Times of Eswatini

Overloaded 27-seater bus overturns, 50 pupils injured

MATSAPHA – Fifty pupils, most of them from Elangeni and St Mary’s High schools, were rushed to hospital after the 27-seater bus they were travelling in overturned just before Mahhala Traffic Circle yesterday afternoon.

More jobs for emaSwati in Taiwan under consideration:

TAIWAN - His Majesty King Mswati III meets more emaSwati during a dinner hosted by the founder of E-Da World in honour of his visit to Kaohsiung.

Joy as His Majesty gifts emaSwati in Taiwan

TAIWAN - His Majesty King Mswati III enters a gala dinner yesterday where he gifted Eswatini students, workers and nationals living and working in Taiwan US$500 each.

E586 591 HILUX UP FOR GRABS IN EYA ...

EZULWINI - FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini (C) handing over the car key to.Director of MSMEs Mluleki Dlamini (R) while SEDCO CEO Khethiwe Mhlanga (L) looks on.

HIS MAJESTY A NATURAL PILOT - PRESIDENT LAI

TAINAN, TAIWAN - His Majesty the King has been described as a ‘natural pilot’ with excellent technique by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te. The president made this assertion during the King’s visit to the Tainan Aviation Training Command, where he was...

MTN MEGA PROMO WINNER:

EZULWINI – Nkosikhona Mafuleka (22) walked away with the MTN Mega Promo grand prize, a brand-new Omoda C5.

KING CALLS FOR FOOD SECURITY IN AFRICA:

EZULWINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has challenged African countries to work towards food self-sufficiency by pooling their agricultural resources, maximising their production strengths and developing stronger systems for moving food across the...

Eswatini takes the supply chain spotlight

LUSAKA – ESPPRA CEO Vusumutiwendvodza Matsebula receiving his award after he was named Africa’s Supply Chain Management Professional of the Year at the inaugural ASCON Awards in Zambia. He is flanked by Dr Simon Annan, ASCON Chairperson and Ronald...

KING RETURNS FROM LESOTHO JUBILEE:

MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has returned home following his visit to Lesotho, where he joined King Letsie III and the Basotho nation in celebrating the kingdom’s 60th Independence Anniversary. His Majesty was welcomed home by Cabinet...

Eswatini to Host PACTED 2026

1. ABOUT PACTED 2026 PACTED 2026 is a high-level African platform that brings together governments, education policymakers, teachers and their organisations, teacher-training institutions, universities, researchers, development partners, civil...

KING REAFFAIRMS TIES WITH TAIWAN, INDIA:

LOZITHA – Ambassador-designate of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Ching-Lin Tsuei and High Commissioner-designate of the Republic of India, Anand Prakash present their Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Mswati III at Lozitha Palace yesterday.

FNB probe uncovers E20m fraud syndicate

Royal Swazi to re-open

MBABANE – The Royal Swazi Spa could re-open before the end of the year, ending years of uncertainty over the landmark tourism establishment. The development was announced by Tibiyo TakaNgwane Managing Director Dr Absalom Themba Dlamini during the UAE...

FANS CHEER WANDERERS TO HISTORIC NFD WIN:

LOBAMBA – Manzini Wanderers superfan Mfundo ‘Madara’ Nhlabatsi led the the ‘Weslians’ stand in song and celebration yesterday at Somhlolo National Stadium, as they began a new life in the MulaSport National First Division League, with a 3-0 win over...

UN must enforce peace agreements

Says UN Assembly cannot be just a talk shop Taiwan’s UN inclusion can benefit the globe - King Urges delivery on climate finance commitments Calls for African pharmaceutical bulk buying

Good news for textile workers

MBABANE – Textile workers are set to receive higher minimum wages following the conclusion of negotiations at the Textile and Apparel Wages Council. The new wage structure provides increases across all three categories of workers, with cut, make and...

KING ATTENDS 81ST UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY:

USA – His Majesty King Mswati III, yesterday attended the opening day of the 81st UN General Assembly which was addressed by USA President Donald Trump, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and several other leaders. Among the King’s delegation were...

6 DEAD AFTER NASTY HEAD-ON CRASH

NHLANGANO – Six people died after these two vehicles, a Toyota Corolla Cross and a VW Polo, were involved in a head-on collision near Single Tree, along the Hlatikhulu-Nhlangano Road yesterday. The Toyota Corolla Cross burnt beyond recognition.

King heads to UN General Assembly ....

