The Kingdom Online Network

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

🇸🇿🇺🇸 𝐄𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐖𝐎-𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐀 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐃𝐎𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐉𝐎𝐁𝐒, 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇

𝐁𝐲: The Kingdom Online Network
The Kingdom of Eswatini has warmly welcomed the decision by the United States of America to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for another two years, describing the development as a significant opportunity to strengthen the country’s exports, attract investment and accelerate industrialisation.

The extension moves the AGOA deadline from 31 December 2026 to 31 December 2028, providing continued duty-free access to the U.S. market for more than 1,000 eligible products from beneficiary African countries.

For Eswatini, the renewed opportunity carries particular significance for the textile, manufacturing and agricultural sectors, which have previously benefited from access to the lucrative American market.

The development has been welcomed as an important boost to the Kingdom’s economic agenda, with increased market access expected to encourage greater production, support businesses and create employment opportunities for EmaSwati.

The extension provides Eswatini with additional time to strengthen its productive capacity and position local businesses to compete more effectively in international markets.

It could also create opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to become more deeply integrated into local and regional value chains, with finished products ultimately reaching the U.S. market.

This aligns with Eswatini’s broader drive towards value addition, industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation, ensuring that the country does not merely export raw materials but increasingly develops products that carry greater value.

The renewed access also presents an opportunity to attract investors interested in producing in Eswatini for the American market.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Hon. Manqoba B. Khumalo, MP, has welcomed the extension, emphasising the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the opportunity translates into tangible benefits for the people of Eswatini.

The Ministry will engage the business community and other stakeholders to communicate the details of the extension and promote the full utilisation of the opportunities presented by AGOA.

This will be particularly important in helping local companies understand the requirements for accessing the U.S. market, expanding production and taking advantage of international demand.

Eswatini has also commended the United States Government for its continued commitment to strengthening economic relations with Africa.

The Kingdom remains committed to working closely with the U.S. Government, the U.S. Embassy in Eswatini and the Office of African Affairs at the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to ensure that the country maintains its AGOA eligibility.

For the Kingdom, AGOA is therefore more than simply a trade arrangement, it represents an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships while advancing Eswatini’s national development aspirations.

With the extension secured until 2028, Eswatini now has a valuable window to produce more, export more, attract investment and create more opportunities for its citizens.

The challenge, and opportunity, now lies in ensuring that the country’s industries are adequately prepared to take full advantage of the renewed access.

With Government, the private sector, MSMEs and other stakeholders working together, the renewed AGOA opportunity can become an important pillar in building a more productive, industrialised and prosperous Kingdom of Eswatini.

The Kingdom Online Network welcomes this positive development and looks forward to seeing Eswatini’s businesses seize the opportunity to take Made in Eswatini products to the world.

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

09/09/2026

🇸🇿🌍 𝐄𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐈 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍: 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐌 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐂 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐘 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐈 𝐈𝐈𝐈

𝐁𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤
The Kingdom of Eswatini has once again demonstrated its growing stature within the Southern African region as Government begins a comprehensive national induction programme ahead of the country's responsibilities as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. This is a proud moment for the Kingdom and its people.

The responsibility entrusted to Eswatini is not merely an administrative assignment. It is a significant vote of confidence from the Southern African Development Community in the Kingdom's leadership, institutions and ability to contribute to the preservation of peace, security, stability and constitutional order across the region.

At the heart of this responsibility stands His Majesty King Mswati III, whose leadership continues to place Eswatini firmly within regional and international diplomatic engagements.

The Government of Eswatini, under the leadership of His Majesty, is therefore approaching the SADC Organ Chairship with humility, preparedness and a deep sense of national duty.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honourable Senator Pholile Shakantu, met with a delegation from the SADC Secretariat as Eswatini commenced its Government-wide induction programme running from 8 to 10 September 2026.

The SADC delegation was led by Professor Ishmael Kula Theletsane, Director of the Organ, accompanied by Ms Barbara Lopi, Head of the Public Relations Unit, and Mr Terry Rose, Senior Officer responsible for Politics and Diplomacy.

The induction brings together a wide range of Government institutions whose responsibilities are directly connected to regional peace and security.

These include institutions responsible for foreign affairs, defence, state security, public security, policing, immigration, corrections, anti-corruption, refugees, parks and wildlife, counter-terrorism and Women, Peace and Security. This broad participation demonstrates an important reality, Eswatini's SADC Chairship is a national undertaking. Every arm of Government must be prepared to play its part.

Honourable Minister Pholile Shakantu said the Kingdom accepts the responsibility with humility and appreciation for the confidence placed in His Majesty King Mswati III and the Government of Eswatini by the SADC region.

She emphasised that every participating institution must understand its responsibilities, maintain a high level of readiness and contribute effectively towards regional peace, security and democratic stability.

The induction programme will strengthen the capacity of Government institutions to work with SADC structures on the Organ's mandate, regional meetings, implementation of SADC decisions, sensitive information management, logistics and communication.

This preparation is a reflection of a Government determined to ensure that Eswatini does not merely occupy the Chair, but performs the responsibility with distinction.

During its tenure, Eswatini will chair and host meetings involving some of the most important structures within the SADC political, diplomatic and security architecture.

These include the Organ Troika, Ministerial Committee of the Organ, Inter-State Politics and Diplomacy Committee and Inter-State Defence and Security Committee, alongside relevant defence, state-security, public-security and Police/SARPCCO structures.

The Kingdom will also engage on critical regional matters including migration, immigration, refugees, corrections and prisons, anti-corruption, parks and wildlife, counter-terrorism, conflict prevention, mediation, electoral observation and the advancement of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

These are responsibilities that require maturity, diplomacy, discipline and leadership, qualities that Eswatini is preparing to bring to the table.

Eswatini's role will not end with chairing meetings. In 2027, the Kingdom is expected to lead the SADC Electoral Observation Mission to Angola during that country's general elections.

Eswatini will also head the SADC Liaison Office expected to be established in Antananarivo, Madagascar, supporting SADC's engagement in the country and strengthening coordination between Madagascar, the SADC Secretariat and the Chairperson of the Organ.

Honourable Minister Pholile Shakantu therefore correctly highlighted that the Chairship is far more than a ceremonial responsibility. It demands vigilance, sound diplomacy, effective coordination and the ability to respond promptly to developments affecting peace, constitutional order and security within Southern Africa.

For EmaSwati, this is a moment to recognise the importance of the Kingdom's contribution to the region. Eswatini may be small in geographical size, but its voice, diplomatic relationships and contribution to regional peace continue to demonstrate that size does not determine influence.

The SADC Organ Chairship gives the Kingdom an opportunity to serve not only its own people, but the wider Southern African family. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III, Government is preparing to shoulder this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, through the Organ National Contact Point, will serve as the central coordination link between the Government of Eswatini and the SADC Secretariat.

Participating institutions are expected to appoint empowered focal persons, prepare coordinated national positions, identify capacity and resource requirements and ensure that regional decisions are effectively implemented.

The success of the Chairship will ultimately depend on preparation, unity, discipline and effective leadership.

As the Kingdom takes on this responsibility, EmaSwati can take pride in seeing their country entrusted with a role at the heart of Southern Africa's peace and security architecture. This is Eswatini serving Southern Africa. It is Eswatini answering the call of the region.

And it is another opportunity for the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III, to demonstrate the spirit of diplomacy, peace and regional cooperation for which Eswatini continues to stand.

As Honourable Shakantu aptly concluded: "The success of Eswatini's Chairship will ultimately be measured by the quality of our leadership, the discipline of our coordination and the contribution we make towards a more peaceful, secure and stable Southern African region." Eswatini is ready. Eswatini is prepared. Eswatini is honoured to serve. Bayethe! Wena Waphakathi!

07/09/2026

🇸🇿🎥 MUST WATCH: Minister of Labour and Social Security Hon Phila Buthelezi on challenges faced by Emaswati working on security companies, blames government for contributing to that crisis, and how government plans to address such, in our latest Episode 14 of Public Insights Reloaded.

