AGP Executive Report

Reed Dance, identity & inclusion: At eMashobeni Royal Palace, uMkhosi woMhlanga drew thousands of maidens, including Anastasia Fourie (Eshowe) and 18-year-old Kelly Kleinbooi (Greytown), both from non-Zulu backgrounds—proof the ceremony’s reach keeps widening across communities in KwaZulu-Natal. Shiselweni Umhlanga logistics: Thousands of Imbali flooded Mbangweni Royal Residence for Umhlanga’s second leg, with strict guidance on discipline and safety, plus major transport planning for maidens and reeds. Local culture on stage: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition on Sept 25 at SibaneSami Hotel with a cross-border line-up of regional comedians alongside Eswatini talent. Arts & city life: Mbabane launched a 24-hour city vision and the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3), aiming to keep culture driving the economy beyond daytime. Health & community access: King Mswati III opened the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, renamed from an E50m facility, saying it surpasses targets by bringing care within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Education & opportunity: Three Emaswati students secured SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and energy studies in Azerbaijan, with leaders urging them to represent Eswatini responsibly. Disability inclusion push: Eswatini is urged to turn its disability action plan into real budgeting and institutional action, with communications officers playing a key role. Lifestyle & entrepreneurship: Nominations open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, celebrating local cultural icons and entrepreneurs ahead of the Sept 17 ceremony. Sports calendar: Mbabane Marathon registration opened for the Nov 21 race, with fees set for local and international runners. Immigration control debate: A proposed Immigration Bill would screen foreigners entering Eswatini using an information system to prevent entry for those deemed risky or without a valid purpose.

Deportation Fallout: A new wave of US deportees is landing in African “third countries” with little notice or legal say, leaving people in limbo and raising fresh questions about agreements and human impact. Royal Health Milestone: His Majesty renamed and opened the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it beats the healthcare access target by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Reed Dance Logistics: Shiselweni’s Umhlanga second leg is underway, with thousands of maidens arriving by bus and plans laid out for safe transport, water support and tight ceremony discipline. Local Consumer Power: The MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 date is set for September 17, with digital MTN MoMo voting (E1 per vote) pushing the final nominations into high gear. Sports & Culture Calendar: Mbabane Marathon registration opens for the November 21 race, while the October International Theatre Festival is launched as Mbabane aims to keep culture alive into a 24-hour city rhythm. Education & Inclusion: Eswatini is urged to fund disability inclusion through its costed action plan, and Injini’s AI for Education venture builder is accepting teams from Eswatini and the region.

Consumer Culture: MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 confirms Sept 17 at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, with public voting closing Sept 16 via MTN MoMo (E1 per vote) under the “Imagine the Impact” theme. Sports & Community: Mbabane Marathon registration opens for the Nov 21 race, with local runners using phased sign-ups and international entries set for set fees. Royal Health & Access: His Majesty King Mswati III officially opens and renames the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it surpasses healthcare access targets by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Judiciary Milestone: Eswatini’s first liSwati Chief Justice, Bheki Maphalala, dies after a short illness, ending a landmark legal career. Campus Lifestyle: UNESWA Kick-Off Carnival returns to Kwaluseni this Friday, powered by MTN Pulse, with music, food and lifestyle stalls plus MoMo-only payments. Arts & Entertainment: Mbabane launches the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3), while the Eswatini Comedy Festival gears up for its third edition on Sept 25. Migration & Borders: A proposed Immigration Bill would screen foreign entrants using an up-to-date information system to prevent entry for those deemed risky or without valid purpose. Culture & Inclusion: Eswatini is urged to turn disability inclusion commitments into funded action through the Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028). Entrepreneurship & Learning: Injini’s $125,000 AI EdTech venture builder targets early-stage teams across Southern Africa, including Eswatini.

Healthcare & Community Access: His Majesty King Mswati III officially opened and renamed the E50m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it beats the healthcare access target by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Arts & Night-Time Culture: Mbabane unveiled a 24-hour city vision as the October International Theatre Festival returns, aiming to revive theatre and keep culture driving the economy after dark. Student Life & Music: UNESWA’s Kick-Off Carnival hits Kwaluseni this Friday, powered by MTN Pulse, with a full day of performances, food and lifestyle stalls, plus MoMo-only payments. Disability Inclusion in Practice: Eswatini is urged to turn its disability inclusion commitments into budgeted action under the Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028). Entrepreneurship & Lifestyle Recognition: Nominations open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, spotlighting entrepreneurs and cultural icons shaping the country’s creative economy. Education & Innovation: Injini launches an AI EdTech venture builder for Southern Africa, selecting teams from Eswatini among other countries. Culture Calendar: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition, bringing regional stand-up heavyweights to SibaneSami Hotel on 25 September. Immigration Policy: Parliament consults on an Immigration Bill proposal to screen foreign entrants and block those deemed risky or without valid purpose. Regional Opportunity: Three Emaswati students secure SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and energy studies in Azerbaijan. Migration Human Stories: A report highlights US deportees in limbo in Cameroon, with Eswatini listed among countries accepting “third-country” deportations.

