AGP Executive Report

Eswatini Arts & Culture: The October International Theatre Festival is set to return in Mbabane (Oct 1–3), with a media launch highlighting how a vibrant creative economy can keep the capital “alive beyond the working day.” Music & Youth: UNESWA’s Kick-Off Carnival (Kwaluseni) brings student life to the front with MTN Pulse support, live sets from local acts, and MoMo-only stalls—plus a free data bundle for ticket holders. Local Sports & Pride: MTN boosts the Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276 000 as the event grows from 1,500 runners (2024) to 2,400 last year. Entertainment Spotlight: Producer Livin SZ teams up with South African Afro-soul star Simmy for a new EP, while Don Laka teases “Invitation 2,” keeping his genre-bending legacy in the spotlight. Community & Health: The Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic is officially opened after surpassing access targets by bringing care within five kilometres of Nyonyane.

Music & Culture: Local producer Livin SZ links up with South African Afro-Soul star Simmy for a new EP, with tracks including Siy’nkanyezi, One More Time and Bawo—an Eswatini-to-region collaboration powered by Sun-El Musician’s connection. Theatre & Arts Events: Mbabane is gearing up for the October International Theatre Festival, with the city pushing a 24-hour creative vision and creatives gathering for the launch. Sports Spotlight: Nsingizini Hotspurs crash out of the CAF Champions League decider against Scottland on a 1-0 aggregate, while Junior “Shisa Gesi” Magagula eyes a potential E6.4m CAF payday with AS Maniema Union in the Confederation Cup. Community & Entertainment: UNESWA’s inaugural Kick-Off Carnival, powered by MTN Pulse, brings student music, games and prizes to Kwaluseni. Local Lifestyle: MTN MoMo boosts Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276,000 as the event grows. Public Interest: A Manzini woman loses E123,553 in a fake online stationery deal scam.

Theatre & Culture: Mbabane’s October International Theatre Festival is officially launched, with organisers pitching it as a boost for a “smart city” that stays alive after work hours, and creatives as the heart of the capital’s identity. Arts & Community Events: UNESWA kicks off the new semester with a MTN-powered Kick-Off Carnival at Kwaluseni, packed with local music, games, and student lifestyle stalls. Music & Entertainment: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on Sept 25 at SibaneSami Hotel, bringing regional headliners and homegrown comics under one stage, one continent theme. Sports & Lifestyle: MTN MoMo increases its Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276 000 as the event grows from 1,500 runners to 2,400, positioning it as a community and tourism platform. Creative Profiles: Benanile Maphanga is spotlighted as a horticulturist-artist-model blending bold, playful, intentional style with nature-driven creativity. Public Life & Safety: A Manzini woman allegedly loses E123 553 in a fake online stationery deal, while a Pongola driver faces court after allegedly hitting a 17-year-old Reed Dance maiden.

Dakar 2026 Build-Up: Eswatini joined the continent-wide “We Run for Africa” launch with a 5km walk in Lobamba, aiming to help reach a collective 30,500km target ahead of the Youth Olympic Flame in Senegal (Oct 31–Nov 13, 2026). UNESWA Campus Culture: MTN powered UNESWA’s inaugural Kick-Off Carnival at Kwaluseni, with games, prizes and local music acts setting the tone for the new semester. CAF Football Drama: Nsingizini Hotspurs crashed out of the CAF Champions League decider against Scottland (0-0 on the day; Scottland won 1-0 on aggregate), with a blackout hitting the giant screen during the match. Mbabane Marathon Boost: MTN MoMo increased its Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276,000, backing the event’s growth from 1,500 runners (2024) to 2,400 last year. Arts & Theatre Calendar: Mbabane unveiled plans for the October International Theatre Festival, while the Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on Sept 25. Health Access Spotlight: The Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic was officially opened after surpassing the healthcare access target by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane.

Arts & Culture Spotlight: Eswatini’s October Theatre Festival is back—Mbabane launches a plan for a 24-hour city vibe, with the main run set for Oct 1–3 at the Eswatini Theatre Club. Music & Entertainment: UNESWA kicks off the new semester with an MTN-powered Kick-Off Carnival in Kwaluseni, packed with local DJs, games and student-focused fun. Sports & Community: Nsingizini Hotspurs bow out of the CAF Champions League decider after a goalless tie on the day, losing 1-0 on aggregate to Scottland. Local Business & Lifestyle: Nominations are open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026, calling on entrepreneurs and cultural icons to put themselves forward. Health Access: The Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic is officially opened after surpassing healthcare access targets by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Tourism & Compliance: ETA tightens bed levy enforcement and says grading programme participation will be required for establishments seeking government project consideration.