Watch Full Episode 14 here: https://youtu.be/tlQEOmankG0?si=D2UwqdKa0rWc-A7l

06/09/2026

ENCAC would like to wish His Majesty and the entire nation a Happy 58th Independence. We are saying ‘Ngemakhono Nemasiko Sisive’.

06/09/2026

🇸🇿👑 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝟓𝟖 𝐘𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐈 𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐇𝐋𝐄: 𝐀 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐀 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍, 𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

𝐁𝐲: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤
Today, 6 September 2026, The Kingdom Online Network and all its programmes, platforms and dedicated teams that continue to contribute to the realisation of His Majesty King Mswati III’s dream and vision for the Kingdom of Eswatini, join the entire nation in celebrating a profoundly historic occasion, 58 years of Eswatini’s Independence.

Fifty-eight years ago, on 6 September 1968, the Kingdom emerged from British colonial rule as an independent nation under the leadership of His Majesty King Sobhuza II. The national flag was raised, the instruments of independence were handed over, and Eswatini took its rightful place among the independent nations of the world.

Today, we remember that historic generation with gratitude. We remember the wisdom of King Sobhuza II. We remember the sacrifices of our forefathers and foremothers. We remember the generations of EmaSwati who carried the nation forward.

And we remember that independence was never merely about changing a flag or receiving sovereignty from a colonial power. It was about reclaiming the dignity, identity, institutions, culture and destiny of a nation.

The story of independent Eswatini is also inseparable from the story of the Monarchy. His Majesty King Sobhuza II guided the Kingdom through the transition from colonial rule into independence, laying foundations for national unity, stability and development.

Following his passing, the young Prince Makhosetive ascended the throne and was crowned His Majesty King Mswati III in 1986. From that moment, a new chapter in the national story began. For four decades, His Majesty has carried the enormous responsibility of leading the Kingdom. His Majesty inherited a young nation with enormous challenges and has presided over decades of transformation.

Under his reign, Eswatini has witnessed significant expansion and modernisation of its infrastructure, including roads, dams, energy infrastructure and the development of the Kingdom’s international airport. Official government records have also highlighted substantial growth in the national economy and improvements in life expectancy during the four decades of His Majesty’s reign.

His Majesty has consistently placed education and human-resource development at the centre of national advancement, with Government maintaining support for learners from primary education through tertiary level and pursuing skills development as an important pillar of national development.

He has championed the Kingdom’s ambitions for industrialisation, investment, entrepreneurship, technology, infrastructure development, food security and economic transformation.

He has overseen and supported national development programmes designed to bring investment and economic opportunities closer to EmaSwati. He has promoted the preservation of Eswatini's culture, customs and traditions while simultaneously encouraging Eswatini to embrace modern technology and global economic opportunities. He has consistently called upon EmaSwati to work towards a prosperous, developed and self-reliant Kingdom.

And today, his vision continues to evolve through the national ambition of moving Eswatini towards developed-country status, with Government pursuing economic transformation, infrastructure investment, improved healthcare, industrialisation and expanded opportunities for citizens.

This is why, as The Kingdom Online Network, we believe that celebrating Independence must also mean celebrating the journey of nation-building.

Our programmes exist not merely to report on the Kingdom, but to participate in the national conversation, amplify positive development, celebrate Eswatini’s achievement, promote our culture and contribute, in our own way, to the realisation of His Majesty's vision for a prosperous Eswatini.

There is an important historical distinction that EmaSwati, especially younger generations, must understand. 6 September 1968 is Independence Day. 12 April 1973 is remembered as Freedom Day. These dates are connected to the nation's political journey, but they are not the same event.

On 6 September 1968, Eswatini gained independence from British colonial rule. King Sobhuza II became monarch of an independent Swaziland, and the Kingdom acquired the symbols and institutions of sovereign nationhood. That is Independence.

But on 12 April 1973, King Sobhuza II issued the Proclamation to the Nation that repealed the 1968 Independence Constitution.