SADC Youth Spotlight: A KwaZulu-Natal learner, Siyambonga Makhoba, grabbed third place in the 2026 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, with the theme focused on industrialisation, agriculture transformation and energy transition. Eswatini Education Abroad: Three Emaswati students—Brilliance and Junior Dlamini (petroleum engineering) and Temabhele Shabangu (oil and gas chemical engineering)—head to Azerbaijan on SOCAR scholarships after a King Mswati III visit to Baku. Disability Inclusion Push: Eswatini is being urged to turn its disability inclusion plans into real budgeting action, with communications officers asked to help drive the Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028). Culture & Entertainment: Nominations are now open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, while the Eswatini Comedy Festival returns on September 25 for its third edition. Immigration Tensions: US deportees in “third countries” are drawing fresh scrutiny, and Eswatini says deported nationals are not prisoners and may move under supervision. Tech for Learning: Injini launched a $125,000 AI EdTech venture builder across Southern Africa, selecting teams including from Eswatini. Women’s Rights at Home: Sessions on gender equity and widows’ protections highlighted how family structures can either protect or harm women’s rights. Sports & Community: Plans are underway for 50 buses to transport maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance, and the October International Theatre Festival is set to revive Eswatini’s stage scene.

Deportation in the spotlight: A US deportee, Ayana, described life in limbo after being sent to Cameroon—an outcome tied to “third-country” removals that now include Eswatini. Immigration policy update: Eswatini is moving toward a law to screen foreign entrants and block those deemed risky, using a new information system. Culture calendar: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on Sept 25, with regional headliners and local comics. Reed Dance logistics: 50 prepaid buses and a full support fleet are lined up to move maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance. Theatre revival: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) aims to revive Eswatini theatre with performances, murals, school events, workshops and a street festival. EdTech push: Injini is launching a $125,000 AI venture builder for African classrooms, selecting teams including those based in Eswatini. Women’s rights: Community sessions on gender equity and widows’ protections highlight inheritance and marital rights issues. Health outreach: Taiwan’s medical mission provided free care to 377 people in Mhlangatane, plus wheelchairs, mobility aids and food support. Sports & business: The PLE says it doesn’t want “big three” clubs to die off, while the ESE opens a new SME path for raising capital.

Shiselweni Reed Dance logistics: Eswatini’s Home Affairs says 50 prepaid buses (plus 83 trucks for luggage and reeds) are ready across 18 pickup points to move thousands of maidens smoothly to the royal event. Rights & culture at the centre: Government insists deported third-country nationals attending Umhlanga Reed Dance are not prisoners and may move under supervision, while women’s rights groups highlight widows’ protections and inheritance abuses in family-level dialogues. Sports & community spirit: The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) says it doesn’t want the “big three” clubs to die off, even as licensing and relegation rules complicate Wanderers’ status. Arts calendar: Eswatini’s October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) returns with theatre, murals, school shows, workshops and street festival pillars. Business & youth opportunity: The Eswatini Stock Exchange opens an SME capital route—raising E50,000 to E5m by offering just 5% shares to the public. Entertainment update: Ocean Summer Vibes is postponed to Oct 24 due to unfavourable weather. Health & safety: Parents are warned to watch for vape devices disguised as everyday gadgets entering schools. Tech & learning: Injini launches an AI for Education venture builder across Southern Africa, testing AI tools built for African classrooms.

SADC Chairmanship Prep: Eswatini has kicked off a government-wide induction on its SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chair responsibilities, with Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu meeting SADC Secretariat officials to set the framework for the Sept 8–10 programme. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee condemned sporadic violence at Che Guevara in KwaZulu-Natal, stressing immigration management and law enforcement are government duties while monitoring continues. EdTech & AI for Classrooms: Injini launched an eight-month AI for Education venture builder and incubation programme for 12 pre-formed teams across Southern Africa, aiming to test AI tools built for African classroom realities. Theatre Revival: Eswatini’s October International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set to revive the local stage from Oct 1–3 with theatre, murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival. Local Business Growth: The Eswatini Stock Exchange opened a capital-raising path for SMEs, letting firms offer 5% of shares to the public to raise between E50,000 and E5 million, as it pushes its SME board to life. Health Outreach: Taiwan’s medical mission provided free screenings, consultations and medication to 377 people in Mhlangatane, plus wheelchairs, mobility aids and rice support. Culture & Fashion: DJ Zinhle’s ERA pop-up is coming to Eswatini at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on Sept 25–26, bringing high-end accessories to local fashion fans. Trade Fair Energy: Eemoh lit up Day 7 of the Eswatini International Trade Fair in Manzini, with fans of all ages singing along.