Mbabane Marathon Sponsorship: MTN MoMo has boosted its Mbabane Marathon backing to E276,000, as the event grows from 1,500 runners (2024) to 2,400 last year, with organisers pitching it as a community and tourism celebration. Respect in Mourning: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged the public to stop insensitive commentary after the death of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, calling for privacy and dignity for the family. Gospel & Talent: Eswatini Praise Talent Search is underway after Big Fish Productions opened digital auditions, with over 100 entries in hours and Oncemore Six confirmed as a judge. Theatre & City Life: Mbabane is pushing a 24-hour city vision as the October International Theatre Festival returns (Oct 1–3), aiming to keep culture and business moving after dark. Health Access: The Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic was officially opened after surpassing healthcare access targets by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Comedy Festival: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition on Sept 25 at SibaneSami Hotel, with a regional line-up bringing “endless laughter” to one stage. EU Creative Grants: The EU opened mobility grants for local creatives through Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture, supporting networking and collaboration across Africa and Europe. Sports Venues: Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre have been shortlisted for next week’s SAIMSA Games (Sept 20–25).

Mbabane Marathon: MTN MoMo has boosted its sponsorship of the Mbabane Marathon to E276 000, as the event grows from 1 500 runners (2024) to 2 400 last year. Respect for CJ: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged the public to stop insensitive talk after the death of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, calling for dignity and privacy for the family. Local creativity spotlight: Benanile Maphanga (“Benanile”) is profiled as a horticulturist, artist, model and creative entrepreneur shaping bold, playful, intentional style. Theatre & culture: Mbabane is launching a 24-hour city vision and the October International Theatre Festival returns (Oct 1–3). Gospel talent hunt: Eswatini Praise Talent Search opens with over 100 digital auditions in hours, with Oncemore Six confirmed as a judge. EU arts support: The EU opened Africa-Europe creative collaboration opportunities via mobility grants for local creatives. Music festival update: Ocean Summer Vibes has been postponed to Oct 24 due to unfavourable weather. Sports venues: SAIMSA Games venues include Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre (Sept 20–25). Comedy on the rise: Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on Sept 25.

Road-trip buzz: Zimbabwean adventurer Nkosilathi Mathe has crossed into South Africa after a solo drive from England, covering about 24,000 km so far in a Nissan X-Trail, with roughly 3,000 km left to Bulawayo. Local comedy: Frank Chirisa returns from a regional comedy tour with fresh material and new industry links, starting in Mbabane at Last Friday Gags before Johannesburg opportunities kept the momentum going. Health & community access: King Mswati III officially opened and renamed the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it surpasses targets by bringing care within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Student culture: MTN Pulse powers UNESWA’s Kick-Off Carnival at Kwaluseni, with a full day of music, food and lifestyle stalls plus a MoMo-only setup. Theatre spotlight: Mbabane launches the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3), aiming to keep culture moving and the city alive after dark. Gospel talent hunt: Eswatini Praise Talent Search opens with 60-second video auditions and Oncemore Six confirmed as a judge. EU creative support: The EU opens new Africa-Europe culture mobility grants for local creatives to collaborate across borders. Music event update: Ocean Summer Vibes is postponed to Oct 24 due to unfavourable weather.

Healthcare & Community: King Mswati III officially opened and renamed the E50m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, built by the Hee Yeon Foundation, bringing care within five kilometres of Nyonyane and boosting Eswatini’s push toward universal health coverage. Student Life & Music: MTN-backed UNESWA Kick-Off Carnival hits Kwaluseni this Friday with a full-day line-up (Young Zesh, Obsession, Goftex Kosie, Sancheziey, MCO Jamrock and more), plus food, lifestyle stalls and MoMo-only payments. Theatre & Culture: Mbabane launches the October International Theatre Festival, aiming to revive Eswatini theatre with a three-day programme (Oct 1–3) and extra creative pillars like murals, schools events and masterclasses. Comedy Spotlight: Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on Sept 25 at SibaneSami Hotel, bringing regional headliners and local acts under “One Stage, One Continent.” Fashion Buzz: DJ Zinhle’s ERA pop-up store lands in Ezulwini (Sept 25–26) at Happy Valley Hotel, bringing her accessories to Eswatini fans in person. Sports & Pride: Eswatini’s disability chess team debuts at the FIDE Olympiad in Uzbekistan (Sept 9–18), marking a historic first for adaptive sports.

Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026: Nominations are now open for the Eswatini Lifestyle Awards, founded by Jumbo Khumalo, aiming to spotlight entrepreneurs and cultural icons shaping the country’s creative and economic future. Me Time Empowerment: Actress Sophie Ndaba helped inspire women at the “Reset and Rise” Me Time event, a self-care and mentorship platform expanding into eSwatini (with Lesotho planned for 2027). Eswatini Comedy Festival: The 3rd edition returns on September 25 at SibaneSami Hotel with a regional line-up and local comics, under the banner “Africa is coming to Eswatini, One Stage, One Continent, Endless Laughter.” Ocean Summer Vibes Postponed: Music fans will have to wait—Ocean Summer Vibes has been pushed to October 24 due to persistent rain. EU Creative Grants: The EU opened new Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture mobility grants for local creatives to collaborate and grow across Africa and Europe. Eswatini Praise Talent Search: Big Fish Productions launched a Gospel talent search after 100+ digital auditions poured in, with Oncemore Six confirmed as a judge. OITF Theatre Revival: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) is set to revive Eswatini theatre with performances, murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival. Gogo & S’lwane Go Digital: Comedy duo Gogo Eswatini and S’lwane unveiled an AI-enabled website for exclusive content, livestreams, tickets and merch. Era by DJ Zinhle Pop-Up: DJ Zinhle’s fashion-accessory brand Era lands in eSwatini for a two-day pop-up at Happy Valley Hotel (Sept 25–26). Eswatini Disability Chess Olympiad Debut: The Eswatini Chess Federation will send a five-member team to the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Uzbekistan (Sept 9–18).

Eswatini Comedy Festival: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on September 25 at SibaneSami Hotel, bringing a cross-border line-up under “Africa is coming to Eswatini, One Stage, One Continent, Endless Laughter,” with South Africa’s Smowkey and Mbali Gudazi, Namibia’s Courage, Botswana’s OD Brooks, Zimbabwe’s Q Dube, Tanzania’s Cleyton Msosa, plus local comics led by Dr Shakes. EU–Eswatini Creative Support: The EU opened a new Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture round, offering Individual Mobility Grants for local creatives to collaborate and build networks across Africa and Europe. Human Rights & Civic Space: The EU also backed rights and civic space work in Eswatini during a Pigg’s Peak workshop, marking 50 years of EU–Eswatini partnership. Tourism Compliance: ETA says bed-levy compliance will be enforced harder, and National Grading Programme participation is now required for establishments seeking government project consideration. Music & Fashion: Ocean Summer Vibes has been postponed to October 24, while DJ Zinhle’s ERA pop-up store lands in Ezulwini on September 25–26. Theatre Push: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) aims to revive Eswatini theatre with performances, murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival. Gospel Talent Search: Eswatini Praise Talent Search auditions have opened, with Oncemore Six confirmed as a judge.

Eswatini Praise Talent Search: Big Fish Productions has opened digital auditions for a new Gospel talent hunt, drawing 100+ entries within hours, with Oncemore Six confirmed as a judge. Ocean Summer Vibes: The music festival has been postponed to October 24 due to persistent rain, with organisers promising a new date and no cancellation. Era by DJ Zinhle: The fashion-accessory brand is coming to Eswatini for a two-day pop-up at Happy Valley Hotel (Sept 25–26). Gogo and S’lwane: The comedy duo launched an AI-enabled subscription website (gogoandslwane.com) for exclusive content, past shows, livestream access and podcasts. EU rights workshop: The EU backed a human rights and civic space workshop in Pigg’s Peak as Eswatini marks 50 years of EU partnership. Tourism enforcement: ETA says bed levy compliance will be tightened and National Grading Programme participation will be required for establishments seeking government project consideration. Adaptive sport milestone: Eswatini will debut at the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Uzbekistan (Sept 9–18) with a five-member team. Theatre revival: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) aims to revive Eswatini theatre with performances, murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival. Sports spotlight: Deborah Henry underwent successful surgery after a fracture injury, while Nsingizini Hotspurs and Scottland FC gear up for CAF Champions League action in Harare.

