AGP Executive Report

World Cup Underdog Story: Cape Verde’s stunning run to the Round of 32 (and a dramatic Argentina clash) keeps making headlines, with fans celebrating how “1%” odds can feel huge on the pitch. Eswatini Music & Culture: The Standard Bank Luju Festival is back with Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7 and Nasty C headlining, plus local acts and a bigger weekend format. Local Arts Funding: Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club win EU support to turn heritage into animation, film and visual art—created in both Siswati and English. Community & Faith in the Spotlight: St Mark’s pupils’ worship service photos and videos go viral, showing kids fully immersed in prayer. Safety in Higher Education: Eswatini steps up safeguards against sexual harassment and gender-based violence, sharing new findings from the Litsemba Rising dialogue. Public Accountability Debate: Calls grow for mandatory background checks for religious leaders after a pastor faces serious charges. Business & Learning: Studycat donates 2,000 sets of children’s learning software to Eswatini schools and the Deputy Prime Minister’s office. Fashion/Beauty Spotlight: Inside Mrs G’s vision for INALA Skincare, built around guided support for acne, pigmentation and damaged skin barriers.

Luju Fest: Standard Bank Luju Festival is back with a bigger, two-day August run at Malandelas, featuring Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7 and Nasty C, plus The Masekela Band and local acts like Oriiginelle and Amagagu. Culture & funding: Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club just secured EU support (E1m each) to turn local heritage into animation, film and visual art in both Siswati and English. Community & faith: St Mark’s Primary pupils’ prayer and worship videos have gone viral after a Schools Mission service, with scenes of kneeling, singing and lifted hands touching hearts nationwide. Safety in education: Eswatini is pushing stronger safeguards against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education, following findings that students face far higher risk than non-students. Public accountability: Calls are growing for mandatory background checks on religious leaders after a pastor was charged with rape and murder. Arts & learning support: Studycat donated 2,000 sets of children’s learning software to Eswatini through a Taiwan-based nonprofit, with distribution via the Deputy Prime Minister’s office and schools. Local spotlight: Lloyiso’s MoMo Xperience performance kept fans singing late into the night at Malkerns Country Club.

Church Accountability: Public calls are growing for mandatory, regular background checks on religious leaders after the arrest of Pastor Nkosingiphile Zwane, charged with rape and murder, with four women allegedly recovered from a canal in Mfabantfu, Matsapha. Court Case: Three brothers in Eswatini have also been charged with murder for allegedly beating their mother’s boyfriend to death over an alleged affair; they were remanded until July 10. Arts & Culture Funding: Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club win EU support (E1m each) for “Co-Creation of New Heritage Narratives,” turning local heritage into animation, film and visual art in Siswati and English. Music Spotlight: International Reggae Day (July 1) gets a fresh spotlight, with writers reflecting on how reggae shaped identity and political awakening. Local Entertainment: Lloyiso’s MoMo Xperience set at Malkerns Country Club kept fans singing late into the night after a long wait. Sports Diplomacy: Cape Verde’s World Cup run stays in focus as fans and media celebrate the underdog story ahead of the Round of 32.

Eswatini Arts & Culture Spotlight: Studycat’s “Love to & from Eswatini” is bringing 2,000 sets of children’s language-learning software into the Kingdom, with 500 going via the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and 1,500 through schools—plus extra school support like shoes, laptops and sewing machines. EU Culture Funding: Babukisi Foundation and the Eswatini Theatre Club have each won €55,000 (E1m) from the EU’s Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme to turn local heritage into animation, film and visual art, including a Siswati-and-English animated series and a documentary on indigenous knowledge. Music & Identity: A feature marks International Reggae Day (July 1) and reflects on how reggae shaped identity and political awakening for a generation. Sports With Regional Flair: Cape Verde’s World Cup run keeps inspiring stories—from the manager “Bubista” to the brothers Laros and Deroy Duarte—while Eswatini readers get a front-row view of the wider Southern African football buzz. Community & Wellbeing: Manzini’s Build Him Men’s Symposium highlights low reporting of domestic violence and sexual assault by men, urging more open help-seeking. Local Entertainment Moment: Lloyiso’s MoMo Xperience performance in Malkerns Country Club drew fans with late-night energy and personal storytelling.

Naturalisation & performance at The Strand Theatre: Dozens of new citizens from countries including Eswatini took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance at a special celebration, with The Victory Belles performing and the event livestreamed. EU culture funding: Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club won E1m each from the EU’s Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme to create new heritage stories through animation, film and visual art in Siswati and English. Local learning support: Studycat donated 2,000 sets of children’s language-learning software to Eswatini, with 500 going via the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and 1,500 through the Ministry of Education and Training. Healthcare reach: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare services and blood donation support in remote communities. Arts & entertainment spotlight: Indie drama “Stationed at Home” expands international digital rental and purchase availability across 40+ territories. Sports culture moment: Cape Verde’s World Cup run continues to inspire, with the team’s manager Bubista celebrated for a journey from village TV memories to the knockout stage.

