MBABANE - In just a few days, Eswatini’s corporate community will converge at Esibayeni Lodge (Esangweni) for the much-anticipated ‘All Set for King V: Eswatini response’ presentation.
This will be a landmark event that will unpack the newly-released King V Report on Corporate Governance.
Organised by REDI, one of the region’s leading corporate governance advisory firms, the event marks Eswatini’s first live presentation of the King V standard since its official launch last Friday by the Institute of Directors in South Africa.
REDI Chief Executive Officer Dr Sikhomba Gumbi said all the advertised speakers have confirmed their participation, assuring attendees of a robust and insightful session.
“We are excited to be the first to bring this event to Eswatini. It is a testament to our commitment to equipping our clients and stakeholders with the best in corporate governance knowledge and practices,” Dr Gumbi said.
He added that the upcoming event would position local businesses, directors and executives on the cutting edge of governance standards shaping the future of ethical leadership, accountability and transparency across Africa.
The event will feature a powerhouse line-up of speakers and panellists who bring decades of expertise spanning corporate law, public enterprise management, finance and judicial reform.
Advocate Annamarie van der Merwe
A name synonymous with South Africa’s corporate governance evolution, Advocate Annamarie van der Merwe is a longstanding member of the King Committee on Corporate Governance and was deeply involved in drafting all the King Reports, particularly King IV.
With more than 33 years of experience as a corporate lawyer and company secretary in the listed environment, she currently serves as executive chair of FluidRock Governance Group and sits on several Boards, including Pick n Pay Stores Limited and the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, where she is Board chair.
Her insights are expected to provide the regional context behind King V and what it means for Eswatini’s governance landscape.
Muzi Siyaya
The Managing Director of Ubombo Sugar Limited, Siyaya brings over 30 years of leadership experience across South Africa and Eswatini. His corporate career includes senior roles at MTN, Cell C, Primedia, Dimension Data and GIBB Engineering.
Beyond the private sector, Siyaya serves on the ABF Sugar Divisional Leadership Team, sits on the Council of the Eswatini Sugar formerly called Eswatini Sugar Association (ESA) and chairs the Remuneration Committee at EWADE. He recently led the Cabinet-appointed Task Team to review the University of Eswatini’s operations, underscoring his reputation as a transformative strategist. Holding an MSc in Finance from King’s College London and an MBA from the University of the Witwatersrand, Siyaya’s presentation will likely focus on governance leadership in complex organisations and aligning business strategy with corporate accountability.
Busangani Mkhaliphi
As Director of Public Enterprises in the Ministry of Finance, Busangani Mkhaliphi plays a pivotal role in strengthening parastatal performance and governance.
Armed with an International MBA from Cheng Chi University (Taiwan) and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from UNESWA, she brings two decades of experience in oversight and reform of State-owned enterprises.
Mkhaliphi is known for championing governance training for directors and executives and providing secretariat support to SCOPE ministers. Her discussion will centre on public sector governance and the importance of institutional accountability in national development.
Nathi Dlamini
Few names in Eswatini’s business landscape carry as much weight as Nathi Dlamini, the Chief Executive Officer of Business Eswatini. With over three decades in strategic planning, investment promotion and corporate turnaround, Dlamini’s experience spans leadership roles at EPTC, EIPA and major global financial institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank (London and Eswatini), Nedbank Eswatini, and First Republic Bank (Texas). He holds an MBA from Henley Management College and Brunel University (UK) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Texas. Dlamini’s insights will be instrumental in linking the new King V principles to Eswatini’s private sector transformation and competitiveness agenda.
Justice Cyril aphanga
A Judge of the High Court’s Commercial Division, Justice Maphanga brings a rich legal background spanning over two decades in commercial law, arbitration and regulatory reform.
Before joining the bench in 2017, he practised privately and served as in-house counsel for the Road Accident Fund. His consulting work for government includes legal and institutional reforms for Eswatini’s transport and public enterprise sectors.
Justice Maphanga is also a qualified arbitrator and a founding member of the Swaziland Arbitration Institute. His presentation is expected to delve into corporate governance from a legal and judicial perspective — emphasising compliance, accountability and the evolving role of the courts in commercial governance disputes.
Dr Lungile Dlamini
Currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Municipal Council of Manzini, Dr Dlamini epitomises visionary leadership in local governance. With over 20 years of experience in public administration and urban planning, she is renowned for driving innovation and sustainability in local government systems.
Her academic credentials include an MSc in Planning Studies from Oxford Brookes University (UK), an MBA and several international qualifications in urban development.
As Vice President (International) of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and President of the Eswatini Local Authorities Managers Association (ELAMA), Dr Dlamini’s contribution will explore how governance standards such as King V can strengthen service delivery, institutional resilience and community development.
(L-R) Business Eswatini CEO Nathi Dlamini, Ubombo Sugar Managing Director Muzi Siyaya and Municipal Council of Manzini Chief Executive Officer Dr Lungile Dlamini. (File pics)