Eswatini Praise Talent Search: Big Fish Productions has kicked off the new Eswatini Praise Talent Search, drawing over 100 gospel auditions within hours, with Oncemore Six confirmed as a judge. Disability Chess Olympiad Debut: Eswatini will send a five-member team to the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand (Sept 9–18), marking a major milestone for adaptive sport. Theatre Revival: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) is set to revive Eswatini’s theatre scene with a packed programme of productions, murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival. Fashion Pop-Up: DJ Zinhle’s ERA by DJ Zinhle lands in Eswatini for a two-day pop-up at Happy Valley Hotel (Sept 25–26). Music Spotlight: Simmy teases her upcoming album Fairyland with a triple drop of singles, including collaborations with Zee Nxumalo. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in CAF Champions League action, with pre-match build-up and squad news driving local interest.

Disability Sports Spotlight: Eswatini is set for a historic debut at the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand (Sept 9–18), sending a five-member team backed by the ESRC. Fashion & Lifestyle: DJ Zinhle’s ERA is coming to Eswatini with a two-day pop-up at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini on Sept 25–26—bags, hats, sunglasses and more. Theatre Revival: The October International Theatre Festival (OITF) returns from Oct 1–3, built around theatre, murals, schools events, masterclasses and the Dzeliwe Street Festival to reignite Eswatini’s stage scene. Music Buzz: Simmy teases her album Fairyland with a triple drop—“Siy’nkanyezi” featuring Zee Nxumalo, “Bawo” and “One More Time.” Local Entertainment: EITF continues to deliver, with Eemoh packing Mavuso Exhibition Centre and winning over both kids and adults with “Cela Ningshuthen” and more. Youth Sports Fixtures: COSAFA U-20 qualifier fixtures are out, with Angola vs Eswatini headlining Group B action on Sept 19.

Regional Sport Unity: ANOC Zone VI seminar in Ezulwini saw Namibia’s Olympic boss Anri Parker urge southern African sport bodies to share facilities, coaching and resources instead of working in silos. Eswatini Theatre Revival: The October International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set to return to Mbabane (Oct 1–3) with 15+ productions, murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival—aimed at reigniting Eswatini’s theatre scene. Trade Fair Entertainment & Music: At the Eswatini International Trade Fair, Aymos warmed up crowds with hits and crowd sing-alongs, while Eemoh kept the vibe going on Day 7. Local Music Spotlight: Simmy teased her album Fairyland with a triple drop of singles, and Eswatini’s Sancheziey celebrated Music Pulse podcast recognition for “Siyabonga Gogo.” Media Growth: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort, including Eswatini journalists, to strengthen newsrooms for the digital era. Gospel Talent Search: Eswatini Praise auditions drew 100+ entries within hours for a new gospel voice hunt.

Music & Culture: Simmy is stepping into her “fairytale era” with the forthcoming album Fairyland, teased by a triple drop of singles—Siy’nkanyezi featuring Zee Nxumalo, Bawo and One More Time—as she opens up about a more reflective, vulnerable creative space. Entertainment Spotlight: Eswatini’s Sancheziey says it feels surreal after MacG’s Music Pulse spotlighted his hit Siyabonga Gogo, a moment he links back to his 2023 depression days. Local Music Buzz: At EITF, vocalist Eemoh turned Mavuso Exhibition Centre into a sing-along zone on Day 7, with fans of all ages packing the energy. Gospel Talent Search: Eswatini Praise has launched auditions for the next premier Gospel voice, with 100+ entries flooding in within hours. Arts & Theatre Revival: OITF is set to revive Eswatini theatre from Oct 1–3 in Mbabane, featuring 15+ productions, 20 workshops, and creative pillars from murals to a street festival. Sports (Eswatini in focus): Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg in Harare, with coach Mandla Qhogi talking tactics and preparation after a church-service disruption.