Eswatini in the spotlight (arts + culture): Babukisi Foundation and the Eswatini Theatre Club have each won EU funding of E1 million for “Co-Creation of New Heritage Narratives,” turning local culture into animation, film, documentary and visual art in both Siswati and English. Community arts + performance: The Strand Theatre hosted a patriotic naturalisation celebration with The Victory Belles performing, with Eswatini listed among the countries represented. Music to watch: A roundup of the best Southern African songs of 2026 so far highlights fresh releases and standout projects across the region. Entertainment on screens: Indie drama “Stationed at Home” expands international digital rental and purchase to 40+ territories from July 2, 2026. Eswatini beyond borders (sports + culture): Cape Verde’s World Cup run is celebrated through stories of manager Bubista and the team’s historic knockout qualification, including a win over Eswatini. Local impact (tech + learning): Studycat donated 2,000 sets of children’s language-learning software to Eswatini, with distribution planned via the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and schools.

Eswatini in the spotlight: Studycat donated 2,000 sets of children’s learning software to the Kingdom of Eswatini, with 500 going via the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and 1,500 through schools under the Ministry of Education and Training. Regional arts & culture: South Africa’s MoMo Xperience saw Lloyiso finally hit the stage at Malkerns Country Club, turning a long wait into a late-night singalong full of personal stories. Music legacy: Tributes continue for jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, with writers reflecting on how exile shaped generations of South African artists. Sports inspiration: Cape Verde’s World Cup run gets a human angle through manager Bubista—who once watched matches on the only village TV and later captained the national team. Community & wellbeing: MTN Eswatini pumped E2.2 million into its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas. Eswatini ties in the news: Taiwan’s tense relationship with Eswatini remains a major diplomatic talking point after a controversial visit.

Eswatini Citizenship & Diplomacy: King Mswati III handed Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport, with observers questioning whether it’s tied to a promised solar investment. Music & Culture: Lloyiso finally hit the stage at MoMo Xperience, turning a long wait into a late-night singalong with personal stories that landed with fans. Local Talent Spotlight: MTN Eswatini poured E2.2m into the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare and blood donation support in remote communities. Arts & Entertainment Buzz: Zee Nxumalo leads the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards with seven nominations, including artist and song categories. Sports Media: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising across Sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini up 2%. Community & Learning: Studycat donated 2,000 sets of children’s language-learning software to Eswatini, with distribution planned via the Deputy Prime Minister’s office and schools. Sports (Regional): Cape Verde’s World Cup run continues to inspire, with coverage highlighting the Chinese-built Cape Verde National Stadium and the manager’s journey.

World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run is being linked to the Chinese-built Cape Verde National Stadium, the only FIFA-certified venue in the country and a key stage for their qualifiers. Music & Culture: Southern Africa’s standout tracks so far in 2026 are spotlighted, with artists using music to capture real-life moods and stories. Local Arts Moment: Lloyiso finally hit the stage at MoMo Xperience, turning a long wait into a full sing-along night with personal stories that connected fast with fans. Eswatini Entertainment & Media: MTN Eswatini poured E2.2m into the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, blending community health outreach with national visibility—plus Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising in Eswatini. Events Industry: Eswatini’s EEMPA says anyone bringing an international act must get a permit first, to keep performances safe and properly coordinated. Regional Sports Tech: Spotify also reports football podcast growth across Southern Africa, including Eswatini.

Arts & Culture (Music): Lloyiso finally hit the stage at MoMo Xperience, turning a long wait into a full-on singalong night with emotional stories that kept fans glued from start to finish. Local Arts & Entertainment (Eswatini): MTN Eswatini poured E2.2 million into the 21 Days of Y’ello Care push, pairing healthcare outreach with community blood donation support—an arts-adjacent spotlight on impact and visibility. Fashion/Entertainment (Music Awards): Swazi-South African Zee Nxumalo leads the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards race with seven nominations, including artist of the year and best styled artist. Sports Culture: Cape Verde’s “Bubista” story is making waves after the Blue Sharks’ World Cup breakthrough—football dreams built from a single village TV and sheer persistence. Regional Spotlight (SACU): SACU leaders and Eswatini officials are pushing industrialisation and trade cooperation at the 9th summit—big-picture policy that shapes what gets produced, performed, and sold across the region. Eswatini Events Industry: EEMPA says anyone bringing international acts to Eswatini must get a permit first, to keep shows safe and properly coordinated.

