AGP Executive Report

Courtroom Update (AKA case): The State has agreed to temporarily transfer the seven men accused of murdering rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane back to Westville prison for consultation, after defence complaints that restrictive access at eBongweni Super Maximum Correctional Centre has hampered preparations. Migration & Human Rights: Reports say Trump is preparing deportations to the Central African Republic under third-country deals, while another account alleges U.S. immigrants held in Eswatini are kept in maximum-security detention with limited access to medical care, food and clothing. Local Crime & Fraud: An ERS worker testified that “facata” scammers tricked her into taking an E343,000 loan and siphoned E267,500 from her Standard Bank account. Health & Science: Eswatini researchers report targeted next-generation sequencing has uncovered TB resistance to rifampicin and bedaquiline missed by routine tests. Trade & Competition: Eswatini’s Competition Commission and Standards Authority are urged to help SMEs compete fairly against large firms. Digital Health: MTN Eswatini is promoting the Notsa Health App, localised into Siswati, to improve access to health information. Agriculture & Food Security: Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa met Eswatini princes amid reports of collapsing farms, with critics calling it “cosmetic diplomacy” without clear support for drought-hit farmers.

AKA Murder Case: South Africa’s State will help the defence by temporarily transferring the seven men accused of murdering rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane back to Westville prison for consultation, after complaints that strict conditions at eBongweni have hampered proper preparation; the accused are set to appear together in Durban High Court. US Deportees in Eswatini: A complaint to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights says Trump-deported immigrants held in Eswatini’s maximum-security prison lack medical care, food and clothing, with detainees reportedly unable to challenge their detention. Health & Research: Eswatini researchers report targeted next-generation sequencing has uncovered TB resistance to rifampicin and bedaquiline that routine tests may miss, raising stakes for MDR-TB treatment. Border Anti-Corruption: South Africa and Eswatini-linked border agencies intensify anti-corruption work at Oshoek Port of Entry, using accounts from convicted former officials to dismantle fraud networks. Digital Health: MTN Eswatini promotes the Siswati-localised Notsa Health App, training communities to use it for reminders and health guidance. Trade & Competition: Eswatini’s Commerce Minister says competition and standards bodies must help SMEs compete against large firms, urging stronger empowerment through legislation and resources. World Cup 2026: FIFA’s expanded tournament kicks off June 11 with Mexico, the US and Canada as co-hosts, while South Africa return after a qualifying win over Rwanda.

Northern Ireland unrest and diaspora fears: Violent anti-migrant protests in Belfast have left homes and businesses burning, with Emaswati residents in the diaspora saying the situation is still volatile and property belonging to black people is being targeted overnight. Health breakthrough for Eswatini: Researchers report that targeted next-generation sequencing has uncovered hidden TB drug resistance to rifampicin and bedaquiline that routine tests can miss, raising the stakes for MDR-TB treatment accuracy. Immigration detention linked to Eswatini: A complaint to the African Commission alleges Trump-deported migrants were sent to Eswatini without knowing their destination and placed in maximum-security detention with limited ability to challenge it. Trade and regional cooperation: Eswatini drivers’ group welcomed Ramaphosa’s call for regional action on undocumented migration, warning road freight is vital to the kingdom’s economy. Governance pressure on ENPF: An Eswatini MP says the ENPF board is dysfunctional and pushes for a select committee to investigate the impasse. Education ties: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed cooperation in higher education, science, innovation and ICT.

