Times of Eswatini

KING RECEIVES SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA CREDENTIALS

LOZITHA - His Majesty King Mswati III has expressed his hope that the upcoming SACU Summit will produce resolutions to provide a clear pathway for addressing the challenges faced by member States. The Southern African Customs Union (SACU), is the...

22 lives lost in 3 months - NATCOM

MANZINI – Gender-based violence claimed 22 lives across Eswatini in the first three months of 2026, including seven children. Police warned that the scourge was escalating despite ongoing efforts to curb it. National Commissioner of Police Vusi...

Police raid, close Chinese restaurant over mystery booze

Missing toddler found dead in Mbabane River

EZULWINI - The two-year-old child who went missing from his home at Gelekeceni last Wednesday has been found dead in the Mbabane River. The body of Uvikelwe Maseko was found in the river yesterday afternoon after a six-day search by the police and...

Use public hospitals - Parly clerk urges PM, Cabinet

FINALLY, WORLD CUP IS HERE!

MEXICO - Performers dance during the World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico before the Mexico vs South Africa game.

King congratulates Zimbabwe on UN Security Council election

ZIMBABWE – His Majesty King Mswati III has congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to represent Africa on the United Nations Security Council for the 20272028 term. The message was delivered yesterday by Prince Lindani during a courtesy call on...

Smugglers abandon E1.6m cigarette consignment

MHLUMENI – Members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) have intercepted illicit cigarettes worth more than E1.6 million during an anti-smuggling operation conducted along the country’s eastern border yesterday. According to a statement issued...

Sicalo Foundation donates to over 3 000

TIMPHISINI – More than 3 000 residents from Timphisini and Ntfonjeni received food parcels, blankets and sleeping mattresses yesterday, prompting heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III and the Sicalo Foundation. The beneficiaries said the...

New EPTC MD challenged on integrity

MBABANE – The newly-appointed Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation Managing Director Thulani Fakudze at the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology yesterday. (ABOVE) ICT Minister Savannah Maziya congratulating the...

New Road Transportation Board announced:

MBABANE - “Sweep the house.” This mandate was given to the newly-appointed Road Transportation Board and the Road Transportation Appeal Board by the Minister for Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, yesterday. By ‘sweeping the...

Over 560kg goods destroyed in Mbabane raid

MBABANE – More than 560kg of grocery products were condemned and destroyed yesterday after the Municipal Council of Mbabane (MCM) conducted food safety inspections in parts of the city. The inspections targeted 21 shops in Corporation, Extension 3 and...

Travellers frustrated, endure long queues

OSHOEK – Frustrated travellers spent up to four hours in queues yesterday as new border regulations took effect. Hundreds of motorists and commuters were left stranded at Oshoek Border Post after the introduction of South Africa’s new foreign vehicle...

Eswatini retains 7th among Africa’s Industrial elite

MBABANE - Eswatini has cemented its position among Africa’s most industrialised economies, ranking seventh on the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Africa Industrialisation Index (AII) 2025. This is despite growing competition across the continent and...

Killing has become too easy – judge

Hawkers fear delays under new SA rules

Shembe church sets strict marriage rules ...

NGABEZWENI – Amakhosazana dancing during the sacred dance known as Umgidi at Ngabezweni Royal Residence. Confessing to the Shembe faith is a must for any man wishing to marry a member of the church.

E28.2m damage in Pick n Pay fire

NHLANGANO - The devastating fire that gutted the Pick n Pay supermarket at Nhlangano Mall, causing damage estimated at E28.2 million, has sparked widespread commercial disruption. This is because it led to extended power outages affecting multiple...

Shembe services: 111-year-old among 100 baptised ...

BETHANY – An elder of the Nazareth Baptist Church assisting a born-again member while other members queue for baptism at Bhidlilili River. A 111-year-old woman (not in pic) was baptised alongside 100 members of the church yesterday.

Unyazi Lwezulu pays visit to Indlovukazi

BUHLENI - “Unyazi Lwezulu is here to pray for the country.” This was said by Prince Gcina when introducing the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church to Her Majesty the Queen at Buhleni Royal Residence yesterday. The religious leader paid a courtesy...

