Labour

MBABANE – The Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela has announced the appointment of Nontombi Maphanga as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC).

Maphanga who is the daughter of astute businessman Moses Motsa, assumes office at a time when ENPC is overseeing the construction of the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility at Phuzumoya, a project the minister said must progress smoothly and begin delivering results as directed by His Majesty King Mswati III.

The minister urged Maphanga to prioritise the timely completion and operationalisation of the facility, describing it as central to the country’s long-term fuel security and economic ambitions. He said Maphanga’s appointment followed a vigorous recruitment process that included the engagement of an independent consultant to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.

The minister reiterated government’s broader vision of positioning Eswatini as a key fuel hub on the continent. “Our aim is to supply other countries with fuel. We aim to supply the whole of Africa with our fuel,” the minister said.

He added that government ultimately intended to establish a domestic oil refinery, noting that the closure of several refineries in the southern African region presented an opportunity for Eswatini to enter the space.

ENPC, established under the Petroleum Act No. 18 of 2020, is recognised as the country’s national oil company and is mandated to build and operate the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility at Phuzumoya. The project is expected to enhance security of fuel supply while contributing to socio-economic development through infrastructure development and job creation.

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Construction on track

MBABANE – Construction of the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility at Phuzumoya is progressing according to plan, Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela has said.

The minister said the project remains within budget and is expected to become operational within 36 months. “Work has already started. Excavation, including the drilling of a borehole, construction of an office site and fencing have already been completed,” Lonkhokhela said.

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l-r: Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy Lindiwe Mbingo, Minister for Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, ENPC CEO Nontombi Maphanga and ENPC Board Chairman Velaphi Dlamini. (Pic: Mlondzi Nkambule)

Nontombi Maphanga the new Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC).