AGP Executive Report

Swazi Boy Entertainment 20th Anniversary: The entertainment company kicks off a three-day celebration at Happy Valley Hotel (Sept 24–26), with a black-tie gala dinner and big-name South African DJs lined up, plus local performances—perfect weekend fuel for Eswatini music lovers. Music Drop Buzz: “Nayvee’s Prayer” (DJ Zinhle, Young Stunna, Nayvee Womculo) lands globally on Sept 25, right as DJ Zinhle and Young Stunna touch down in Eswatini for the anniversary, turning the weekend into a must-watch for fans. Gospel Spotlight: Worship leader Sphiwo Ndoni scores a Crown Gospel Awards nomination, adding to Eswatini’s growing gospel visibility. Choral Glory: HMCS Choir retained the Ntjilo-Ntjilo crown, winning E70,000 after a packed competition at UNESWA Sports Emporium. Arts & Culture Org Move: ENCAC unveiled a new Eswatini National Beauty Pageants Association board to revive local pageantry. Tech & Services Disruption: The National Data Centre incident disrupted multiple government digital platforms, including e-Visa and the Government in Your Hand app.

Court Drama in Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs manager Nozipho Shabangu (ex–Miss Eswatini) has rushed to the High Court for an urgent injunction and E200,000 damages over alleged defamatory remarks made by Valencia Vermeulen, including claims tied to a stadium incident and social-media posts. Gospel & Festival Buzz: Linda Dlamini turned the Swazi Boy Gala Dinner into a pitch for a spot at the MTN Bushfire Festival, even inviting gospel legends on stage. Music Drop Meets Big Weekend: Hype is building for “Nayvee’s Prayer” (DJ Zinhle, Young Stunna, Nayvee Womculo) releasing Sept 25—right as DJ Zinhle and Young Stunna headline Swazi Boy’s 20th anniversary at Happy Valley Hotel. Entertainment Milestone: SwaziBoy Entertainment marks 20 years with a three-day run (Sept 24–26), starting with a black-tie gala and featuring major South African DJs plus local acts. Arts & Culture Spotlight: ENCAC unveiled a new beauty pageants association board to revive local pageantry, with former Miss Eswatini Nompilo Mncina leading. Choral Pride: HMCS Choir retained the Ntjilo-Ntjilo crown, scoring a record 188 points and taking E70,000. Tech Disruption: Government digital services were disrupted after an incident at the National Data Centre; RSTP says it was not a confirmed hack. Sports on the Rise: Eswatini is set for a historic FIFA Under-15 World Cup debut in Baku, and Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka urged focus ahead of Eswatini in the Cosafa Cup.

Weekend Entertainment: TGIF! Eswatini turns up the heat with a packed gig guide—Swazi Boy’s 20th anniversary House music tribute at Happy Valley Hotel (tonight, 6pm till late) and more shisanyama vibes at 2FIVE10 (4pm till late). Music & Culture: SwaziBoy Entertainment keeps the momentum with a public Mbabane activation at Albert Millin, while Young Zesh’s patriotic collab “Umliba Loyembili” hits 31,000+ YouTube views and 13,000+ Spotify streams. Arts & Pageantry: ENCAC unveils a new Eswatini National Beauty Pageants Association board to revive local pageantry, with former Miss Eswatini Nompilo Mncina leading. Choral Spotlight: HMCS Choir retains the Ntjilo-Ntjilo crown, scoring a record 188 points and taking home E70,000. Sports (Youth Football): Eswatini prepares for a historic FIFA Under-15 World Cup debut, while Amajita face Eswatini in the Cosafa Cup with a semifinal spot on the line. Tech & Services: The National Data Centre incident disrupts key government platforms like Government in Your Hand, e-Visa, and IFMIS.

Premier League Buzz: South African stars are flooding Eswatini’s top flight, with 12 cross-border imports across four clubs, including Mbabane Highlanders AM’s five-man contingent and Moneni Pirates’ Orlando Pirates pipeline trio. Digital Disruption: The National Data Centre incident has disrupted at least 12 government platforms, including Government in Your Hand, e-Visa, company registration, IFMIS and elderly grant services—RSTP denies social media claims of a hack or ransom. Beauty & Pageantry: ENCAC has unveiled a new Eswatini National Beauty Pageants Association board to revive local pageantry, naming former Miss Eswatini Nompilo Mncina as chair. Music Weekend Hype: “Nayvee’s Prayer” is set for global release on Sept 25, landing the same day DJ Zinhle and Young Stunna headline SwaziBoy’s 20th anniversary in Eswatini—plus the SwaziBoy brand is already building momentum with public activations. Choral Spotlight: HMCS Choir retained the Ntjilo-Ntjilo crown, while Pure Voices shocked the African piece category in a major upset. Sports & Youth: Eswatini is set for a historic FIFA Under-15 World Cup debut in Baku, and Swimmer Luca Fraser headlines Team Eswatini for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics. Creative Skills: emaSwati youth and creatives trained in grant-writing to unlock funding opportunities, including EU-backed AEPC Southern Africa grants.

