As 2025 draws to a close, many will reflect on its events with varied perspectives, assessing its personal impact and setting relevant aspirations for 2026.
While civil servants may fondly recall it as the year of ‘dvuladvula’, following the long-awaited and substantial salary review, livestock farmers, on the other hand, have endured hardship due to the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
The media sector has also had its fair share of mixed developments. Firstly, one ought to acknowledge Their Majesties for recognising the role of the media in shaping the national discourse. Particular appreciation is owed to His Majesty King Mswati III for including the media at the highest levels of national leadership where one has served over the past 14 years, contributing to speechwriting, policy development and international representation.
For those at the Times of Eswatini, it has been a year of transition, marked by our integration into Inyatsi Group Holdings (IGH) in April. Change, as is well known, can be disruptive. Yet, the staff embraced it with professionalism and openness, laying the groundwork for a seamless integration.
The first port of call has been to align with the group’s vision and values. One has been impressed by the vigour with which IGH pursues growth, inspired by His Majesty the King’s aspiration for a First-World nation. It is fair to say I am yet to come across an institution that embodies such passion for realising this vision as emphatically as IGH. This ethos has shaped a culture where high performance, clear targets and competitiveness are non-negotiable.
This explains why Inyatsi Group Holdings has emerged as a leading integrated corporation, operating across 11 African countries, employing more than 6 000 people and generating an annual turnover of approximately E17 billion (US$1 billion). Founded over 40 years ago, it has aggressively pursued its vision in sectors such as construction, mining, telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, media and property. The Times is drawing on this legacy and the expertise driving the group’s ongoing expansion into African markets. The effect on staff at the Times has been profound and one takes pride in the achievements of recent months under the new ownership.
We have enhanced our reach and relevance. Our digital presence has strengthened considerably, with Facebook followers rising from 230 000 to more than 400 000 in just seven months. We relaunched our website as a world-class platform and introduced PressReader subscriptions five months ago, which have been warmly received, attracting around 4 300 subscribers to date. We have also embarked on establishing our own production studio, poised to enrich our online advertising offerings and inspire our young creatives, who are brimming with innovative ideas. Concerted investment has also been made to improve our print quality.
These efforts have yielded rewards, with advertising revenue showing notable growth amid a challenging economy. Particularly encouraging has been the return of lapsed clients, reaffirming that quality and creativity remain powerful attractions.
With a renewed mindset and elevated standards, staff at the Times have adopted a new rhythm, commencing work at 7am, a change that may seem small but has had a transformative effect on this publication, as we set our eyes on becoming a forward-thinking, First-World organisation.
One wishes to extend gratitude to the Group Chairman, Michelo Shakantu, for the confidence shown in us during the acquisition. From the outset, he trusted the existing management team, allowing us to pursue our mission without upheaval or the introduction of external leadership. He has articulated a compelling vision to become ‘Africa’s leading integrated business partner’, instilling belief in our potential to grow significantly. To demonstrate his appreciation of our efforts, the chairman has awarded an unprecedented 13th cheque across the board, in recognition of the rapid adaptation to the new culture, embodiment of core values and demonstration of profitable operations.
On a personal note, I extend appreciation to the chairman for entrusting me with leadership of this organisation, despite numerous capable alternatives. This role has provided invaluable exposure to executive decision-making within Eswatini’s largest private conglomerate, an experience that is both demanding and enriching. It would not have been possible without the dedication of staff in upholding Inyatsi Group Holdings’ guiding values: Accountability, Teamwork, Agility, Commitment and Embracing Change.
Looking to 2026, may I extend best wishes to the Times ahead of the National Media Awards on Monday evening. Journalists should view these not merely as a celebratory occasion, but as an important reminder of our professional duty: To pursue truth, inform with integrity, hold power to account and narrate the stories that guide our nation wisely.
Finally, As His Majesty approaches 40 years on the throne next year, which is a momentous milestone, one prays that God bless him with continued divine wisdom to steer the kingdom towards its envisioned future.
Appreciation is also extended to our loyal clients and readers, whose support has sustained the Times and fuelled growth in the digital age as reflected in our rising social media engagement. We pledge enhanced content quality and responsiveness to feedback received through our ongoing reader survey. May you all enjoy a happy, safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
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