Phila Sibiya

FAMILY FLEES AS: ‘GHOST’ THROWS STONES, SWITCHES OFF LIGHTS

MBABANE – Do you believe in ghosts? A mother’s desperate search for answers has turned into a chilling ordeal for her family in Msahweni, a community
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BOOZE GALORE AS BEER TRUCK OVERTURNS:

MBABANE – Just when folk around Nkomazi were wondering on what to do on a hot day, a truck loaded with beer overturned. Yesterday, around 10am,...
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ROAD ACCIDENTS: 18 DEATHS PER MONTH, ALCOHOL BLAMED

MBABANE – Drink-driving, speeding and overloading, in this order, are the major causes of accidents on the country’s roads. This was revealed by the Royal...
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SA BORDER DRONES: DAGGA GROWERS, POACHERS, SMUGGLERS BEWARE

MBABANE – Game rangers, police, soldiers may now have some assistance in curbing illegal activities, thanks to ‘eyes in the sky’. The South Africa Minister...
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INTERNATIONAL DOORS OPENING AS…THUBELIHLE, ‘KARAS’ ON SA’S SUPERSPORT RADAR

MBABANE - SuperSport United is said to be eyeing Sihlangu stars Thubelihle Mavuso and Bongi ‘Karas’ Magagula as potential signings during the upcoming January transfer...
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‘BIRDS’ RAKE IN OVER E200K FROM REPLICAS

MBABANE - Capital city giants, Mbabane Swallows, have made a healthy profit from the sale of their new merchandise unveiled this season. Swallows unveiled a Primo...
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ESWATINI QUALIFY FOR MULTI-MILLION NETBALL TOURNEY

MBABANE – Following their recent success in the Africa Netball Cup, Eswatini has been shortlisted for a prestigious continental tournament scheduled for next year. The...
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‘LOGA’ VOTES VINICIUS, ‘AYOBA’ MISSES IT

MBABANE – The big question is how did Eswatini vote? The national team, Sihlangu, Head Coach, Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarusic, made a spot-on choice, while his...
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ESWATINI RANKED 42ND IN WORLD NETBALL

MBABANE – Eswatini’s National netball team has made significant strides in the World Netball (WN) rankings, now sitting in 42nd place, just behind India, which...
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AE WELL AHEAD OF DOPING – PRESIDENT

MBABANE - The Athletics Eswatini (AE) is well ahead in preventing the use of performance-enhancing drugs. This was disclosed by AE President, Zakhele Dlamini, says they...
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NO EXCUSE FOR POVERTY IN ESWATINI

With political parties showing symptoms of political regression after being tainted by internal squabbles, disunity and division along party lines, Tinkhundla System of Government is...
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NO EXCUSE FOR POVERTY IN ESWATINI

With political parties showing symptoms of political regression after being tainted by internal squabbles, disunity and division along party lines, Tinkhundla System of Government is...
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HE WHO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND YOUR SILENCE

Life isn’t just about talking. Sometimes, we just sit in silence. Sometimes it’s in the library, other times it is at home. But silence often...
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GOVT FILES PHASE II APPEAL: NATCOM: RULING BIASED AS CJ’S COP WIFE TO BENEFIT

MBABANE – The National Commissioner of Police, Vusi Masango, alleges that there is an appearance of bias in the Supreme Court’s Phase II judgment. The...
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ESWATINI MP, OTHERS’ RUSSIA VISIT ANGERS UKRAINE

MBABANE – Some African MPs have angered Ukraine by visiting the Donetsk Region of Ukraine, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. The Members of Parliament (MPs)...
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HEATWAVE: 3 DROWN IN 1 DAY

MBABANE – The recent heatwave has seen three people drowning in one day. Two of the deceased are said to have drowned while swimming in rivers...
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NATCOM RECALLS ALL COPS ON LEAVE, ISSUES WARNING

MBABANE – All police officers who were on leave have been recalled to beef-up safety and security this festive season. In keeping up with their slogan...
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AMID POWER STRUGGLE ... ‘BULL’ SEEK PLE INTERVENTION

MBABANE – Mbabane Highlanders Interim Committee yesterday had a caucus with the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) over the ongoing state of affairs in the...
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SIHLANGU FINAL SQUAD: ‘ROMARIO’, MABELESA OUT, ‘THUBA’ INJURED