The Government of Eswatini's own documentation records that the 1968 Constitution was repealed through the Proclamation of 12 April 1973 because it was regarded as having failed to provide an environment for good governance and the maintenance of peace and order and because it did not reflect the aspirations of EmaSwati or their preferred system of governance. That is why 12 April carries a fundamentally different historical meaning from 6 September.

Independence Day marks the day Eswatini ceased being under British colonial rule and became a sovereign independent nation. It represents the birth of the independent Kingdom. It represents national sovereignty. It represents the raising of our own flag. It represents the emergence of Eswatini as an independent member of the international community.

The significance attached to 12 April 1973 is different. It represents the dramatic rejection of a constitutional framework that EmaSwati believed did not adequately reflect the aspirations, traditions and preferred political order of Eswatini.

In that sense, Freedom Day speaks to the assertion of an indigenous, home-grown political direction after independence, the determination that independence should not merely mean replacing colonial rulers while retaining a political framework considered unsuitable for Eswatini. The distinction matters.

Independence asks: "Who governs us as a sovereign nation?"

Freedom asks: "What kind of nation are we free to build, and according to whose values and aspirations?"

Therefore, we must never casually merge 6 September and 12 April into one historical event. They are two milestones in Eswatini's journey. 6 September 1968 gave birth to the independent nation. 12 April 1973 marked a decisive assertion of a different national political path. Both belong to the history of Eswatini. Both deserve to be understood. And both remind us that the story of our nation did not end when the Union Jack was lowered in 1968.

Today, we celebrate not because our journey is complete, but because we have travelled a remarkable distance. We celebrate the farmers who feed the nation. We celebrate the teachers who educate our children. We celebrate the nurses, doctors, police officers, soldiers, civil servants and essential workers who serve EmaSwati.

We celebrate entrepreneurs, artists, journalists, academics, athletes and young innovators. We celebrate our traditional leaders. We celebrate our mothers and fathers. We celebrate our children, the generation that will inherit the Eswatini we are building today. And above all, we celebrate EmaSwati. For a nation is not ultimately defined by its buildings, roads or borders. A nation is defined by its people.

As we celebrate this 58th Independence anniversary, The Kingdom Online Network and all its programmes reaffirm our commitment to using our platforms responsibly to contribute to national development.

We will continue telling Eswatini's stories. We will continue celebrating EmaSwati. We will continue promoting our culture and national identity. We will continue highlighting development. We will continue creating platforms for constructive national dialogue.

And where possible, we will continue contributing to the realisation of His Majesty King Mswati III's vision of a prosperous, peaceful, united and developed Kingdom of Eswatini.

Because our patriotism must not end with a celebration. Patriotism must become service. Our love for Eswatini must become action. Our appreciation of our heritage must become responsibility. And our hope for the future must become determination.

Today, let us look at our national flag with pride. Let us honour those who came before us. Let us appreciate what has been achieved. Let us acknowledge the challenges that remain. And let us move forward together. One Kingdom, One Nation, One People, One Future, One Crown, One Eswatini.

From all of us at The Kingdom Online Network and all our programmes, HAPPY 58TH INDEPENDENCE DAY, KINGDOM OF ESWATINI!

May God continue to bless EmaSwati. May God continue to bless the Kingdom of Eswatini. May God continue to guide and protect His Majesty King Mswati III as he leads the Kingdom towards a prosperous future, and may God bless the Queen Mother, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi! Bayethe! Wena Waphakathi!

06/09/2026

𝗔 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝟱𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗱𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘀𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗶

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) extends its warmest congratulations to His Majesty King Mswati III, the Government, and the people of the Kingdom of Eswatini on the occasion of the country's 58th Independence Anniversary, commemorated on 6 September 2026.

As a founding Member State of SADC, the Kingdom of Eswatini continues to play an important role in advancing regional integration, peace, stability, and sustainable development in the SADC region.

On this occasion, commemorating the attainment of independence from Britain on 6 September 1968, the SADC conveys its best wishes to His Majesty King Mswati III, the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and all EmaSwati for continued peace, progress, and prosperity.

Halala Eswatini!