His Majesty King Mswati III waves to Lacwebetelako during his departure for New York through the King Mswati III International Airport at around 8:30am yesterday, to attend the high-level United Nations General Assembly programme. (INSET) He was...

Eswatini mourns Princess Lindiwe

MBABANE – Religious leaders, traditionalists, politicians and members of the public have joined hands in mourning the death of Home Affairs Minister Princess Lindiwe. The princess died while receiving medical treatment following a short illness,...

Still no trace of Mthandeni

MBABANE – There is still no trace of former Ngwempisi Member of Parliament Mthandeni Dube, who has disappeared amid an investigation into an alleged breach of his conditional release. Dube’s family says they remain in the dark about his whereabouts. A...

KING CALLS FOR MORE UNIVERSITIES ...

NEW SNEAKERS FOR IMBALI

MBANGWENI - Indvuna Yembali Bongiwe Hlatjwako praised the massive turnout and discipline as thousands gathered at Mbangweni Royal Residence for the annual cultural showcase. Hlatjwako expressed deep pride in the regiment’s conduct throughout the...

Shiselweni Umhlanga ends on high note

MBANGWENI - International maidens from Mpumalanga expressed deep gratitude for their warm reception and seamless transport after attending the vibrant Shiselweni Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Ceremony at Mbangweni. The influx of visiting maidens added to the...

Court stops EMCU probe, PM to pay costs

MBABANE – The High Court has confirmed an interim interdict stopping the committee appointed to investigate the operations of the Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) from continuing with its investigation and related activities. The order was...

TRUCK CRASHES ONTO FAMILY HOME ...

MBABANE – A family at Manganganeni (Mvakwelitje) in Mbabane narrowly escaped tragedy yesterday when a truck overturned and crashed into their home. The truck, which was reportedly transporting gravel to a nearby road construction project, lost...

MINISTER PHOLILE MEETS SADC SECRETARIAT ...

MBABANE – Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu yesterday met with a delegation from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat. This comes as Eswatini began a government-wide induction...

MBABANE COUNCIL WINS BEST STAND AWARD ...

MBABANE – Mbabane Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze (3rd R) receiving the Most Innovative and Best Exhibitor Award during the Stand Excellence Awards presentation at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair from Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile...

Independence Holiday!

National Pride: On September 6, 1968, Eswatini (then Swaziland) was granted complete independence. It was still a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and the King, Sobhuza II who had come into power in 1921, became the Head of State.

EBC KICKS OFF 2028 REGISTRATION

LAMGABHI – John Malaza being taken a picture after the launch of the voter registration at LaMgabhi Inkhundla. (RIGHT) Malaza and his wife Busisiwe after registering for the 2028 national elections.

Explosives suspects wanted in Botswana ...

Joseph Tshimologo (L) and Boipuso Jabulani Keagile (C) with a plain clothes officer after their first appearance, are wanted for over E1.5 million cellphone theft in Botswana.

Home Affairs official in ‘Cat’ Matlala ID saga guilty

MBABANE - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has found a Home Affairs official guilty of illegally issuing an Eswatini ID to alleged South African crime boss Vusi ‘Cat’ Matlala. Matlala is a South African businessman and security-sector entrepreneur...

Umhlanga boosts tourism revenue to E1 billion

LUDZIDZINI – Umhlanga has boosted tourism, with international visitor numbers rising and tourism revenue reaching E1 billion, according to Minister Jane Simelane. The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs said the annual Reed Dance continued...

Umhlanga, Swazi Rally, Trade Fair inside

MANZINI – Imbali Regiment Leader Princess Sakhizwe yesterday led thousands of young maidens to Mpisi Farm, where they gathered in large numbers to cut reeds as the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Ceremony entered its third day. The princess became the...

UMHLANGA DAY 2: Nitiphatse kahle Mbali - King

Thousands of maidens step out in unity as they march from Ludzidzini to Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where they were commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III to cut the reed for the Umhlanga Ceremony.

KING RETURNS WITH KEY SADC SECURITY ROLE

MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has prayed to God to grant him wisdom as Eswatini takes on the SADC Organ Troika chairmanship. His Majesty said the kingdom faces a familiar regional test as Madagascar grapples with an issue similar to one...

Lower Maguduza to start generating power in January

Mum: Don’t bail out rape-accused pastor

MFABANTFU – Alice Shabangu, mother of alleged killer pastor Nkosingiphile Allen Zwane, says she will not pay bail for her son and wants the law to take its course. Shabangu made the statement during the Apostolic Faith Church International service at...

