AGP Executive Report

Border Travel Tightens: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers entering from Eswatini at Oshoek say they’re getting stricter questioning and shorter stays—sometimes just seven days—while Eswatini-side processing remains faster. Township Tourism Hit: South African township tour operators report cancellations and revenue drops as June 30 unrest shakes visitor confidence, with bookings slowing sharply in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Cultural Tourism Boost: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked among Africa’s most famous festivals, underlining its pull for local and international cultural tourism. New Tourism Governance: The first board for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, aiming to strengthen Eswatini’s conference, exhibition and business-event offering. Health Access Drive: MTN Eswatini’s E2.2m “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign expanded healthcare and blood donation support in remote communities. Regional Diplomacy Watch: King Mswati III praised South Africa’s hospitality to Emaswati students amid heightened anxieties tied to anti-immigration protests.

World Cup Tourism Boost: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run is being celebrated at the Chinese-built Cape Verde National Stadium, the only FIFA-certified venue in the country—good news for football fans planning future trips. Border Travel Tightening: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers crossing at Oshoek (from Eswatini) report stricter questioning and shorter stays—some getting as little as seven days—while Eswatini-side processing stays faster. Regional Tourism Pressure: June 30 demonstrations are already hitting South Africa’s township tourism, with operators in Johannesburg and Cape Town reporting sharp booking drops and cancellations as visitor confidence dips. Eswatini Tourism Governance: The first board for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, with the facility positioned to strengthen Eswatini’s conference, exhibition and business-event tourism. Cultural Pull: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked among Africa’s most famous festivals, reinforcing its role as a major driver of cultural tourism. Wildlife Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after 35 years, with reintroduction efforts at Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve supporting safari experiences. Tech for Travellers: A Starlink Africa guide notes the service is live across much of the region but still absent from South Africa—relevant for cross-border travellers planning connectivity.

Tourism Governance: Eswatini’s Ezulwini Palazzo gets its first board of directors, with Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane saying the seven-member team will strengthen governance and help position the venue for international conferences, exhibitions and business events. Cultural Tourism: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, underlining its pull for visitors and boosting Eswatini’s cultural tourism profile. Wildlife & Conservation: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, following the reintroduction of four animals to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a regional metapopulation initiative. Regional Travel Watch: At South Africa’s Oshoek Border Post, travellers crossing from Eswatini report tighter questioning and shorter stays ahead of the June 30 immigration deadline—raising concerns for cross-border tourism plans. Connectivity for Visitors: A guide on Starlink availability notes South Africa is still missing from the service map, while many other African countries are live—relevant for travellers planning reliable internet access. Community Health: MTN Eswatini’s E2.2m “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign expanded healthcare and blood donation support to remote communities. Sports Tourism: FDH Bank backs Malawi’s TESSAM CUCSA team, with Eswatini among the participating countries in Botswana. Diplomacy & Travel Climate: King Mswati praised South Africa’s hospitality toward Emaswati and urged calm as anxieties rise around immigration protests.

Immigration Pressure on Travel: With South Africa’s June 30 anti-illegal-immigration push looming, travellers entering via Oshoek (from Eswatini) report tougher questioning and shorter stays—some getting as little as seven days instead of the usual 30—while Eswatini-side processing stays quicker, creating border “stamp runs” as visitors return to extend permits. Tourism Fallout: Township tourism operators in South Africa say the uncertainty is already biting: bookings are down sharply in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and cancellations are expected to linger beyond the protests. Royal and Diplomatic Signals: King Mswati III urged Emaswati students in South Africa to stay calm and law-abiding as tensions rise, and he praised South Africa’s hospitality; separately, he backed Eswatini’s continued partnership with the US. Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: Tourism Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane appointed the first Ezulwini Palazzo board, setting up oversight for the conference and business-events venue. Wildlife & Culture Boost: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after 35 years, and Umhlanga Reed Dance was ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival—both strong draws for visitors. Connectivity for Visitors: A guide notes Starlink is expanding across Africa but still not available in South Africa, shaping where travellers may rely on satellite internet.

Royal Welcome: King Mswati III praised South Africa’s warm hospitality to Emaswati, urging students and documented travellers to keep studying peacefully amid anxieties linked to anti-immigration protests. Border Travel Impact: As South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented immigrants nears, travellers entering via Oshoek report stricter questioning and shorter stays—sometimes just seven days—while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker. Tourism Governance: The first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, with the facility positioned to boost conferences, exhibitions, business events, jobs, and local enterprise growth. Wildlife Tourism Boost: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini as part of a regional conservation initiative. Culture on the Map: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked among Africa’s most famous festivals, reinforcing its pull for cultural tourism. Connectivity for Travellers: A guide notes Starlink is live across much of Africa but still not available in South Africa—useful for planning cross-border connectivity. Health & Community: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas.