Chagos Islands & China ties: The UK is weighing transferring the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a move that could affect the US-UK Diego Garcia base, as Washington reportedly considers buying the territory and critics warn Mauritius may not protect the base from Chinese interference. Eswatini–China trade access: A new analysis argues Eswatini’s exclusion from China’s preferential tariff framework is driven less by politics and more by missing institutional support, including the lack of a Chinese embassy in Mbabane. Regional migration pressure: Eswatini freight drivers back South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for coordinated, cross-border solutions to undocumented immigration, warning road freight underpins about 70% of Eswatini’s economy. Higher education cooperation: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed plans to deepen ties in higher education, research, innovation and ICT, including work toward a SADC University of Technology. ENPF board crisis: Parliament hears the ENPF board is dysfunctional, with MPs pushing for a select committee to investigate the impasse and recommend fixes. Money laundering focus: SADC urged stronger cooperation to protect regional financial systems, noting only a few states—including Eswatini—have signed the AML/CFT agreement. Labour rights watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list, with Eswatini also flagged among worst violators. Economy & inflation: Eswatini’s central bank says it will keep a cautious monetary stance, maintaining the discount rate while managing imported inflation shocks. World Cup link: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut follows a 3-0 qualifier win over Eswatini, sparking regional football celebrations.

Xenophobia and migration tensions: South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa’s carefully worded response to anti-immigrant protests failed to calm fears or clearly address a looming June 30 ultimatum, after March and March protests and populist pressure from parties including the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA. Regional education and innovation ties: Eswatini and South Africa agreed to deepen cooperation in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including plans linked to a SADC University of Technology. ENPF board crisis: Eswatini’s Parliament says the ENPF board is dysfunctional, with only the CEO left, and a select committee is set to investigate the deadlock. Trade and customs capacity: With WCO support, countries including Eswatini are building national pools of rules-of-origin experts to strengthen compliance under free trade agreements. Green entrepreneurship push: Green entrepreneurs across the region, including eSwatini, are invited to pitch for funding in the 2026 Afri GreenPitch Challenge. Labour rights watch: Zimbabwe has been placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list, while the index flags worsening conditions for unions. Health across borders: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” initiative is shifting attitudes in Beitbridge through culturally sensitive community engagement. World Cup spotlight: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup qualification is celebrated as the Blue Sharks prepare for Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Regional Education & Innovation: Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation with South Africa in higher education, science, innovation and ICT after a courtesy visit by SA’s Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, including work toward a SADC University of Technology. Parastatal Governance: Parliament’s ENPF board crisis is set for a new seven-member select committee after MP Marwick Khumalo said the board has been dysfunctional for more than half a year, leaving only CEO Futhi Tembe, with a report due in 14 days. Anti-Money Laundering Push: SADC finance officials urged stronger collaboration to protect regional financial systems, noting only Angola, Botswana and Eswatini have signed the AML/CFT agreement so far. Climate Risk Reminder: A warning says Eswatini cannot afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño conditions are forecast to develop later in 2026. Water Security: Eswatini is among countries facing ongoing safe-drinking-water challenges highlighted by a global assessment of unsafe water risks. Community Support: DPM Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula served meals to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, showing continued support for orphaned and vulnerable children.