SwaziBoy Entertainment 20th Anniversary: SwaziBoy marks two decades with a three-day celebration in Ezulwini (Sept 24–26), starting with a black-tie gala dinner and then headlined by big-name South African DJs like DJ Fresh, DJ Christos and Vinny Da Vinci. Music buzz: The Amapiano collaboration ‘Nayvee’s Prayer’ (with Young Stunna and DJ Zinhle) drops globally on Sept 25—right as DJ Zinhle and Young Stunna touch down in Eswatini for the anniversary. Choral spotlight: HMCS Choir retained the Ntjilo-Ntjilo crown, winning E70,000, while Pure Voices pulled off a major upset in the African piece category. Gospel recognition: Sphiwo Ndoni lands a Crown Gospel Awards nomination for Best of Africa Male Artist. Teachers’ Day Bash: SNAT confirms its Teachers’ Day Bash returns Oct 23 at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre. Creative funding skills: 75 young EmaSwati creatives trained in grant-writing to apply for competitive funding, including EU-backed AEPC Southern Africa grants. Sports & youth football: Eswatini set for a historic FIFA Under-15 World Cup debut in Baku (Oct 24–30, 2026).

Gospel & Culture: Eswatini’s Sphiwo Ndoni has earned a Crown Gospel Music Awards nomination for Best of Africa Male Artist, while other local female vocalists also rack up recognition—keeping the Kingdom’s worship sound in the spotlight. Choral Music: HMCS Choir defended the Ntjilo-Ntjilo crown, scoring a competition record 188 points and taking home E70,000, with Pure Voices finishing second overall after a major upset in the African piece category. Teachers’ Day Bash: SNAT confirmed its Teachers’ Day Bash returns to Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Friday, October 23, promising a big day of appreciation that turns into a full entertainment celebration. Music & Digital Buzz: Young Zesh’s patriotic track “Umliba Loyembili” keeps climbing online, surpassing 31,000 YouTube views and adding thousands of Spotify streams. Sports (Youth Football): Eswatini is set for a historic FIFA Under-15 World Cup debut in Baku, with the tournament format designed to guarantee teams play through to the final matchday. Creative Economy: 75 EmaSwati youth and creatives trained in grant-writing at King Sobhuza II Park, building skills to apply for funding like the EU-backed AEPC Southern Africa grants.

Eswatini in the spotlight (sports): Eswatini is set for a historic FIFA Under-15 World Cup debut in Baku, Azerbaijan (Oct 24–30, 2026), after FIFA opened the tournament to all member associations—meaning the young Swazi stars will finally get global stage experience. Cosafa Cup U20 (football): Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka is urging his side not to underestimate Eswatini in their final Group B match, with a draw enough to book a semifinal spot. Choral music (Ntjilo-Ntjilo): HMCS Choir defended the Ntjilo-Ntjilo crown, scoring a competition record and taking home E70,000, while Pure Voices pulled off a major upset in the African piece category. Gospel & awards (Crown Gospel Awards): Sphiwo Ndoni has been nominated for Best of Africa Male Artist at the Crown Gospel Music Awards, adding to Eswatini’s growing gospel momentum. Teachers’ Day Bash (entertainment): SNAT confirms its Teachers’ Day Bash returns on Oct 23, 2026 at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre—bigger than a commemoration, with music and a major after-party. Creative sector (funding skills): 75 EmaSwati youth and creatives trained in grant-writing to help them access local and international funding, including AEPC Southern Africa grants. Digital music (YouTube/Spotify): Young Zesh’s “Umliba Loyembili” has topped 31,000 YouTube views and gained more streams on Spotify, pushing Swazi hip-hop pride online. International film (BSIFF): BSIFF 2026 returns for four days in Kumasi (Sept 24–27) with African cinema, masterclasses, and selected films including Eswatini entries.

