Eswatini Observer

08/09/2026

SCHOOLS REOPENING: REOS BID TO POSTPONE REOPENING FAILS
The Ministry of Education and Training has rejected proposals from some Regional Education Officers (REOs) to postpone the reopening of schools, confirming that the third term starts as scheduled on Wednesday. Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi dismissed calls to delay classes due to a circulating misleading video and the upcoming Shiselweni Umhlanga, stressing that parents have already paid fees and learners in Shiselweni will attend school and join the Reed Dance over the weekend.
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KING CHARLES HAILS ESWATINI’S 58TH INDEPENDENCE
King Charles III of the United Kingdom, together with Queen Camilla, has sent warm congratulations to His Majesty King Mswati III and the people of Eswatini on the country’s 58th Independence Day celebrated on September 6. The British monarch praised the enduring friendship and shared values between the two nations, highlighting the vital role of the Commonwealth and the inspiring energy of its youth.
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OK FOODS HINTS AT GRID EXIT
Retail giant OK Foods Eswatini is targeting a potential eventual exit from the national electricity grid after investing E8.5 million in solar and battery systems across six stores. CEO Samkeliso Makama revealed during the EITF Powering Profit Symposium that the green transition has already reduced the company's electricity costs by 33%, yielding annual savings of E2.1 million and insulating the business from recent national tariff hikes.
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RAIN WASHES OUT EITF FINALE
Heavy rainfall forced organizers to cancel the highly anticipated final entertainment show of the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) on Sunday due to safety concerns for patrons and artists. EITF Entertainment Manager DJ Mfundo confirmed the cancellation, which left fans disappointed as South African Maskandi star Mthandeni SK had already arrived in the kingdom alongside top local acts.
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PIRATES END 11-YEAR TROPHY DROUGHT
Moneni Pirates ended an 11-year silverware drought by defeating rivals Mbabane Highlanders AM 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw in the 8BET Trade Fair Cup final at a rain-soaked Mavuso Sports Centre. Over 3,000 supporters witnessed the Buccaneers secure their eighth major title and the E660,000 winner's prize, while Highlanders took home E340,000 as runners-up.
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WEATHER UPDATE | TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2026
Eswatini can expect patches of fog and drizzle in some areas, mainly during the morning, before conditions become cloudy with sunny intervals. The day will remain cold across most parts of the country, while the Lowveld will be comparatively mild. Winds will be light south-easterlies before shifting north-easterly later in the day. No weather advisories have been issued.

Temperatures are forecast to reach highs of 16°C in Mbabane, Nhlangano and Pigg’s Peak, 19°C in Manzini, 21°C in Mhlume and Simunye, and 22°C in Big Bend and Lavumisa.

🌅 Sunrise: 05:59 AM
🌇 Sunset: 05:44 PM

07/09/2026

[WATCH]
uMngani weMakhosi, Indvuna Lusendvo Fakudze, shares his memories of life in Eswatini in the years following independence.
He reflects on the peace and stability the country has experienced during His Majesty King Mswati III’s reign over the past 40 years, including how the King continues to bring thousands of people together during major national events.
Indvuna Fakudze also highlights the country’s visible development in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other key sectors.

07/09/2026

PIGG’S PEAK POLICE LAUNCH INQUEST INTO EXPLOSIVES DISCOVERY:
Pigg’s Peak Police have launched an inquest following the discovery of explosives hidden in a shack at D2 Peak Timbers forest on September 4, 2026.

Officers conducting routine patrols found four Super Power emulsion cartridges, one silver commercial detonator and detonating cords of varying lengths.

Preliminary investigations suggest the explosives may be linked to illegal mining activities in Northern Hhohho. REPS says it will intensify efforts against environmental crimes threatening both human life and the environment.
(sourced from REPS)

07/09/2026

FIRST THINGS FIRST: THE REAL COST OF EVERY FINANCIAL 'YES'
When E15 000 of income meets E18 000 of legitimate obligations, the challenge isn't whether bills matter, it’s deciding which one matters first.

With national figures showing household debt servicing hitting 34% of income, seasoned investment executive Mlungisi Ndwandwe breaks down why borrowing is often just a postponed decision and how every financial commitment limits tomorrow's choices.

Your salary can be finished before you even spend a cent. Not literally. The money may still be sitting in the account. But, by the time payday arrives, much of it already belongs to decisions made days, months or even years ago. The bank wants its instalment. School fees are due. The stokvel expect...

07/09/2026

YOUNG LISWATI JOINS MERCEDES-BENZ FELLOWSHIP

From tending a vegetable garden in Hlane to engaging UN leadership in New York, Luyanda Mndzebele’s passion for sustainability is making waves internationally.

She has joined the latest cohort of beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship, where she will develop projects such as E-Swati Textile Trace and compete for project scholarships of up to E371 000.

From growing vegetables in a backyard garden in Hlane to representing the kingdom at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Luyanda Mndzebele’s interest in finding practical solutions to social and environmental problems has taken another international turn. The young Liswati has joined ...

07/09/2026

THREE R**E CASES REPORTED, FATHER ARRESTED:
A 36-year-old man of Mvutshini is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court tomorrow following his arrest by Lobamba Police in connection with the alleged r**e of an 11-year-old girl.
Police received the report on September 4 and investigations revealed that the child had allegedly been r**ed several times since November 2025. The suspect, who is reportedly the girl’s biological father, was arrested on Saturday following an intensive investigation. Police say more charges may follow after additional possible victims came forward.
Meanwhile, Mankayane Police arrested a 28-year-old man from Ngwempisana in connection with the alleged r**e of a 16-year-old girl from Lushikishini. The investigation follows a report filed on August 6, alleging that the girl was r**ed several times in a forest by a known person. The suspect is also expected to appear in court tomorrow.
In a separate incident, Nhlangano Police are investigating the alleged r**e of an 80-year-old woman from Makhwelela.
She reported that she was attacked and r**ed inside her home by an unknown man on September 3 at around 9pm.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service says it remains committed to protecting vulnerable groups and safeguarding communities from all forms of abuse.
📸 Royal Eswatini Police Service

07/09/2026

THE DAY ESWATINI WALKED FREE

On the morning of September 6 1968, the sun rose over Embo State House as it had countless times before. But that Friday was different. For nearly seven decades, the life of King Sobhuza II had been intertwined with the fate of his country. He had been an infant when his father, King Ngwane V, [...]

06/09/2026

MAVURA REMAINS IN THE DRIVING SEAT:
Vusi ‘Mavura’ Hall has retained his position as chairman of the Manzini Regional Football Association after defeating Mancoba Mahlindza 122–106 in a tightly contested race at the association’s AGM.

ELECTION RESULTS SO FAR:
Chairman: Vusi Hall
Vice Chairman: Themba Mavuso
Executive Members: Mduduzi Mtsetfwa and Bongani Shiba
A second round of voting will be held to determine the remaining three executive members.

06/09/2026

MONENI PIRATES ARE CHAMPIONS!
Moneni Pirates have been crowned the 2026 8Bet Trade Fair Cup champions after beating Mbabane Highlanders AM 5–3 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.
The victory earns Pirates a whopping E660 000 after a week of back-to-back action.

06/09/2026

SECOND-HALF UPDATE
Mbabane Highlanders AM 1
Moneni Pirates 1
Phila Dlamini has brought Highlanders AM level shortly after the restart with a tremendous effort.
After trailing 0–1 at half-time, Highlanders AM have responded strongly to make it 1–1.
The game is finely poised as both sides push for the winning goal.