HAWANE

- J&E Contractor General Manager Carl Smith showing Minister for Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala the damage at Bhunu Mall.

ESCCOM awards 2 new radio licences

MBABANE – The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has awarded commercial radio broadcasting licences to Sakha Live FM and Icon Connect Radio. The two companies have been granted Free-to-Air Commercial Radio Broadcasting Service Licences, which...

E7.4bn investment bonanza to create 4 850 jobs

LOBAMBA – Eswatini’s economy has received a major boost with the announcement of E7.4 billion in new investments during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. The Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo revealed the figures...

KING ASSUMES TROIKA CHAIRMANSHIP

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – His Majesty King Mswati III with other heads of State during the 46th SADC Summit in Durban yesterday. The King urged SADC leaders to ensure that smaller landlocked Member States are fully integrated into the North–South Economic...

Great Usuthu River Bridge collapses

The Great Usuthu River Bridge at Mahhashini, along the Zondwako/Mhlambanyatsi Public Road, has collapsed mid-section. Police have advised motorists not to attempt using the bridge, but use alternative routes.

TLC allegations ‘ashacisa lugogo’ - PM

LOBAMBA - Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has described allegations levelled against The Luke Commission (TLC) as deeply concerning, saying government is taking steps to establish the truth behind the claims. The PM was responding to questions in...

Lidwala empowers over 100 youth

MANZINI – Young people from different schools during Lidwala Insurance’s International Youth Day celebration at Inyatsi House, where they were challenged to embrace leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation and opportunities to create value.

EEC eyes yet another hike

• EEC plans to submit application before year end, increase likely April 2027 • Soaring power import costs, widespread copper theft cited as key drivers

WILD WEATHER SHUTS MAJOR SA ROUTES: Several major roads remain closed and motorists are advised to delay trips as heavy snow hit KwaZulu-Natal yesterday.

JOHANNESBURG - AfriForum has received confirmation that a prosecution of Julius Malema can be enrolled in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court. The civil society group wishes to have Malema prosecuted for crimen injuria over comments he made about the...

Nothando, Zamo triumph at BIMAs

Ma.ke-up Zamo Dlamini (L) celebrates after winning Artist of the Year at the BIMAs. Gospel powerhouse Nothando Hlophe won Song of the Year for her grand song ‘Methodist Medley’.

Hitman, inyanga spill the beans

MBABANE – A suspected hitman and a traditional healer are at the centre of the State’s case against Mashumi Andreas Shongwe. The two, according to the prosecutions provided crucial details purportedly linking Mashumi to the murder of his wife,...

20 convicted foreigners shout siyabonga! ...

MBABANE - Some of the foreign nationals who were arrested for entering and remaining in the country, as well as engaging in employment within a gambling business without valid permits celebrate after Mbabane Principal Ma.gistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi...

Democracy cannot be exported - King

MBABANE – His Majesty King Mswati III has declared that democracy cannot be exported, nor can peace and stability. The King made the remarks in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini during the 10th Ketagalan...

BETTER SHOES FROM FNB, SPAR:

FNB Eswatini and Buy ‘n Save SPAR are transforming the lives of 356 school children across 12 schools with a gift of new school shoes worth E52 950. Both entities reaffirmed their commitment to giving back to society.

We fear no politician - NATCOM

MBABANE – National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango says no one, regardless of political influence or office, will be spared if implicated in the online gambling investigation. Responding to allegations that investigations had slowed because...

I am sorry - deputy sheriff

MBABANE – Vusi Mncina, who was a deputy sheriff, has apologised to the families of the five women he reportedly shot, killing four, including his girlfriend. Mncina is on trial for the murder of Cynthia Shongwe, who was his girlfriend, Lungile...

Mashikilisane gets guard of honour in Taiwan...

Army Commander General Four Star Mashikilisane Fakudze was accorded a full guard of honour upon arrival and was officially welcomed by Taiwan’s Minister of National Defence, Koo Li-Hsiung, alongside senior military commanders of the Taiwan Armed Forces.

15 more Asians held for illegal entry

MANZINI – The arrest of 25 Chinese nationals at the Mhlumeni Border Gate has grown into a case involving 40 accused after another 15 foreign nationals were charged with similar immigration offences and appeared before the Manzini Magistrates Court...