US Deportation Deals: An international investigation says the Trump administration has deported at least 25,447 people to “third countries” under secret agreements, with $410 million planned for receiving governments and UN agencies—reportedly including outreach to 49 of 54 African countries. Freedom in Motion (Hip Hop): Eswatini’s Lution brings “The Elements: A Freedom in Motion” to the Eswatini Theatre Club on Sept 26, using DJing, MC’ing, breaking, graffiti and live music to explore Hip Hop as a language of freedom. SwaziBoy 20th Anniversary: SwaziBoy Entertainment marked two decades with a public activation in Mbabane, featuring DJs and giveaways that fed into the main anniversary show. Digital Music Buzz: Young Zesh’s “Umliba Loyembili” has topped 31,000 YouTube views in a month, blending hip-hop with Swazi musical influences and themes of pride and resilience. Sports Spotlight: Swimmer Luca Fraser headlines Team Eswatini for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, while Nobuhle Dlamini pushes junior golf development after competing in Uganda. Local Arts & Culture: The Ntjilo-Ntjilo Choral Music Competition drew big crowds at UNESWA, celebrating African and Western choral works.

Payments & Tech: Eswatini’s Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch (EPS) is now fully activated, enabling fast, real-time transfers between banks and mobile money providers—good news for businesses, especially SMEs, and for financial inclusion. Music & Culture: The Ntjilo-Ntjilo Choral Music Competition lit up UNESWA Sports Emporium on Sept 20, with choirs delivering African and Western pieces and a big Large Category showdown. Gospel Spotlight: Ntokozo Mbambo and Dumi Mkokstad are among the nominees for the Icebolethu Crown Gospel Music Awards, with nominations spanning worship songs and songwriting. Local Craft & Fashion/Art: Rugs Eswatini founder Ncwiki Flexiano presented a bespoke hand-crafted rug replica of the Made in Eswatini logo at the Made in Eswatini Awards, celebrating local creativity. Sports (Eswatini): Moneni Pirates edged Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 in the MTN Premier League opener, with Senanelo “Juju” Nkambule scoring in the 90th minute. Community & Education: The Ministry of Education opened public nominations for Teachers’ Day award categories, including Healthy Work Environment and Sustainability/Community Building.

Diplomatic Rumours: Retired Zimbabwean Lt-Gen Engelbert Rugeje has denied rejecting a proposed ambassadorial post to Maputo, saying social media claims are false and that missions haven’t been allocated yet. Gambling & Mental Health: Senator Fezeka Dlamini says Eswatini’s gambling boom is outpacing protections under the Gaming Control Act, with clinicians reporting more gambling-related cases at the National Psychiatric Referral Centre. Judiciary Crossroads: Commentary follows the death of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, reflecting on how the judiciary’s credibility and public scrutiny have shaped recent years. Football (Premier League): Moneni Pirates edged Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 in the MTN Premier League opener, with Juju Nkambule scoring in the 90th minute. Local Craft & Fashion: Rugs Eswatini founder Ncwiki Flexiano presented a bespoke rug replica of the Made in Eswatini logo at the Made in Eswatini Awards, spotlighting homegrown creativity. Music Spotlight: Sancheziey lands a guest slot on Ligwalagwala FM, tracing his rise from viral hit “Siyabonga Gogo” to bigger plans ahead. Sports Abroad (Eswatini in focus): Eswatini kick off their CAF qualifier against Angola at 3pm, with coach Dominic Kunene naming a 20-player squad.

Judiciary & accountability: Eswatini’s public debate heats up again as a motion pushes for the Auditor General to audit the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE), even though the Central Bank Order already allows the minister to request such examinations. Sports (MTN Premier League): Moneni Pirates end their hoodoo over Nsingizini Hotspurs with a late 1-0 win, kicking off the new season in dramatic fashion. Arts & culture (music): Bab’ Dlamini’s “Shimpilika Remix” drops as a big regional Hip Hop cypher, while Young Zesh and Aubrey Qwana prepare the emotional “Ubaba” tribute for release on 2 October. Local craftsmanship: Rugs Eswatini shines at the Made in Eswatini Awards, turning local design into wearable, story-led art. Entertainment calendar: Swazi Boy marks 20 years with a three-day celebration at Happy Valley Hotel, and the weekend events guide is packed with live music and social scenes. Public oversight: PACs across SADC vow tougher value-for-money checks on procurement after resolutions adopted in Eswatini.