King meets AzerGold mining company

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – His Majesty King Mswati III holds a meeting with the Chairman of AzerGold mining company, Zakir Ibrahimov, in Baku, Azerbaijan yesterday, during which they discussed several issues of mutual interest in mineral exploration.

Throngs welcome Unyazi Lwezulu ...

ESABELWENI - Members the Nazareth Baptist Church singing praises while others hold that were presented to His Unyazi Lwezulu upon his arrival at Esabelweni. (INSET) His Unyazi Lwezulu observing the congregation shortly after his arrival at Esabelweni,...

PAC slams Judiciary over E95m bail bonds

LOBAMBA – The Judiciary has paid over E1 million from the E95 million linked to concluded and pending court matters. The money had remained unclaimed in government accounts and raised concerns from parliamentarians. This emerged during the Judiciary’s...

King invites oil, mining companies

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – His Majesty King Mswati III today invited State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and mining companies to invest in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The King extended the invitation when he made a courtesy call to President...

Africa-EU agree on 84 points

Climate change, youth unemployment cited as urgent issues Calls for peaceful dialogue to resolve Russia, Ukraine war

Have a blessed day!

NAPSAWU’s bid against Fire chief recall dismissed

MBABANE – The Industrial Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by NAPSAWU challenging the appointment of Chief Fire Officer Luke Lushaba. The court held that the National Public Service and Allied Workers Union (NAPSAWU) failed to establish legal...

OACPS hails King’s leadership, hospitality

MBABANE – Secretary General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), Moussa Saleh Batraki, has praised King Mswati III for what he described as exceptional leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment to international...

King announces new stadium plans, crowns Nsingizini champs!

OACPS pushes for financial independence

Prince Lindani (2nd R) and Clerk To Parliament Bennedict Xaba (R) with Yaya Doumba Marius who is President Afrique Central and OACPS Parliamentary Committee (L) and Secretary General Moussa Selah Batraki during the first international conference of...

Ezulwini Palazzo hosts 1st conference, over 500 delegates

EZULWINI – Over 500 delegates from different countries will be part of the first conference to be held at the newly-opened Ezulwini Palazzo which was commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III a few days ago. The delegates, who are Members of...

We will not give in to pressure

New rule for cars entering SA

MBABANE - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) will strictly enforce a new customs rule requiring all drivers of foreign-registered vehicles to complete a mandatory temporary importation declaration before entering the country. This is effective...

King has clear plan for Eswatini’s development

Happy Workers’ Day

THE overall lesson of May Day comes from socialist activists seeking improvement in working conditions. The belief is that unless workers stand up for themselves, they will be exploited by businesses, so they must protest peacefully for better pay,...

3 African countries face US sanctions

Mpaka ATM bombing suspects in court ...

MANZINI – Accused Dumisani Goodman Ngubane, Arnaldo Mapswanganhe and Lethukuthula Hlongwa appear before Magistrate Khumalo at the Manzini Magistrates Court during the Mpaka ATM bombing trial proceedings yesterday.

His Majesty commissions Starlink gateway ...

MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III commissioned Starlink gateway at Dwaleni yesterday. Speaking through Prince Sicalo, the King said the fast Starlink internet will now be accessible in all parts of Eswatini without the need for towers and cables.

King Mswati III exemplary Monarch - African kings

Hailstorm hits over 1 400 people

• Over 289 homes, schools damaged • Hhohho, Lubombo regions worst hit • Urgent need for aid

Doors are open for talks - govt

BULANDZENI – Three vulnerable families who once slept in leaking huts now have safe shelter, thanks to a church-led housing drive unveiled yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla officially handed over the newly built houses at Ndzingeni...

OVER E18m, 251 CATTLE FOR TETFULO

LOZITHA – Montigny Group presents E2 million towards tetfulo. Montigny Investments and Inyatsi Group jointly injected E3.5 million into the tetfulo as over E18 million gifts were presented to His Majesty the King.