ENPF Board Deadlock: Lobamba Lomdzala MP Marwick Khumalo says the Eswatini National Provident Fund board is now effectively dysfunctional, with only CEO Futhi Tembe left, and urges a seven-member select committee to investigate the impasse and report back within 14 days. Local Governance & Appointments: Housing and Urban Development Minister Apollo Maphalala defends ENPF board chair nominee Derrick Shiba, saying his ministry followed the law and consulted relevant legal experts, rejecting a competing legal view. Regional Finance Integrity: Botswana’s acting finance minister calls on SADC to strengthen collaboration to curb money laundering and terrorist financing, noting only Angola, Botswana and Eswatini have signed the latest agreement. Shared Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources minister pushes cooperation under INMACOM to manage shared Incomati and Maputo river basins with South Africa and Mozambique for food security and climate resilience. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe is placed on the ITUC workers’ rights watch list as violations against trade unionists rise, with Eswatini also flagged among worst violators. World Cup Build-up: Cape Verde’s “Blue Sharks” celebrate their first World Cup qualification after beating Eswatini 3-0, and are set for Group H clashes with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Child Nutrition Drive: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula visited Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, distributing food packs to orphaned and vulnerable children and highlighting the centre’s growth from cooking under a tree in 2023. Climate Risk Warning: A new analysis says Eswatini cannot afford another E3.8bn climate disaster, as El Niño conditions are forecast to strengthen later in 2026, urging continued monitoring and preparedness. Central Bank Stance: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it will keep a cautious monetary policy, maintaining the discount rate at 6.75% and avoiding aggressive hikes despite imported inflation pressures. Regional Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says shared rivers are now a development and economic necessity, pointing to INMACOM talks with South Africa and Mozambique on managing the Incomati and Maputo basins. ENPF Board Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defended the appointment of ENPF board member Derrick Shiba, arguing the nomination followed the law amid a seven-month impasse. Labour Rights Watch: Zimbabwe was placed on the ITUC workers’ rights “watch list,” with the index also listing Eswatini among countries in the first tier. World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut is tied to their 3-0 qualifier win over Eswatini, with Group H set to include Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Monetary Policy Watch: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it will stick with a cautious approach to inflation shocks, keeping the discount rate at 6.75% and avoiding aggressive interest rate hikes as imported oil and food pressures mount. Regional Water Security: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says shared river cooperation is now a key economic and development need, as Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique meet under INMACOM to strengthen management of the Incomati and Maputo basins. ENPF Deadlock: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defends the appointment of ENPF board chair Derrick Shiba, arguing his ministry followed the law despite a dispute over which ministry should nominate. Cross-Border Health: Kenya and Uganda launch a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC, focusing on screening gaps and Standard Operating Procedures. World Cup Build-Up: Cape Verde’s “Blue Sharks” prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearance, drawn in Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. SACU Spotlight: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah calls SACU a vital pillar for regional and global economic arrangements, as the union adapts to new challenges. Taiwan-Eswatini Tension: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemns Beijing over alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing pressure on flight clearances. Sports Transfers: Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe unveil Eswatini players Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo after raiding Nsingizini Hotspurs.

World Cup 2026: Cape Verde’s “Blue Sharks” are gearing up for their first-ever finals appearance after a breakthrough qualification run, and they’ve been drawn in Group H against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. ENPF Deadlock: Minister Apollo Maphalala has defended Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba’s appointment to the Eswatini National Provident Fund board, arguing the law was followed as the board’s seven-month impasse continues. Shared Water for Growth: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says cooperation on shared rivers is now a key economic and development need, pointing to INMACOM talks linking Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. Immigration Pressure in the Region: Reports from South Africa suggest foreign nationals are not fleeing en masse despite rising tensions, with international agencies citing no surge in return requests. Children’s Health: Government has launched Eswatini’s 2026 Children’s Month, stressing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. EPTC Leadership: The new EPTC managing director, Thulani Fakudze, has been tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm.

Immigration Crackdown Watch: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration drive is raising fears of a foreign-national exodus, but IOM and UNHCR say there’s been no surge in requests for assisted voluntary returns. Regional Ripple Effects: Nigeria signals plans to repatriate over 1,000 citizens from South Africa, while Ghana has already repatriated hundreds, including a BMA-facilitated departure of 300 via OR Tambo and a major Lebombo Port of Entry operation. Public Health and Water: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major risk, with African nations dominating the lowest-ranked countries. SACU Spotlight: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah calls SACU a key regional pillar, urging the customs union to adapt to new global economic arrangements. Eswatini Governance: The new managing director of EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, is tasked with restoring integrity and financial sustainability, with the ICT minister warning him to uphold the law even under pressure. Diplomacy Tensions: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemns Beijing over alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing pressure on flight clearances. Children’s Rights: Government officially launches Eswatini’s 2026 Children’s Month, stressing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child.

Taiwan–Eswatini Diplomatic Tensions: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged pressure that led to the cancellation of President William Lai’s late-April Eswatini visit, saying China used debt and financing threats to force flight clearances to be withdrawn. Public Health & World Cup Risks: With World Cup travel ramping up across the US, health officials warn that weakened public health capacity could raise vulnerability to outbreaks, including concerns linked to Ebola and measles. Eswatini Development & Water: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month, stressing universal water, sanitation and hygiene access for every child. Regional Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Eswatini among other countries. State Enterprise Governance: The new managing director of EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Health Safety Cooperation: Eswatini joined a regional forum in Nairobi on strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare. Sports (Eswatini-linked): Hardrock FC unveiled Eswatini players Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo after raids from Nsingizini Hotspurs.