MBABANE – In the lead-up to tomorrow’s CHAN Qualifier against Madagascar, four players have reportedly been omitted from the squad that travelled to Pretoria, South...
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EZULWINI UNITED’S BHEKANI WINS LAST 2024 ‘Y’ELLO’ POM

MBABANE - In a three-horse race for the MTN Premier League December Player of the Month award, Ezulwini United striker Bhekani Mthembu emerged as the...
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SIHLANGU FINISH YEAR OUTSIDE THE TOP 150

MBABANE – The national team, Sihlangu, are unmoved in the latest FIFA World Rankings, retaining their position at 159. Under the guidance of Coach Logarusic...
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MANZINI WANDERERS’ WAIT CONTINUES

MBABANE – It is official; Manzini Wanderers will not kick a ball this year as the court is yet to respond to their request for...
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DOUBLE JOY IN YELLOW EPILEPSY MARATHON

MBABANE - The purse for the ninth edition of the Yellow Epilepsy Charity Half Marathon has now more than doubled. During a media event held...
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OVER 20 EMASWATI CONTRIBUTE TO CHRIS BROWN E100M

  MBABANE - Over 20 emaSwati collectively contributed to part of the staggering E100 million generated at the recent Chris Brown concerts.   The American superstar performed...
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TAMBANKULU ESTATES TO AUCTION 79 CATTLE

MBABANE – Business people wishing to boost their beef trade will be happy to know that Tambankulu Estates will be auctioning 79 cattle tomorrow. The...
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2.52% INCREASE IN IMPORTED, SOLD FUEL

MBABANE – A total of 340 063 748 litres of fuel was imported and sold in the financial year 2023-24. This was a slight increase of...
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KING ENDS YEAR ON HIGH NOTE

If numbers are the litmus test, the record attendance and the value of tetfulo at the country’s most important cultural event, Incwala, illustrate increasing support...
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HAPPY SLAPPING CONTROVERSY

A few nights ago, we witnessed in real time the end of a woman’s life on social media. We saw this through a confession video...
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JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED

Sir, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the prolonged legal battles faced by my employer, BigTree Filling Station, and the devastating impact...
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APPRECIATING SPIRIT OF CHARITY THIS FESTIVE

Sir, This festive season it is heartening to reflect on the remarkable spirit of charity that has recently been exemplified by the Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA)...
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IT’S DAWN OF A NEW ERA, AS PLE PROPOSES: MINIMUM WAGE FOR PLAYERS!

MBABANE – Every challenge requires a solution. The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) is working diligently to address the issues teams face concerning salaries. Currently, Mbabane...
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CANGO: HOW POLITICAL PARTIES MAY COMPROMISE PEOPLE’S RIGHTS

MBABANE – A total of 52 politicians have not declared their assets and liabilities before the Commission of Human Rights and Public Administration (CHRPA)/Integrity. This was...
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ATMS BOMBING: 2ND GOVT CLEANER REVEALED

SITEKI – The identity of the second woman arrested in connection with the ATMs bombing at Mpaka has been revealed. Elli Olivia Dlamini (44) of KaShoba,...
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7 ARRESTED FOR MURDER IN REVENGE ATTACK

MBABANE – Seven residents of Mgomfelweni, under Chief Mphaphela, were arrested and charged with murder following a deadly attack on a 40-year-old man in Dilini...
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AS RELEGATION SAGA DRAGS FOR TOO LONG ... CALL FOR ‘WESLIANS’ TO APPROACH CAS

MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers have reportedly been advised to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding their ongoing relegation dispute, which has persisted...
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‘BULL’ STAR IN FREAK ACCIDENT

MBABANE - Sandile ‘Ghana’ Ngcamphalala, a prominent player for Mbabane Highlanders, has been fortunate to survive a serious accident. The accident occurred along the Big...
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ESWATINI MEN NETBALL CRUISING

MBABANE - The male netball national team from Eswatini are leaving a mark in the ongoing 2024 Africa Netball Cup at the MTC Dome in...
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‘BULL’, NSINGIZINI HEADLINE ‘LAST’ 2024 GAMES

MBABANE - The Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has unveiled its final fixtures for the year, highlighted by a significant match between table leaders Green...
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LET THEM FEEL THE HEAT FIRST – ALLY

MBABANE – “I will bounce back.” These were the words of MTN Premier League strugglers Mbabane Highlanders Managing Director (MD) Chief Ally Kgomongwe. He stated that...
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OVER 3 000 AT PASTOR BAKHE’S GAUTENG CONFERENCE

MBABANE – In an inspiring display of commitment to marital well-being, Pastor Bakhe Dlamini’s recent ‘Recharge Your Marriage Conference’ in Gauteng drew an astonishing crowd...
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MISS ESWATINI PRIZE PRESENTATION ... POSTPONED!