KING WELCOMES TAIWAN SECURITY CHIEF

(FAR L) His Majesty King Mswati III welcomed Director General of the National Security Bureau of Taiwan, Ming-Yen Tsai on Wednesday where Tsai conveyed a congratulatory message from His Excellency President Lai Ching-te on the King’s 40 years on the...

40/58 REHEARSALS GATHER PACE ...

LOBAMBA - Drum majorettes in full swing at Somhlolo National Stadium, as rehearsals for the upcoming 40/58 double celebration intensified, bringing together culture, discipline and national pride in a show of unity and love for the King.

PSUs TO JOIN LEADERS IN PUSH FOR SALARY NOTCHING

MANZINI – Civil servants during a meeting held at the SNAT Centre yesterday, where union members were briefed on the outcome of Monday’s engagement with the Government Negotiation Team. Public Sector Unions have resolved to join their leadership in...

CIVIL SERVANTS’ ANNUAL INCREMENTS ON HOLD, FOR NOW

MANTSHOLO – This house, situated on Eswatini Nation Land at Mantsholo, together with other immovable and movable property linked to former STANLIB broker Ntombifuthi Portia Nkambule (inset), is set to be sold by public auction. The order follows...

Man wanted for theft of 4 FNB vehicles worth E4.5m

HEAD TEACHERS SUMMONED OVER E2.5m CORPORAL PUNISHMENT LAWSUITS

Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo (Inset) addressing head teachers on major reforms at Ngwane Park High School in Manzini yesterday. The ministry is moving to standardise school fees, abolish corporal punishment following E2.5 million...

ACCOUNTS CLERK ALLEGEDLY STEALS OVER E2.4m, ASSETS ATTACHED ...

MBABANE – Investigations have revealed how a former accounts clerk at Khabo Investment (Pty) Ltd allegedly embezzled over E2.4 million from her employer over a period of three years, according to a court affidavit. The alleged theft enabled Sebenele...

ESWATINI WILL SURVIVE THROUGH GOD’S PROTECTION - KING

ENDURING HARDSHIP ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS - HIS MAJESTY

LOBAMBA - His Majesty King Mswati III delivers the Word of God during the Easter Sunday service at Somhlolo National Stadium. The King emphasised the importance of divine guidance and the necessity of enduring hardship to achieve success. (L) Pastors’...

HAPPY EASTER MONDAY!

Typically celebrated with church services, Easter Monday is a Christian holiday that marks the day after Jesus Christ rose from the dead, according to the Christian faith.*

BLESSED GOOD FRIDAY!*

WE can celebrate on Good Friday because Christ’s death was a sacrifice so that we could receive the gift of eternal life. The Bible tells us that Jesus bore our sins, shame and burden on the cross. The results changed the course of humanity and what...

GOVT LAUNCHES ROYAL SIGNATURE EXPO 2026

MBABANE – Government has officially launched the Royal Signature Expo and Mega Raffle, positioning the initiative as a premium platform aimed at driving high-end investment and elevating Eswatini’s presence in global luxury markets. The launch, led by...

FUEL SHORTAGE HITS MBABANE

MBABANE – Several filling stations within the Mbabane Central Business District (CBD) were hit by a fuel shortage yesterday, forcing motorists to scramble for fuel outside the city. Most service stations in the capital had run out of petrol, leaving...

PRESIDENT MBASOGO PAYS COURTESY CALL ON KING

EQUATORIAL GUINEA - His Majesty and Inkhosikati LaMbikiza bidding farewell to Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, after he and the First Lady had paid a courtesy call on the King yesterday. (ABOVE) The two leaders captured...

KING HAILED FOR E255m OACPS FUNDS RESCUE

Exceeds expectations by raising €2.8m more than €10m target His Majesty’s role endorsed by entire membership of 79 States

KING JETS OFF TO EQUATORIAL GUINEA FOR OACPS SUMMIT

MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has departed Eswatini for Equatorial Guinea to attend the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). This is a high-level gathering that...

Families plead for detained foreigners’ return home

MBABANE – Families of foreign nationals arrested in Eswatini are pleading with authorities to repatriate their relatives as the number of detainees rises to nearly 200. The appeals come as this publication continues its coverage of the crackdown on...

