excuse ignoring South Africa’s immigration laws, as tensions over undocumented migrants keep rising. UK Travel Rules Hit Eswatini: The UK updates entry clearance/visa requirements affecting Eswatini and other African countries, warning travellers could be refused boarding if they lack the right documents. Spain Visa-Free List: Spain confirms only eight African countries—including Eswatini—can enter visa-free in 2026 for up to 90 days. Culture & Media: Eswatini Observer launches a podcast series, starting with arts and culture voices, as it pushes deeper into digital storytelling. Faith & Community: Church services are suspended after a suspected crime scene incident involving a pastor, with worship paused until police clear the premises. Business & Awards: Eswatini Mobile celebrates staff at its Red Star Awards, with winners taking Cape Town trips.

UK Immigration Tightens: The UK has updated entry rules, adding/confirming Eswatini and many other countries as “visa nationals” for visits and some transit, warning travellers to secure visas before booking or risk delays and denied boarding. South Africa Deportations Spill Over: South Africa says over 53,000 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation or repatriation this year, with Eswatini not appearing in the latest figures—while regional concern grows. US Third-Country Deportations to Eswatini: Amnesty calls the latest US deportation batch to Eswatini unlawful, alleging cruel, racist policy and due-process problems; Eswatini says it will return deportees to their home countries. Royal & Migration Talk: King Misuzulu tells Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa that shared history shouldn’t excuse ignoring South Africa’s immigration laws. Church & Safety: Apostolic Faith Church International keeps services suspended until police clear a crime scene tied to investigations into alleged killings. Culture & Media: Eswatini Observer launches a podcast season with MTN support, spotlighting arts and culture voices. Business & Lifestyle: Eswatini Mobile celebrates staff with Red Star Awards, including trips to Cape Town.

UK Visa Tightening: The UK has updated its visitor visa rules, again requiring Nigerians and citizens of dozens of African countries (including Eswatini) to get entry clearance before travel or even transit through UK airports. Regional Migration & Rights: Eswatini continues receiving US “third-country” deportees, with Amnesty calling the transfers unlawful and raising alarms about detention and due process. Royal & Social Tension: A viral clip involving King Misuzulu and Queen Nomzamo Myeni has sparked debate online, with the king responding that the footage was shared without consent. Church & Safety: Apostolic Faith Church International has suspended services until police clear the premises tied to a murder investigation. Culture & Media: Eswatini Observer launched a podcast series with MTN support, bringing arts and culture conversations to a wider digital audience. Women in Tech: Lomahasha Central High School girls completed the African Girls Can Code initiative, boosting access to coding and ICT skills. Festivals & Compliance: EEMPA urged Kota Festival organisers to register and meet legal requirements before the October event. Business & Lifestyle: Eswatini Mobile honoured staff at its Red Star Awards, while Eswatini Beverages and Stefanutti Stocks picked up major tax and compliance awards. Tourism Watch: Commentaries warn Eswatini’s deportation role could affect its “friendliest destination” brand and visitor confidence.

Digital Culture: Eswatini Observer launched a new podcast series, with the first episode featuring National Arts and Culture Awards chairperson Thamsanqa KrTC Sibandze, as the outlet moves deeper into digital storytelling with weekly Sunday releases. Music & Memory: A tribute marked the passing of jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, reflecting on his lifelong influence as a teacher and musical revolutionary. Health & Learning: A local perspective on HIV prevention highlights how people need clear understanding of lenacapavir (LEN) and who it’s meant for, beyond just knowing ARVs. Human Rights & Migration: Amnesty International again called the latest US deportation of 11 people to Eswatini unlawful, raising concerns about detention, due process, and the wider third-country removal scheme. Sports & Lifestyle: The FNB Eswatini Challenge returns with a record E2.5 million prize pool, keeping sport at the centre of community energy. Women in Tech: Girls from Lomahasha Central High School completed coding training through the African Girls Can Code initiative, pushing more young women into ICT and STEM. Business & Tax: Eswatini Beverages and Stefanutti Stocks were recognised for tax compliance and corporate responsibility, even as major projects face public scrutiny. Culture & Creativity: The Standard Bank Luju festival strengthens ties with Mozambique’s creative sector, bringing food, fashion, music and entrepreneurship back to Malkerns. Community & Faith: The death of Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini was reported, while church-related stories continue to stir public debate around leadership and trust.

US Deportations & Human Rights: Amnesty International says the latest US deportation of 11 people to Eswatini is unlawful, calling the policy “cruel and racist” and warning of detention and due-process concerns as the total reaches 29, with arrivals expected to be housed at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison. Local Governance & Accountability: Eswatini’s government insists deportees’ rights will be respected during their temporary stay, while critics push for transparency around the third-country deal. Culture & Community: ENCAC says preparations for the next Miss Eswatini are underway, with an interim committee and candidate interviews expected soon, including planning for Miss Universe 2026. Business & Lifestyle: Eswatini Beverages wins top tax-compliance honours at the ERS Client Appreciation Awards, even as the Central Bank headquarters project remains tied to ongoing court attention. Sports: FNB Eswatini and the Sunshine Tour launch the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge with a record E2.5m prize pool. Regional Security: South Africa seized drugs worth R3m along the border with Mozambique, alongside other contraband stops.

Tax & Business: Eswatini Beverages was crowned the country’s most tax-compliant taxpayer, taking the top Overall Highest Compliant Contributor honour at the ERS Client Appreciation Awards. Migration & Rights: Eswatini has received a fourth batch of 11 U.S. third-country deportees, bringing the total to 30, with Amnesty calling the transfers unlawful and “cruel and racist,” and raising alarms about detention and due process. Voices from Deportation: A Jamaican pastor deported to Eswatini compared the process to the transatlantic slave trade, while another Jamaican deportee said people were “treated like slaves.” Community & Youth Skills: Lomahasha Central High School girls completed a coding boot camp through the African Girls Can Code Initiative, boosting access to digital skills. Culture & Lifestyle: The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival strengthens creative ties with Mozambique ahead of its Aug 1–2 edition in Malkerns. Sports: FNB Eswatini and the Sunshine Tour unveiled a record E2.5m prize pool for the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge.

US Deportations Under Fire: Eswatini received an 11th group of third-country deportees from the United States, bringing the total to 29 since July 2025, with arrivals reportedly housed at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison; Amnesty International calls the transfers unlawful and “cruel and racist,” while Eswatini says rights will be protected and people will be returned. Human Stories, Big Questions: A Jamaican pastor deported to Eswatini compared the process to the transatlantic slave trade, adding fresh pressure on transparency and due process around the deal. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: Anele Shabangu launched The BAWSS Cellar, a proudly Eswatini luxury sparkling wine brand tied to celebration and community impact. Women in Tech: Lomahasha Central High School girls completed the African Girls Can Code Initiative, boosting digital skills and STEM participation. Arts & Pageantry: ENCAC says preparations for the next Miss Eswatini are underway, with an interim committee expected soon. Sports & Community: FNB Eswatini Challenge returns with a record E2.5m prize pool, aiming to grow local sport momentum.

US Deportations Under Fire: Eswatini received a fourth batch of 11 people deported from the United States under a third-country deal, bringing the total to about 30 since July 2025; Amnesty calls the transfers “unlawful,” warning of arbitrary detention and due-process gaps, while Eswatini says rights will be protected and deportees are only temporarily held at Matsapha. Royal Life Online: A viral clip of King MisuZulu kaZwelithini verbally abusing one of his wives, Queen Nomzamo Myeni, sparked debate online and drew an official response from the royal. Culture & Youth Skills: Lomahasha Central High School girls completed a coding and digital skills programme through the African Girls Can Code Initiative, backed by ICT and education officials. Arts & Beauty: ENCAC says preparations for the next Miss Eswatini pageant are underway, with an interim committee expected soon and plans for Miss Universe 2026 participation. Lifestyle & Business Buzz: Luju Festival strengthens creative ties with Mozambique ahead of its August edition, while Wicknell Chivayo shows off a new R50m Eswatini mansion after receiving citizenship and royal-style treatment. Sports Spotlight: The FNB Eswatini Challenge launches with a record E2.5m prize pool for August 11–15. Gender Violence Advocacy: The DPM urges stronger action on violence against women and girls as Eswatini pushes ratification of the AU convention. Faith Community Loss: Apostle Jeremiah Dlamini of Faith Christian Fellowship Church dies after days in hospital.

US–Eswatini Migration Deal Under Fire: Amnesty International says the latest batch of 11 people deported from the United States to Eswatini is unlawful, calling the third-country removals “cruel and racist” and warning Eswatini must stop facilitating transfers; the arrivals bring the total to 29 since July 2025, with many held at Matsapha Correctional Centre without charge. Government Response: Eswatini says the deportees are “predominantly from African countries,” will stay temporarily with rights protected, and are housed at a maximum-security facility while authorities expect return to their countries of origin. Gender Justice Push: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla urged stronger action against violence after reports of rape and murder of women, as officials discussed ratifying the AU convention to end violence against women and girls. STEM for Girls: Lomahasha Central High School girls completed the African Girls Can Code Initiative, joining a national push to close the ICT gender gap. Culture & Lifestyle: The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival doubles down on Mozambique ties ahead of its Aug 1–2 run in Malkerns. Sports & Community: FNB Eswatini Challenge announces a record E2.5m prize pool for Aug 11–15 at Ezulwini. Youth Employment: UNESWA students begin a three-month paid internship with EswatiniMobile under Inyatsi Group. Beauty Pageants: ENCAC says preparations for the next Miss Eswatini are underway, with an interim committee expected soon. Lifestyle Buzz: Wicknell Chivayo posts about a new R50m Eswatini mansion after receiving citizenship and a royal-style reception.