AGP Executive Report

CAF Champions League Drama: Knowledge Musona was left out of Scottland FC’s squad after a viral “disrespect” incident following his substitution, with benefactor Wicknell Chivayo warning players against snubbing coaches ahead of the Nsingizini Hotspurs clash in Harare. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: A SHE & Rights session flagged how “family values” and “sovereignty” narratives are being used to dilute women’s equality and health rights, warning that implementation and accountability are key to stopping reversals. Eswatini Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo” got major attention on South Africa’s Music Pulse podcast, a full-circle moment for the artist who says he once watched MacG’s channel during depression. EITF Entertainment Buzz: Eemoh lit up EITF with a crowd-singing set that drew both kids and older fans, showing his music is reaching a wider youth audience. Broadcasting Growth: ESCCOM handed operating licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, promising more content variety and new creative jobs. Eswatini Sports & Culture: Moneni Pirates booked a COSAFA/Trade Fair Cup semi-final spot after beating Celtics, while Netball Eswatini targets E200,000 for the Africa Netball Cup trip.

Broadcast & Media Growth: ESCCOM has handed free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, aiming for more voices, fresh programming and jobs across Eswatini’s creative value chain. Music & Culture Spotlight: At EITF, vocalist Eemoh turned Mavuso Exhibition Centre into a sing-along moment, while Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo” keeps gaining momentum after being discussed on South Africa’s Music Pulse podcast. Gospel Talent Hunt: Eswatini Praise opened auditions and already pulled in 100+ entries in hours, with a 60-second video submission format. Sports & Community Entertainment: Netball Eswatini has budgeted E200,000 for the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya and plans a friendly vs South Africa to raise funds; meanwhile, the Trade Fair Cup saw an abandoned match after Red Rhinos failed to show. Tech for Farmers: Imvelo Tech and Media Group showcased an AI app suite at EITF, designed to help smallholders manage climate risk and improve access to finance.

Eswatini Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo” is getting major love after being discussed on South Africa’s Music Pulse podcast—he credits the moment to his 2023 depression-era escape through MacG’s channel. Gospel Talent Search: Eswatini Praise has opened digital auditions, with 100+ entries pouring in within hours for a 60-second Gospel performance video. Creative & Media Growth: MTN, UJ and TAEF launched the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, welcoming a first cohort of 42 journalists/editors including Eswatini participants to strengthen journalism in a fast-changing digital era. Broadcast Sector Boost: ESCCOM has handed free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, aiming for more diverse content and new jobs across the creative value chain. Entertainment & Culture: Zee Nxumalo is bringing South African spaza culture to South London with a pop-up “Zee’s Spaza,” selling nostalgic treats like chappies and lucky packets. Sports & Community: Moneni Pirates booked Eswatini Trade Fair Cup semis with a 2-0 win over Celtics, while the +268 MCC Inaugural Bikers Rally lines up cross-border DJs and Hip Hop for Sept 18–20 in Mbabane.

Eswatini Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo” is getting major love on South Africa’s Music Pulse podcast, with the artist crediting the shout-out for pulling him from 2023 depression into a new wave of recognition. Gospel Talent Hunt: Eswatini Praise has opened auditions and already pulled in 100+ entries for a 60-second Gospel video submission, aiming to launch the next big Gospel voice. Media & Jobs: ESCCOM has handed free-to-air commercial radio licences to Sakha Live FM and Icon Connect Radio, promising more voices, fresh content and new opportunities across the creative value chain. Pan-African Journalism Training: MTN, UJ and TAEF welcomed the first cohort of 42 media practitioners from 10 countries, including Eswatini, to strengthen journalism in a fast-changing digital era. Sports & Entertainment: The +268 MCC Inaugural Bikers Rally is set for Sept 18–20 in Mbabane with a star-studded DJ and music line-up. Football Update: COSAFA’s U-20 Africa Cup qualifier host changed to Mozambique, while Eswatini’s pre-season cup saw Moneni Pirates reach semis after beating Celtics. Netball Funding: Netball Eswatini budgeted E200,000 for the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya and plans a friendly vs South Africa to help raise the funds.