KING OPENS E200m HLANE HOTEL, NAMES IT NSULUTANE

HLANE – His Majesty King Mswati III officially opened the Hlane Royal Hotel yesterday. During the ceremony, His Majesty also performed a sod-cutting for the new shopping mall set to form part of the next phase of the development, and officially named...

INSIDE NEWLY-DISCOVERED ONLINE GAMBLING HUB:

HAWANE – At Umushi Wenkosazane Resort, investigators discovered a setup almost identical to Castle Hotel. Inside ordinary-looking rooms, police found a carefully arranged operation mirroring a model linked to an alleged online gambling and fraud...

REPORTED MISSING IN HOME COUNTRIES

MBABANE – Families of the arrested foreign nationals are worried as some of them had been reported missing in their home countries. This was disclosed by their attorney, Linda Dlamini of Linda Dlamini and Associates during their second remand...

KINGPIN ARRESTED

‘Tiger’ found with gadgets, including speed point Home Affairs vows crackdown as 94 arrests ‘tip of iceberg’ Says 1 000 China citizens could be in country illegally MANZINI – Police officers prepare to take the serial rapist to hospital after he was...

PM APPOINTS SADC UNIVERSITY BOARD

MBABANE – The Prime Minister (PM) Russell Mmiso Dlamini has appointed and commissioned the SADC University of Transformation Board. The Board will be chaired by Dr Simanga Alex Tsela. Other members are Professor Innocent Msibi (Vice Chairperson), Dr...

BUGANU CEREMONY ENDS ON HIGH NOTE:

HLANE – This year’s Buganu Ceremony concluded on a high note, with Bayes’khulu raising the standard during kutsamba. Bayesikhulu is the regiment of royalty. The first to take the stage from Bayesikhulu was Inkhosikati LaMahlangu, who transformed the...

RELATIVE COLLAPSES, DIES DURING SEARCH...

MBABANE – Welcome Makiri Magagula (in Adidas sweater), who stands accused of the murder of his sister and niece at Ntsintsa, Dlangeni, being escorted by police officers after his remand hearing at the Mbabane Magistrates Court yesterday.

KING’S 40-YEAR REIGN CELEBRATION REHEARSALS UNDERWAY ...

LOBAMBA – Pupils from different schools across the country dancing while parading the national flag during rehearsals for the upcoming celebration of His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40 years of reign at Somhlolo National stadium yesterday.

UN treaty for Chinese fugitive’s extradition

MBABANE – Should the Kingdom of Eswatini proceed with the extradition of the Chinese businessman who is wanted in his home country, the process is likely to rely on the principle of reciprocity or the United Nations Convention against Transnational...

THIS IS ‘FACATA’ - MPs TELL ERS

LOBAMBA – Stop it now! The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has received strong criticism from Member of Parliament (MPs) regarding the implementation of strict requirements for the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC). In fact, some of the MPs have...

JERICHO CLEANSING A SUCCESS DESPITE TRAGIC ACCIDENT

RICHARDS BAY – The Jericho Church in Zion, under Archbishop Dr Bhekibandla Vilakati, held a successful cleansing ceremony in Richards Bay, South Africa over the weekend. Vilakati conveyed condolences to the families of the members of the church who...

TOURISM MINISTER LAUNCHES E2m ENVIRONMENT FUND:

HHUKWINI – Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane with community leaders during the official handover of the ‘Planting for the Future’ project at Hhukwini Inkhundla yesterday. The minister also announced that government has set...

US-IRAN WAR: 25 STRANDED EMASWATI REPATRIATED FROM UAE

SIKHUPHE – A safe return home. Following a direct command from His Majesty King Mswati III, 25 emaSwati arrived at King Mswati III International Airport yesterday evening from the UAE. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign...

ESWATINIBANK’S E570m BOOST FOR MSMEs

MANZINI – EswatiniBank has disbursed over E570 million to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country, reaffirming its role in driving entrepreneurial growth and inclusive economic development. Speaking at the EswatiniBank...