MBABANE – Earlier last week, the pageant licence holders, Oukitel Eswatini announced on their social media platforms, that today Miss Eswatini would be presented with...
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ESWATINI’S FINANCIAL STABILITY INDEX SURGES

MBABANE - In June 2024, the Financial Stability Index reflected an upward trend, rising to 0.50 index points from 0.02 index points in June 2023....
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LARGE CORPORATES’ PROFITABILITY DOWN 74.1%

MBABANE - The corporate sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, faces increasing vulnerability due to escalating leverage and declining profitability. Large corporations are facing financial...
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ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION TO END SGBVF

AS the world commemorates the 16 days of activism against sexual, gender-based violence and femicide (SGBVF), let us look into the role that the economy...
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IS AFRICA’S PROBLEM LACK OF RESOURCES OR MANAGEMENT?

AFRICA, a continent rich in natural resources, diverse cultures, and an incredibly youthful population, stands at a crossroads in its development journey. Over the years,...
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GOVT SHOULD CONSIDER EVRA PATCH

Sir, Adolescent pregnancy in Eswatini remains a critical issue, affecting the health, education and economic opportunities of young girls and their communities. With an adolescent...
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SEASON OF KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, GOODWILL

Sir,I recently read with shock the story of a woman who callously stole groceries belonging to another passenger on a bus, only to later discard...
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IN SHOCKING BREACH OF CONSTITUTION ... 52 POLITICIANS FAIL TO DECLARE ASSETS, STAND TO LOSE JOBS

MBABANE – A total of 52 politicians have not declared their assets and liabilities before the Commission of Human Rights and Public Administration (CHRPA)/Integrity. This was...
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AS RELEGATION SAGA DRAGS FOR TOO LONG ... CALL FOR ‘WESLIANS’ TO APPROACH CAS

MBABANE – Manzini Wanderers have reportedly been advised to approach the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding their ongoing relegation dispute, which has persisted...
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PHASE II RULING: JUNIOR COPS GIVE NATCOM ULTIMATUM

MBABANE – The National Commissioner (NATCOM) of Police, Vusi Manoma Masango, has been given a 90-day ultimatum to implement Phase II. This ultimatum to the NATCOM...
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MAN HELD FOR EXTORTING ANOTHER POPULAR BISHOP

MBABANE – Sihle Mkheyi Gama, the man who was previously implicated in the alleged extortion of Archbishop Bheki Lukhele, has been arrested for allegedly extorting...
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MPAKA ATM BOMBING: WOMAN SUSPECT A CLEANER AT MASTER’S OFFICE

SITEKI - The liSwati woman, who was arrested with three men in connection with the bombing of two ATMs at Mpaka, is a cleaner at...
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MIXED FEELINGS ON PAYING PASTORS FOR PRAYER

MBABANE – Church leaders and the general public have shared differing views on compensation for prayer by some pastors. The debate on this matter emanates...
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AHEAD OF TOUGH LEOPARD TEST, IT’S ... CALEB BOOST FOR ‘BIRDS’

MBABANE – After missing one match, Mbabane Swallows Head Coach Caleb Ngwenya is poised to return for the upcoming clash against Royal Leopard, tomorrow. Ngwenya reportedly...
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GERMAN GROUNDHOPPERS AT MAVUSO

MANZINI – German tourists have made a stop in Eswatini, as they seek to explore the world through the exhilarating adventure of groundhopping. This is...
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SWIMMING TRIO TO SHARE OVER E50K

MBABANE – Eswatini’s swimming sensations, Hayley ‘Mshina’ Hoy, Luca ‘GD6’ Fraser and Chadd Ning, have brought immense pride to the nation. The gifted trio has clinched...
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‘MEGA’ TO RETURN TO FOOTBALL  