Stay away from ACC

Makhadzi thrills at Embiveni Biggest Braai

MBABANE – Thousands of energetic festival-goers gathered for the 10th edition of the Embiveni Biggest Braai: The Agape Edition 2026. Held on Saturday, and stretching into the late hours of Sunday morning at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, the...

All set for Embiveni Biggest Braai ...

There was hardly a dull moment at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday, as pupils traded their classrooms for a day of culture, creativity, hard-hitting conversations and plenty of fun during the Khoisan Educational Open Lecture hosted by...

EXCITING ENCOUNTER WITH KHOISANS:

LOZITHA - Lozitha High School learners got a rare lesson that could never be found in a textbook, when a group of Khoisans from Botswana brought their culture, language and traditional dances right into their schoolyard.

Captain Dlamini retires after 38yrs, 20 600 flying hours

SIKHUPHE – After more than three deacades in the cockpit and over 20 600 flight hours, Captain Robert Dlamini yesterday officially retired from flying. This brought to a close a distinguished 38-year aviation career that has spanned Eswatini and South...

FNB Eswatini doubles EYA sponsorship ...

SITEKI – FNB Eswatini has increased this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards sponsorship to E2 million, doubling the prize money for regional winners. The announcement was made by FNB Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Thokozani Dlamini during the...

Spain are World Cup champions ...

NE W JERSEY - Spain have been crowned FIFA World Cup champions for the second time after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra-time last night. Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi made history on the day by becoming the first set of teenagers to start a World Cup...

King receives new Angola, Ghana envoys ...

MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has called for stronger economic cooperation between Eswatini and Ghana. The King urged both countries to translate existing bilateral agreements into tangible trade, investment and business opportunities that...

Mixed reactions from civil servants

MBABANE – As some civil servants get their salary review pay this month, there are mixed feelings as some feel left out while others are ecstatic. The mixed feelings emanate from the fact that the consultant - Emergence Human Capital T/A Emergence...

Relief for Kubuta folk as Footbridge constructed

KUBUTA – Three injuries and two deaths in three years are among the driving reasons behind the construction of the Esihulubeni Suspended Footbridge at KaMbhoko, Kubuta. According to the Programme Manager of the American, Engineers in Action...

Govt delivers 3 more houses

NHLAMBENI - The house Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla handed over to one Sipho Maseko yesterday under the Nhlambeni Inkhundla. (INSET) Maseko receiving his house keys from the deputy prime minister.

Police destroy rearms

MATSAPHA - The Royal Eswatini Police Service joined the globe in destroying firearms in an operation held at the Matsapha Police Academy. A total of 88 firearms comprising of shotguns, pistols rifles and homemade devices were destroyed during this...

Pick n Pay rewards shoppers with E78 000 prizes

MATSAPHA- Pick n Pay Eswatini has handed over prizes worth E78 000 to winners of nationwide promotional campaigns that attracted more than 5 000 verified entries. Zanele Dlamini receiving her motorbike from the Pick n Pay and Food Chain representatives...

MAJOR CAREER MILESTONE FOR 10 UNESWA STUDENTS:

MANZINI – Eswatini Mobile has officially announced 10 UNESWA students who are part of many who have secured fully-paid internships across Inyatsi Group Holdings companies. Congratulating the students, Inyatsi Group Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu...

3 ministries hit jackpot

10% extra for some sta at Finance, Public Service, Economic Planning Treasury already processing, bumper pay in next 2 weeks Windfall sparks exclusive o ers for civil servants

CIC pushes for 30% local share in major construction projects

EZULWINI - Construction Industry Council (CIC) Chief Executive Officer Maqhawe Mnisi addressing the gathering. (ABOVE) Government, Parliament and CIC leaders at the CIC Stakeholder Forum 2026.

1st liSwati woman conquers Mount Kilimanjaro

TANZANIA - Franziska Nomagugu Pfeiffer, a 57-year-old businesswoman, Owner and Founder of Freshly Ground (Salt & Pepper) Restaurant in Matsapha, has made history as the first woman from Eswatini to summit Mount Kilimanjaro.

JC BRINGS SMILES TO 300 KWALUSENI CENTRAL PUPILS...

MATSAPHA - Dr Bishop Robert Kasaro with a pupil from Kwaluseni Central Primary School where his church, Jesus Calls Worship Centre, presented 200 jerseys, 150 pairs of shoes and 150 pairs of socks to Jesus.Calls 300 pupils at the school yesterday....