Migration Management Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says it has condemned sporadic violence at Che Guevara in KwaZulu-Natal and insists immigration control and law enforcement remain government’s job, with UNHCR support for affected people exploring voluntary reintegration. Border Pressure Numbers: The same migration push reports 86,596 foreign nationals processed for deportation and repatriation between June and August, while 4,200+ undocumented entrants were intercepted at the SA border from April to July. Deportees at Cultural Events: Eswatini’s government says US-deported third-country nationals are not prisoners and may move around under supervision, after their presence at the 2026 Umhlanga Reed Dance sparked questions. Youth & Health Watch: Parents are warned to check for discreet vaping devices entering schools, as officials urge vigilance ahead of school reopening. Arts & Culture: Mbabane is set to host the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) with theatre, murals, school shows, workshops and a street festival to revive Eswatini’s stage scene. Local Business & Money: The Eswatini Stock Exchange launches “Kwakhanya 2030” and opens an ESE SME capital window, letting SMEs raise up to E5m by offering just 5% shares to the public. Fashion Moment: DJ Zinhle’s ERA pop-up lands in Eswatini (Sept 25–26) at Happy Valley Hotel, bringing high-end accessories to local fans. Sports Culture: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with coach Mandla Qhogi citing travel and match-prep disruptions.

ASCON & Skills: The African Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) is adding four new member bodies ahead of its 2026 conference in Livingstone, Zambia (23–25 Sept), with Eswatini among the founding partners and sponsors backing training and professional growth. Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s theatre scene gets a boost with the October International Theatre Festival (OITF) in Mbabane (1–3 Oct), featuring multiple pillars from productions to murals, school events, and workshops. Music & Youth Energy: At the Eswatini International Trade Fair, vocalist Eemoh lit up Mavuso Exhibition Centre on Day 7, with kids and older fans singing along and turning the show into a family affair. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Harare, with coach Mandla Qhogi pointing to the bigger pitch and match intensity as key challenges. Health Outreach: Taiwan’s Medical Mission delivered free care to 377 people in Malibeni, including screenings, consultations, medication, and mobility support like wheelchairs and walking sticks. Local Economy: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030,” aiming to reposition the bourse as a national engine for wealth creation and business growth. Child Protection: The DPM’s office is pushing stronger awareness after court cases involving child neglect, including mothers sentenced for leaving babies unattended while socialising.

Theatre & Youth Culture: Eswatini’s International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set to revive the local stage in Mbabane from Oct 1–3, with 15+ productions, murals, school shows, masterclasses and a street festival—bringing artists from across Southern Africa. Creative Entrepreneurship: Injini has opened applications for an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder across nine Southern African countries, aiming to build classroom-informed AI products with seed funding for selected teams. Sports & Identity: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round in Harare, with coach Mandla Qhogi adjusting tactics for the bigger pitch. Music & Community: Eemoh lit up Day 7 of the Eswatini International Trade Fair with a crowd-pleasing set that drew in both kids and older fans. Local Economy & Culture: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030,” positioning the bourse as a national engine for wealth creation and business growth. Governance & Daily Life: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and communities waiting on schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks.

Deportation Shock: A Venezuelan man says he learned hours before a US charter flight that he was being sent to Liberia—then faced a “third-country” deportation system that leaves people with almost no chance to challenge decisions. Regional Diplomacy: Eswatini backed the UN “Correct the Map” push to redraw Africa’s world map size, voting with 163 countries against the US. Sports & Culture: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League in Harare, with coach Mandla Qhogi joking about church services disrupting sleep before the big match. Community Support: Mercy Mission is urgently appealing for public and business backing to save its Orphan 7 and Imam Development Program across 14 African countries. Youth & Family Rights: The DPM’s office says it’s stepping up awareness after child neglect cases, including mothers charged for leaving babies while they went out drinking. Economy & Daily Life: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, hitting schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks. Capital Markets: The Eswatini Stock Exchange launched “Kwakhanya 2030” to reposition the exchange as a national engine for wealth creation. Cultural Calendar: His Majesty summoned Imbali for the final segment of the Umhlanga Ceremony, with reeds and chastity displays scheduled for mid-September.