Education & Tech: Studycat donated 2,000 sets of children’s language-learning software to Eswatini, with 500 going via the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office and 1,500 through schools under the Ministry of Education and Training. Arts & Culture: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, putting Eswatini’s flagship cultural event in the spotlight alongside Calabar Carnival and Ethiopia’s Timkat. Music & Entertainment: Lloyiso finally hit the stage at MoMo Xperience after a long wait, delivering an emotional, crowd-singing set that kept fans buzzing. Sports Media: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini up 2%—more fans tuning in for match talk and analysis. Regional Spotlight: Eswatini’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan remain a hot topic after a controversial Taiwan president visit sparked mainland China backlash. Community Health: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2 million in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare and blood donation support in remote areas.

Entertainment & Music: Swazi-South African Zee Nxumalo leads the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards with seven nominations, including Artist of the Year and Amapiano Artist of the Year, as fans gear up for the August Johannesburg event. Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, putting the kingdom’s flagship cultural event in the same spotlight as major continental celebrations. Local Media & Events: EEMPA says anyone bringing an international act to Eswatini must first get a permit, aiming to tighten safety and coordination for foreign performances. Sports Audio Trend: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini up 2%—a sign fans are turning to audio for match talk and analysis. Health & Community: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2 million in the 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas.

Eswatini in the spotlight: Taiwan’s tense ties with Eswatini are back in focus after President Lai Ching-te’s controversial visit, with China warning Eswatini against “pulling chestnuts out of the fire” for Taiwan. SACU arts-and-culture backdrop: Regional integration talk is heating up around the 9th SACU Heads summit in Cape Town, with Eswatini officials in the mix as leaders push industrial growth and trade cooperation. Local entertainment rules: EEMPA says anyone bringing an international act to Eswatini must first get a permit, aiming to tighten safety and coordination for performers and audiences. Music buzz: Swazi-South African Zee Nxumalo leads the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards nominations, while the awards’ August Johannesburg dates are set to spotlight women across music and behind-the-scenes roles. Sports audio trend: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini among the fastest-growing markets. Health & community: MTN Eswatini’s E2.2m “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign is expanding healthcare access in remote areas and boosting blood donation infrastructure.

Taiwan–Eswatini Diplomacy: A visit by Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te has sparked fresh high-level tensions, with China warning Eswatini over its One-China stance—an issue that also hits the arts scene through culture and media links. Music Awards Buzz: South African-Swazi star Zee Nxumalo leads the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards nominations, with major categories in play and fans already voting. Local Culture Spotlight: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance is ranked among Africa’s most famous festivals, boosting visibility for the kingdom’s heritage and tourism. Entertainment Regulation: Eswatini’s EEMPA says promoters must get permits before bringing international acts, aiming to tighten safety and coordination. Sports & Sound: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising fast across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini among the growing markets—proof fans are tuning in beyond match day. Community Health via Media: MTN Eswatini poured E2.2m into the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare and blood donation support to remote communities. Football Integrity: The Eswatini FA referees crackdown continues, with a senior official banned for match manipulation.

SACU Focus: Botswana says it’s pushing regional integration and prosperity as it takes over the SACU chair, with customs simplification and trade aimed at unlocking jobs and industrial growth for the whole bloc. Eswatini Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, putting the kingdom’s flagship cultural event in the same spotlight as major continental celebrations. Music Spotlight: Swazi-South African Zee Nxumalo leads the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards nominations, with multiple nods including Artist of the Year, while the awards’ August Johannesburg run spotlights women across the industry. Entertainment & Media: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini among the fastest risers. Local Entertainment Industry: EEMPA says anyone bringing an international act to Eswatini must get a permit first, to keep performances safe and properly coordinated. Sports (Regional): Scottland FC steamrolls Manica Diamonds 3-0, extending a dominant run with clean sheets and piling pressure on the league title race.

Music Tribute: Tributes are pouring in for South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, remembered as a “giant” who taught, healed and kept speaking to the country through his piano. Regional Sports Storytelling: Cape Verde’s World Cup breakthrough is traced back to one village TV and a boy who grew up making footballs from socks—now “Bubista” is watching history in Houston. SADC Solidarity: Zimbabwe’s government says SADC unity has strengthened its stance against US/EU sanctions, with officials pointing to shared regional support. Eswatini Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, boosting the kingdom’s cultural tourism spotlight. Local Entertainment & Media: Spotify data shows football podcast listening is rising across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini up 2%—fans increasingly turning to audio for match talk and analysis. Music Awards Buzz: Swazi-South African star Zee Nxumalo leads Basadi in Music Awards 2026 nominations, while the Basadi in Music Awards 2026 nominations also highlight TV presenter Kuhle Adams’ decade milestone. Eswatini Entertainment Industry Rule: EEMPA says promoters must get a permit before bringing international acts to Eswatini, aiming to tighten safety and coordination. Sports Integrity (Eswatini): The Eswatini Football Association bans senior referee Vusani Dlamini for match manipulation, continuing its crackdown on corruption.