Immigration Crackdown: Johannesburg police shut shops in a Smal Street Mall operation targeting undocumented migrants, as anti-migrant protests and election-year anger over jobs, services and crime fuel tensions. Food Price Pressure: Tiger Brands warns some food prices may rise as fuel, logistics and raw material costs squeeze manufacturers, with cost increases likely hardest in categories like mayonnaise. HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with clinics including in Eswatini among first beneficiaries. Local Governance: Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) has a new managing director, Thulani Fakudze, tasked to restore integrity and financial sustainability. Children’s Health: Government officially launches Eswatini’s Children’s Month, stressing universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Regional Development: The UN launched its UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance with major investment plans. Court Case: A man accused of torturing victims with a hot iron appears in court over an alleged robbery in Hhohho. International Politics: China renews pressure on Taiwan ties, including claims about alleged funding to Eswatini, while also banning New Zealand MPs over Taiwan visits.

HIV Prevention: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with rollout planned to reach 360 clinics including Eswatini. China-Taiwan Tensions: Beijing has warned Eswatini against aligning with “Taiwan independence” forces, alleging Taiwan provided NT$25 billion to Eswatini around Lai Ching-te’s visit, while Taiwan’s legislature condemned China’s obstruction of Lai’s planned trip. Local Governance & Integrity: The new managing director of EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, has been tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Children’s Health: Government has launched Eswatini’s 2026 Children’s Month, pushing universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Regional Health Safety: Senior officials from across Southern and East Africa met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare. Sports & Talent: Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe unveiled Eswatini champions’ recruits Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo. Immigration & Courts: A man accused of using forged documents at KMIII International Airport pleaded guilty and was remanded pending further legal steps. Workers’ Rights Watch: A new Global Rights Index flags rising attacks on workers, including South Africa, as rights protections come under pressure.

UN Development Push: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, aiming to speed progress toward upper-middle income status and the SDGs, with an estimated E51.84bn investment and a focus on human capital, jobs via MSMEs, climate resilience and inclusive governance. Royal Diplomacy & Reform: The UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira praised King Mswati III’s repeated calls for UN reform and highlighted momentum around the Ezulwini Consensus. Immigration & Governance: At Siteki Magistrate’s Court, allegations surfaced that immigration officials processed “forged” documents leading to arrests at KMIII International Airport, as a Pakistani man pleaded guilty to using a forged visa memo and entering without lawful authority. Regional Safety in Health: Senior officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, hosted by Kenya’s nuclear regulator with support from the IAEA. China–Taiwan Pressure on Eswatini Ties: China again escalated its Taiwan stance, warning Eswatini against aligning with “Taiwan independence” and accusing Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy,” while also imposing a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs over a Taiwan visit. Sports & Tourism Boost: MTN Bushfire Festival drove 26,774 arrivals last week, with Ngwenya Border Post recording the highest traffic, underlining the event’s economic weight.

Digital Life & Youth: Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George warned that social media “communities” are replacing real face-to-face ties, leaving people—especially children—exposed to addictive content. Health & Safety: Senior officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety for healthcare, with support from the IAEA. UN Development: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, targeting human capital, jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84bn investment. Bushfire Festival Impact: Home Affairs reported 26,774 arrivals over two days, led by Ngwenya Border (12,517), as the MTN Bushfire Festival continues to drive major economic activity. Immigration Scrutiny: A court heard allegations that immigration officials issued forged documents leading to arrests at KMIII airport. Diplomacy & Taiwan Tensions: China warned Eswatini against aligning with “Taiwan independence” forces, while also banning four New Zealand MPs over a Taiwan visit. Workers’ Rights: A Global Rights Index flagged South Africa for rising attacks on workers, adding to regional labour-rights pressure. Regional Cooperation: Eswatini delegates studied Ghana’s land reforms, while Somalia and Eswatini discussed deeper bilateral ties in Seoul.