Women’s Rights Under Pressure: A new SHE & Rights session warns that “anti-rights” campaigns are using “family values” and “culture” to roll back women’s bodily autonomy and health rights. Child Protection Watch: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister’s office says it’s intensifying awareness after cases of mothers charged for child neglect, including infants left while mothers went out drinking. SADC Regional Security: SADC Troika is set to consider Zambia’s post-election crisis after allegations of vote manipulation and a deadly raid during the vote count. Eswatini Sports & Culture: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League, with coach Mandla Qhogi adjusting tactics for Harare’s bigger pitch. Local Economy & Services: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, hitting schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks. Capital Markets Push: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030” to reposition the bourse as a driver of wealth creation and business growth. Youth Leadership: ENYC launches a nationwide drive to strengthen youth representation through training for 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla. Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Sawubona Gogo” is getting major recognition on South Africa’s Music Pulse podcast, after his own depression-era support from MacG’s channel. Gospel Talent Hunt: Eswatini Praise kicks off with over 100 digital auditions in hours for a new gospel voice search. Cultural Tradition: King Mswati III summons maidens for the final segment of the Umhlanga ceremony, with reeds delivery and chastity displays scheduled for September.

Child Protection Watch: The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office says child neglect cases are rising as young mothers face court after leaving babies unattended to go drinking, prompting a push to scale up sensitisation on children’s rights. Public Finance & Services: Government projects worth about E600 million are stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors unpaid and communities waiting on schools, roads, water systems and livestock dipping tanks. Culture & Youth: At EITF, vocalist Eemoh turned Mavuso Exhibition Centre into a family sing-along, while ENYC launched a nationwide drive to strengthen grassroots youth representation through training for 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla. Capital Markets & Business: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030” to reposition the bourse as a driver of wealth creation and easier access to investment. Gospel & Entertainment: “Eswatini Praise” auditions drew over 100 entries in hours, and Sancheziey’s “Sawubona Gogo” gained major podcast recognition after he shared how music helped him through depression. Royal & Heritage: King Mswati III summoned Imbali for the final Umhlanga segment, with reeds delivery and chastity displays set for September. Sports Lifestyle: The +268 Motorcycle Club’s inaugural bikers rally in Mbabane (Sept 18–20) announced a star-studded entertainment line-up alongside the ride.

Royal Mourning: Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom mourns the death of King Oyo Rukidi IV, with Queen Mother Best Kemigisa grieving as the coffin arrives at Entebbe. Eswatini Culture & Heritage: King Mswati III is credited for strengthening cultural preservation, including decentralising Incwala and birthday celebrations across regions. Music & Identity: Eswatini artist Sancheziey’s “Sawubona Gogo” gets spotlighted on South Africa’s Music Pulse, while Christian Maz prepares a New York one-man show. Youth & Community: ENYC launches a grassroots drive to train 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla. Gospel Spotlight: “Eswatini Praise” opens digital auditions as over 100 entries pour in within hours. Broadcasting & Jobs: ESCCOM grants free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, promising more voices and employment. Lifestyle & Tourism: The +268 MCC Inaugural Bikers Rally lands in Mbabane with a star-studded entertainment line-up. Immigration Tensions: South African activist Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba says he will meet QwaQwa residents and plan a 23 September march over undocumented foreign nationals. Women’s Rights Backlash: SHE & Rights warns anti-rights groups use “family” and “sovereignty” narratives to dilute gender equality and health rights.

Umhlanga updates: King Mswati III has summoned Imbali for the final segment of this year’s Umhlanga Ceremony, with maidens set to assemble at Mbangweni on Sept 11 and deliver reeds before the monarchs in the cultural stadium. Gospel & youth culture: Eswatini Praise has opened digital auditions and already pulled in over 100 entries, while the Eswatini National Youth Council launched a nationwide drive to strengthen grassroots youth representation through training for 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla. Music spotlight: Sancheziey says it feels surreal after South African podcast Music Pulse discussed his hit “Sawubona Gogo,” a moment he links back to his 2023 depression journey. Media & jobs: ESCCOM has granted two free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, aiming for more diverse voices and new opportunities across the creative radio value chain. Lifestyle event: The +268 Motorcycle Club’s inaugural Bikers Rally in Mbabane (Sept 18–20) is set to blend tourism and entertainment with a star-studded lineup. Community support: A local “food basket” programme is helping families hit by crisis-level food insecurity, with 222,000 people in Eswatini estimated to be facing crisis or worse.