MANZINI – Mbabane Highlanders defender Melusi ‘Mega’ Magagula, has announced his intention to return to football once he has fully-recovered from recent health challenges. After...
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AFRICA NETBALL CUP: DREAM DEBUT FOR MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM

MBABANE – The Eswatini men’s national netball team have made a remarkable entrance at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup. The side clinched a hard-fought 49-45 victory...
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TENNIS YOUNGSTER JOSHAN CONQUERS IN SA

MBABANE – Joshan Eziegbo has once again proven his prowess on the tennis court, triumphing in the Under-12 category at the recent tournament in Pretoria....
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ESWATINI TO DEBUT AT MR, MISS ALBINISM AFRICA

MBABANE – Eswatini will compete for the first time at the upcoming Mr and Miss Albinism Africa, which is set to be hosted in Zimbabwe...
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SPHIWO NDONI WINS BEST OF AFRICA AWARD

MBABANE - In a night dedicated to celebrating the power of music, Sphiwo Ndoni emerged as the Best of Africa Artist of the Year 2024...
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IMPACT OF MOZAMBIQUE UNREST TO ESWATINI SUGAR INDUSTRY DURBAN PORT ROUTE COSTS 10% MORE

MBABANE – The ongoing political unrest in Mozambique cost Eswatini to reroute its sugar exports to the African regional markets to the Durban port. According...
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3 LOCAL COMPANIES BAG E2M NAMBOARD CONTRACTS

MBABANE – At least three local companies have been earmarked for provision of different services to the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) through tenders worth...
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INCWALA CEREMONY HAS SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

WE have entered a very important time in the annual calendar of emaSwati. It is also a time when we receive many tourists, and some...
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FESTIVE-THEMED PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

AS the year approaches its end, many people are gleefully looking forward to delving fully into the sprightly festive spirit. Rightfully so, because by most...
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SILOLO’S COURAGEOUS DECISION

SirI would like to express my thoughts and congratulations regarding the recent decision made by Thandaza Silolo to step away from active politics and embrace...
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ESWATINI ZAMA ZAMAS FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL

Sir, I am writing to address a pressing issue that resonates deeply with the struggles faced by the majority of emaSwati in our country. It is...
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PASTOR MALUME GUILTY OF MOLESTING PUPIL (11), BANNED

MBABANE - Pastor and transport operator, Bongie Phiri, has been found guilty of sexually molesting an 11-year-old pupil, while on the way to drop her...
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PM’S PLEA ON GBV, SUICIDES

MANZINI – Prime Minister (PM) Russell Dlamini, has called on all sectors of society, including the media, to engage in meaningful discussions about suicides and...
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MERRY X-MAS FOR SNAT CO-OP MEMBERS

MBABANE – The SNAT Savings and Credit Co-operative (SNAT SACCO) is gearing up to distribute a generous 9.4 per cent dividend to its members. This will...
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IN HEATED EOCGA PRESIDENCY RACE, IT’S ... ‘BOMBER’ VS PETER SHONGWE

LOBAMBA – Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) incumbent President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa is leading the race for the hot seat. Mthethwa has received the...
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ESWATINI SWIMMERS DIVE INTO GOLD IN NAMIBIA

MBABANE - Eswatini’s swimming athletes kicked off the Africa Aquatics Zone IV Championships in Namibia with an impressive performance. The display is highlighted by two gold...
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‘BIRDS’ PLAYERS BACK AT TRAINING

MBABANE – They are flying again! Mbabane Swallows have resumed training after a player strike over two months of unpaid salaries. The red and white giants...
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‘RUDE WELCOME’ FOR ESWATINI U-17S

MBABANE - The Eswatini Under-17 boys kicked off their campaign in the COSAFA Under-17 Youth Championships with a disappointing performance. Eswatini suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat...
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I WON’T COME TO MEET PATRONS - ALLY

MBABANE – Capital city giants Mbabane Highlanders Managing Director, Chief Ally Kgomongwe, has reiterated his position that he will not travel to Eswatini to meet...
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ZANDONDO HEADS ‘BUCS’ MBEKELWENI SUPPORTERS

MBABANE - Early this week, Moneni Pirates unveiled a new branch committee for Mbekelweni. The announcement was made by the club’s Public Relations Officer, Meluleki...
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PLE SUSPENDS ‘BUCS’ STAR, MADLENYA DUO

MBABANE - In-form Moneni Pirates will be deprived of their key defender, Phila Dlamini, this weekend, due to suspension. Dlamini will miss the crucial clash against...
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WE’LL HONOUR MATCH WITH DIGNITY – ‘BIRDS’ SIZA

MBABANE - Despite encountering recent upheavals, including a player strike and ownership disputes, Mbabane Swallows have pledged to honour their forthcoming match against Nsingizini Hotspurs...
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NO QUALITY CONTROL ON RADIO-‘BOBO’

MBABANE – This concerning revelation was made by Bongani ‘Bobo’ Dlamini, a presenter and radio DJ at the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS), during...
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CREATIVES FIND MUSIC TARIFFS TOO HIGH

MBABANE - The second day of the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) workshop saw creatives becoming more vocal about the very high tariff...
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BOTSWANA INVESTOR TO ESTABLISH TRACTOR ASSEMBLY SHOP

MBABANE - EWADE continues to cement its position as a catalyst for international investment, with Botswana-based African Agriculture expressing keen interest in Eswatini’s burgeoning agricultural...
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MINISTER COMMISSIONS E90M TEXTILE FIRM CONSTRUCTION

PIGG’S PEAK – The Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, has officially commissioned commencement of the construction of a textile firm in Pigg’s...
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THE HUNTER NOW THE HUNTED

The Parliament Select Committee that was set up to look into the Ecsponent forensic audit and advise MPs accordingly has tabled a report that, in...
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HEALTHCARE WORKERS’ ROLE IN ACTIVISM AGAINST GBV

This period of 16 Days of Activism Against GBV has been used to focus on the issues—what they are—and rarely on the different roles key...
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SOCIAL ENGINEERING SOLUTION TO GBV

Sir,I am writing to express my thoughts on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in our society, as well as to challenge some prevailing...
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AVOID REGRETTABLE CHOICES THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Sir, The festive season, a time traditionally reserved for merriment and cherished memories with our loved ones, it is imperative to reflect on the duality of...
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EX-JUDGE ACCUSED OF DAMAGING E975M WATER PROJECT PIPES

MAFUTSENI - A former judge has been reported to the police for allegedly damaging EWSC’s water pipes for its E975 million Manzini Region Water Supply...
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IN HEATED EOCGA PRESIDENCY RACE, IT’S ... ‘BOMBER’ VS PETER SHONGWE

LOBAMBA – Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) incumbent President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa is leading the race for the hot seat. Mthethwa has received the...
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ESWATINI ECONOMY CONTINUES TO EXPAND

MBABANE - The latest quarterly bulletin for the 3rd quarter suggests that the Eswatini economy continues to expand on a quarter-on-quarter and annual basis. According...
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SOLUTIONS PROFFERED FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF AFCFTA

MBABANE – In order for the full implementation of the African Continental free Trade Area (AfCFTA), key solutions were taken during the recent Biashara Afrika....
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DEMOCRACY IS SURVIVAL FOR ESWATINI

Unfortunately, whenever one speaks of democracy in Eswatini, one is immediately linked to the multiparty political movement and labelled ‘labema-party’. However, democracy, in its simplest...
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FESTIVE FEVER WITH MENTAL HEALTH CAUTION

THERE is an argument to be had that the time of year we are approaching (or probably already in), even though filled with festivities and...
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MORE PEOPLE BECOMING BEASTS

Sir, As I observe the state of our world today, it is increasingly apparent that citizens are becoming more inhumane, uncontrollable and dangerous. Each month...
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CUSHION YOUTH FROM BRUTALITY OF LIFE

Sir,In this rigorous journey called life, fraught with turbulence and engine failures, it is impossible to escape the imminent danger of crashing. For many young...
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THE CANCER THAT IS CORRUPTION

It is conceivable that I may not survive long enough to experience the event when it eventually occurs. I am prepared, though to embrace a bold...
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STOP SENSELESS VIOLENCE AGAINST RANGERS

Madam, It is with profound sorrow that I pen this letter in response to the horrifying attack on the retired ranger at Manzana. This tragic incident...
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BRANDED VS UNBRANDED CLOTHING

Madam, First impressions are lasting. In a society where individuals are often judged by their physical appearance, it becomes essential to present oneself with distinction....
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Phila Sibiya