Sports & Youth Football: Eswatini kick off their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA qualifier today against Angola in Maputo, with only group winners and the best runner-up advancing to the semis—so every point matters. Arts & Identity: Nomphilo Sgwane is spotlighted as a Swati creative using photography to capture culture through a modern lens. Music Releases: Bab’ Dlamini’s “Shimpilika Remix” drops tomorrow, stacking seven regional voices for a big Hip Hop cypher, while Young Zesh and Aubrey Qwana prepare the emotional father-tribute single “Ubaba” for October 2. Local Craft & Fashion: Rugs Eswatini shines at the Made in Eswatini Awards, with founder Ncwiki Flexiano presenting a bespoke rug replica to Princess Sakhizwe. Community Events: The Ntjilo-Ntjilo Choral Competition returns with a bigger E260,000 prize pool as choirs push into the final stretch ahead of September 20. Sports Business/Entertainment: The Premier League of Eswatini charity cup is back after six years under a E400,000 top prize, with the PLE outlining the televoting and playoff format. International Tech/Streaming: iCloud+ now bundles Apple TV and Apple Arcade in Eswatini, bringing more entertainment options for subscribers.

Arts Spotlight: Nomphilo Sgwane is celebrated for “beauty with an edge,” using photography to capture Swati identity through a modern lens. Music & Culture: Bab’ Dlamini’s “Shimpilika Remix” drops tomorrow, stacking seven regional voices into a big Hip Hop cypher, while Young Zesh and Aubrey Qwana prepare the emotional “Ubaba” single for Oct 2. Entertainment Industry: Swazi Boy Entertainment marks 20 years with a three-day celebration at Happy Valley Hotel, honoring two decades of music, memories and community. Local TV Fame: Sifiso Nxumalo wins “Consumers’ Favourite Personal Brand” at the Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards, reflecting audience-driven recognition. Community Arts: Ntjilo-Ntjilo Choral Competition returns with a bigger E260,000 prize pool as choirs push harder for top spots. Sports for the Arts Crowd: The Imbube Marathon (Oct 17) confirms medals only for finishers within official times, while the MTN Premier League kicks off with a call for violence-free stadium vibes.

Golf & Community Sports: Ronald Rugumayo surged to a 3-stroke lead at the Pearl of Africa Sunshine Development tour in Entebbe, with Eswatini’s Dlamini Nobulhle the only female pro in the field. Local Craft & Awards: Ncwiki Flexiano of Rugs Eswatini presented a bespoke hand-crafted rug replica of the Made in Eswatini logo at the Made in Eswatini Awards, spotlighting yarn-to-art storytelling. Teachers’ Day (Public Picks): The Ministry of Education opened public nominations for two Teachers’ Day award categories: Healthy Work Environment and Sustainability & Community Building. Entertainment Spotlight: Sifiso Nxumalo won Consumers’ Favourite Personal Brand at the Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards, while Sancheziey landed a guest spot on Ligwalagwala FM’s Egunjini Lemculo. Music Releases: Bab’ Dlamini’s ‘Shimpilika Remix’ brings seven regional voices together, and Young Zesh teams up with Aubrey Qwana for ‘Ubaba’ (Father), releasing Oct 2. Public Oversight: PACs across SADC pledged tougher scrutiny of public procurement and value-for-money spending.

Comrades Marathon Shock: Eswatini runners face a major hurdle for the 100th Comrades in 2027 as entries move to a lucky-draw ballot after online demand reportedly topped 40,000, with the field capped at 28,000 due to safety and cut-off limits. STEM Graduation Buzz: President Mnangagwa capped 2,570 graduates at NUST, with 68% taking STEM degrees and a standout student, Nomagugu Ngwenya, collecting multiple awards. Music & Culture: Bab’ Dlamini’s “Shimpilika Remix” drops as a big multi-artist Hip Hop collaboration, while Young Zesh and Aubrey Qwana prepare the emotional fatherhood tribute “Ubaba” for Oct 2. Entertainment Milestone: Swazi Boy Entertainment marks 20 years with a three-day celebration at Happy Valley Hotel. Sports Calendar: Eswatini’s Imbube Marathon (Oct 17) reminds runners: medals go to finishers within official times. Tech for Eswatini: iCloud+ now bundles Apple TV and Apple Arcade in Eswatini and 100+ countries at no extra cost.