Eswatini Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo” is getting major love on South Africa’s MacG’s Music Pulse podcast, with the artist crediting the shout-out for carrying him from 2023 depression to fresh momentum. Gospel Talent Search: Eswatini Praise has opened auditions and already pulled in 100+ entries in hours, calling for 60-second Gospel performance videos. Radio & Creative Jobs: ESCCOM has handed free-to-air commercial licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, promising more diverse programming and new opportunities across the creative media value chain. Media Growth Across Africa: MTN, UJ and TAEF welcomed the first cohort for the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, including Eswatini journalists, to strengthen journalism in the digital age. Football & Community Buzz: Moneni Pirates booked COSAFA/Trade Fair Cup semis after beating Celtics, while the PLE apologised for an abandoned match after Red Rhinos failed to show. Entertainment Events: The +268 MCC Inaugural Bikers Rally in Mbabane (Sept 18–20) is set to blend bikes with a star-studded DJ and Hip Hop lineup.

Music & Mental Health: Eswatini’s Sancheziey is still buzzing after MacG’s Music Pulse spotlighted his hit “Siyabonga Gogo,” a full-circle moment for the artist who says he once watched MacG’s channel to cope with depression. Gospel Spotlight: Eswatini Praise has kicked off with over 100 gospel auditions in hours, as Big Fish Productions calls for 60-second video submissions to find the next premier Gospel voice. Broadcasting & Jobs: ESCCOM has handed free-to-air commercial radio licences to Sakha Live FM and Icon Connect Radio, promising more diverse programming and new opportunities across the creative media value chain. Media Training: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and TAEF welcomed the first cohort of the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, including journalists from Eswatini, to strengthen journalism in a fast-changing digital era. Football (Local): Moneni Pirates booked a semi-final spot in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup after beating Celtics 2-0, with prize money on the line. Sports Funding (Local): Netball Eswatini has budgeted E200,000 to send the men’s team to the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya, with a planned friendly against South Africa to help raise funds. Culture & Community: Eswatini’s EITF and Reed Dance crowds kept the weekend lively, with DJs, MC Sintour and performers like the Qwabe twins turning public holiday days into music-and-games energy. Music Pop Culture (Regional): Afro-pop star Zee Nxumalo opened a South African-inspired spaza pop-up in South London, selling nostalgic treats like chappies and lucky packets.

Gospel & Music Buzz: Eswatini Praise has drawn over 100 auditions in hours for its new Gospel talent search, with artists submitting 60-second videos—big platform energy for local voices. Regional Football (Youth): COSAFA moved the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA Qualifier to Mozambique, with Eswatini U-20 set for Group B action against South Africa, Lesotho and Angola. Media & Radio Growth: ESCCOM has handed operating licences to Sakha Live FM and Icon Connect Radio, promising more content variety and jobs across Eswatini’s creative scene. Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Sawubona Gogo” is getting major podcast attention, a feel-good moment after he once used MacG’s channel to cope with depression. Entertainment & Culture: The +268 Motorcycle Club Inaugural Bikers Rally in Mbabane (Sept 18–20) is set to be a full-on music weekend with DJs and Hip Hop acts from Eswatini and South Africa. Pop Culture Abroad: Afro-pop star Zee Nxumalo opened a South African-inspired spaza shop pop-up in South London, bringing “chappies” and lucky packets to the UK.

MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme: MTN, the University of Johannesburg and TAEF welcomed the inaugural cohort of 42 journalists/editors from 10 African countries, including Eswatini, to strengthen journalism for the digital age. Gospel Spotlight: Eswatini Praise kicked off with over 100 auditions in hours at Big Fish Productions, with artists submitting 60-second Gospel videos. Music Buzz: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo” got a major boost after being featured on MacG’s podcast, following his personal journey through depression. Radio & Jobs: ESCCOM handed operating licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, aiming for more diverse content and more creative jobs across the radio value chain. Trade Fair Entertainment: EITF kept the crowds moving with big-name performances, DJs and the Qwabe twins, while King Mswati III called for urgent expansion as exhibitor numbers outgrew the venue. Sports & Culture: Netball Eswatini budgeted E200,000 for the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya, and PLE apologised after a cup match was abandoned when Red Rhinos failed to show.

Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo” is getting major attention after MacG’s podcast team spotlighted the track, with the artist crediting his comeback from depression and praising the fans who kept the song moving. Sports & Entertainment: Netball Eswatini has budgeted E200,000 to send the men’s elite team to Kenya for the Africa Netball Cup, using a friendly against South Africa to help raise funds. Tech for Good: A young innovator, Wamkelwe Mkhabela of Imvelo Tech and Media Group, is using AI via the Imvelo App Suite to help smallholder farmers with climate risk planning and pest diagnosis. Radio & Creative Jobs: ESCCOM has handed operating licences to Sakha Live FM and Icon Connect Radio, aiming for more diverse programming and new opportunities for young media talent. EITF Culture Buzz: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair keeps delivering—music, DJs, and big-name performances—while King Mswati III calls for urgent expansion as exhibitor numbers outgrow the venue. Football Drama: The Premier League of Eswatini apologised for abandoning a Trade Fair Cup match after Red Rhinos failed to show up. Consumer Safety: Ford issued a recall for 2,275 Ranger Double Cabs over side-curtain airbag issues, with some units exported to Eswatini.

Broadcast Boom in Eswatini: ESCCOM has officially handed operating licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, pushing more diverse programming and creating new jobs across the creative media value chain. Trade Fair Energy: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair keeps drawing crowds with big music moments, including performances by South African stars Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy, plus local DJs and the Qwabe twins turning the public holiday vibe up. King Calls for Expansion: King Mswati III says the EITF has outgrown its current space, urging urgent expansion as exhibitors spill into temporary marquees. Music Spotlight: Eswatini artist Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo Remix” is still climbing, crossing 205,000 YouTube views and spotlighting a powerful choir-hip-hop blend. Sports Funding Talk: Namibia’s Freddy Mwiya argues sport needs a new, diversified funding model—so youth development doesn’t depend only on government. Regional Sports Admin: Eswatini’s sports leadership urges ANOCA reps to make administration mean something for young athletes, not just paperwork. Safety Recall (Regional Impact): South Africa’s National Consumer Commission warns Ford Ranger owners to check VINs after a recall over side-curtain airbag issues that may affect vehicles exported to Eswatini.

Women’s Rights Under Pressure: Ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly, SHE & Rights warned that “family/values/sovereignty” narratives are being used to dilute women’s and girls’ rights, stressing that strong laws like the Maputo Protocol only work with real implementation and accountability. Media & Journalism Growth: MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort of 42 journalists and editors, including fellows from Eswatini, aiming to strengthen resilient, digital-age newsrooms. Eswatini Book Launch Buzz: Nozibele Mayaba is hitting the ground running for her October 3 book launch, promoting locally and linking up with major Eswatini creatives. Trade Fair Music & Culture: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair opened with big performances from South African stars Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy plus local talent, while King Mswati III called for urgent expansion as exhibitor numbers outgrew the venue. Local Arts Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo Remix” keeps climbing, topping 205,000 YouTube views and spotlighting Eswatini’s collaborative music scene. Sports With a Creative Angle: Minister Jane Mkhonta urged ANOCA Zone VI reps to put young athletes first, linking sport administration to youth opportunity and tourism.

Cossasa Games: Zimbabwe kicked off the 2026 Cossasa Games in Bulawayo with a 2-0 win over Namibia, while Education Minister Torerai Moyo praised the Heritage-Based Curriculum for nurturing talents beyond academics. Cultural unity through sport: Cossasa president Arthur Maphosa urged athletes to celebrate friendship, unity and development as the tournament runs across athletics, netball, soccer and volleyball. Eswatini music spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo Remix” keeps climbing, topping 205,000 YouTube views, with a choir-driven twist that’s turning heads. Trade Fair grows fast: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair opened with big performances from Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy, and King Mswati III called for urgent expansion as exhibitor numbers outgrow Mavuso. Green prizes at EITF: Visitors can win electric scooters and eco-tourism packages tied to the Mlawula Campfire Festival. Youth coaching pathway: Eswatini captain Mbali Dlamini heads to an ICC female coaches programme, aiming to build skills and make history for local cricket. Regional sports links: DAZN secured LaLiga rights across Sub-Saharan Africa, bringing 380 matches per season to fans in the region, including Eswatini.

Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF): The 58th EITF opened with big music energy, led by South African stars Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy, plus local acts—while King Mswati III said the fair has outgrown Mavuso and needs urgent expansion as exhibitors spill into marquees. Green Economy Push: EITF also went eco with prizes like electric scooters and eco-tourism packages tied to the Mlawula Campfire Festival. Umhlanga Reed Dance: Swati maidens are in full swing at Mpisi Farm as the reed-cutting ceremony continues, with Princess Sakhizwe leading thousands ahead of the main day on 31 August. Youth Sports & Football Development: Spain’s FIFA Talent Development Scheme coach Tomeu Perello Palou will lead Eswatini youth teams at the COSSASA Games in Bulawayo, while Minister Jane Mkhonta urged ANOCA Zone VI officials to put young athletes first. Music Spotlight: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo Remix” keeps climbing online, topping 205,000 YouTube views. Regional Football Buzz: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in CAF Champions League prelims after Kwakhe Thwala’s return inspired a 6-0 win.

Car Culture & Safety: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission issued a recall for 2,275 Ford Ranger double cabs over a side curtain airbag fault, with some vehicles exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini—owners are urged to contact dealerships for free inspection. Royal Health Buzz: A recent video of King Mswati III at a ceremony has sparked online concern after he appeared noticeably thinner, with no official palace health update yet. Trade Fair Hits a Creative High: The 58th EITF opened with big music energy from SA stars Simmy and Mduduzi Ncube, while the King called for urgent expansion as exhibitor numbers outgrow Mavuso. Green Moves at EITF: Instead of “win a car,” visitors can win electric scooters and eco-tourism prizes tied to the Mlawula Campfire Festival. Music Spotlight: Eswatini artist Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo Remix” keeps climbing, crossing 205,000 YouTube views. Culture Weekend: Umhlanga Reed Dance continues, with maidens cutting reeds at Ludzidzini ahead of King Mswati III’s expected main-day attendance on 31 August. Sports & Youth: Eswatini’s cricket captain Mbali Dlamini heads to an ICC female coaches programme, while COSSASA Games build in Bulawayo with young athletes arriving for athletics, football, netball and volleyball.

Royal Health Watch: A new video of King Mswati III at a formal ceremony has sparked online concern after he appeared noticeably thinner; no official health update has been released by the palace. Cultural Calendar: Umhlanga Reed Dance is in full swing, with Princess Sakhizwe leading thousands of maidens at Mpisi Farm as the ceremony heads to the main day at Ludzidzini on 31 August. Trade & Music: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is drawing big crowds—King calls for expansion as exhibitors outgrow Mavuso, while the opening turned into a music-and-culture celebration headlined by Simmy and Mduduzi Ncube. Green Fun at EITF: EITF is going eco with electric scooter and eco-tourism prizes tied to the green economy theme. Fashion & IP: EIPO’s IP Runway showcased Eswatini fashion, furniture and arts, pushing designers to protect their creativity for global markets. Sports Spotlight: Eswatini’s Mbali Dlamini heads to an ICC female coaches programme, while youth football development gets a boost with a Spanish coach leading FIFA Talent Development at COSSASA. Music Buzz: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo Remix” keeps climbing, topping 205,000 YouTube views.

EITF Buzz: King Mswati III says the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair has outgrown Mavuso, calling for urgent expansion as exhibitors spill into marquees—while the opening turned into a music-and-culture highlight with South African stars Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy. Green Economy Fun: The fair goes eco with electric scooter and eco-tourism prize giveaways tied to the Mlawula Campfire Festival. Women’s Football Spotlight: Silver Strikers Ladies bow out after a 1-2 loss to ZESCO Ndola Girls, then suffer a 0-4 second-half collapse in the bronze play-off. Regional Sports Development: Minister Jane Mkhonta tells ANOCA Zone VI to focus on youth benefits, not just administration, as COSSASA Games momentum builds in Bulawayo. Cricket Growth: Eswatini captain Mbali Dlamini heads to an ICC female coaches programme, a step that could open new doors for local women’s cricket. Music & Culture: Sancheziey’s “Siyabonga Gogo Remix” tops 205,000 YouTube views, and As 4 JerryP’s “Libhungu Lemhlolo” tracklist drops ahead of its Friday release. Fashion With IP Power: IP Runway showcases Eswatini fashion, furniture and arts—linking creativity to intellectual property protection. Weekend Entertainment: The Swazi Rally returns to Sidvokodvo with bikes, music, camping and freestyle motocross.