Border Travel Disruption: As South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented immigrants nears, travellers crossing from Eswatini at Oshoek Border Post report tougher questioning, shorter stays (as low as seven days), and long queues—while Eswatini-side processing stays fast, pushing some visitors to return just to extend or re-stamp passports. Tourism Shock in SA Townships: With June 30 protests looming, township tourism operators say uncertainty is already driving cancellations and cutting revenue, threatening a fragile post-pandemic recovery. Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: Eswatini’s Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister has appointed the first board for Ezulwini Palazzo, setting up oversight for the conference and business-events facility expected to boost jobs and investment. Wildlife Tourism Boost: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve in a phased conservation effort. Cultural Spotlight: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, reinforcing its pull for cultural tourism. Community Health Push: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas.

Diplomacy & Sovereignty: China is reacting sharply after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s controversial May visit to Eswatini, with Beijing warning the kingdom not to “pull chestnuts out of the fire” for Taiwan independence. Tourism Impact: South Africa’s June 30 immigration protests are already hitting township tourism, with operators reporting booking drops and cancellations that could linger beyond the unrest—good to watch for regional spillover into Eswatini travel plans. Tourism Governance: The Ezulwini Palazzo has appointed its first seven-member board, with the government saying the venue will boost conferences, exhibitions, jobs and local enterprise. Wildlife Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four cats reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a wider conservation push. Community Health: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas. Sports & Regional Links: FDH Bank donated K100m to support CUCSA games participation, with Eswatini among the teams.

Tourism & Safety: Johannesburg and Cape Town township tour operators say June 30 immigration-related protests have already cut bookings—Soweto Tours reports a third of revenue lost versus last year, with cancellations likely to linger. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Taiwan’s tense ties with Eswatini are back in focus after a controversial visit by Taiwan’s leader, drawing China’s warning to Eswatini over “One-China” alignment. Tourism Development: Eswatini’s Ezulwini Palazzo board has been appointed, with the government saying the seven-member team will strengthen governance and boost conferences, exhibitions and business travel. Wildlife Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a wider conservation push. Culture & Visitor Appeal: Umhlanga Reed Dance is ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, reinforcing its pull for cultural tourism. Connectivity for Travellers: A Starlink Africa guide notes the service is live in many countries but still absent from South Africa—relevant for cross-border travellers planning rural routes. Community Health: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access in remote areas.

Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: Tourism Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane has appointed the first seven-member board for the Ezulwini Palazzo, a key government tourism and economic project aimed at boosting conferences, exhibitions, jobs and local enterprise. Cultural Tourism Boost: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, underlining its pull for local and international visitors to Ludzidzini. Wildlife Returns: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a wider Southern African restoration effort. Regional Ties & Travel Links: Eswatini’s King Mswati III reaffirmed support for the US at its 250th independence celebrations, while the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town focused on regional integration and trade. Community & Access: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare and blood donation support in remote areas. Education Calendar: Schools will get their first-ever mid-term break from June 26–29. Cross-border Business: Real Betis launched Real Betis Academy Gambia, its fourth academy in Africa, including an Eswatini academy. Sports & Events: FDH Bank donated K100m to Malawi’s CUCSA games team, with Eswatini among participating countries.

Tourism Governance: Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane has appointed the first board for Ezulwini Palazzo, a government-backed tourism and business-events facility expected to boost conferences, create jobs and support local enterprises. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a regional restoration effort. Cultural Calendar: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival by Globe Data, underlining its pull for cultural tourism at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. Connectivity for Travellers: A new guide maps where Starlink works across Africa, noting it’s live in many countries but still absent in South Africa—useful for planning cross-border trips. Community Health & Giving: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas. Regional Business & Travel: Eswatini’s King Mswati III pledged deeper partnership with the US at the embassy’s Independence Day celebrations, reinforcing ties that can support exchanges and tourism links.

Sustainable Tourism & Wildlife: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years after four animals were reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, marking a major step in restoring large carnivores and boosting wildlife tourism. Tourism Development: The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has appointed the first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo, a key government tourism investment aimed at conferences, exhibitions and business events. Community Health & Travel-Linked Connectivity: MTN Eswatini pledged E2.2m to expand its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, bringing healthcare services and blood donation support to remote communities. Culture & Visitor Demand: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, underlining its pull for local and international cultural tourism. Education & Family Travel Planning: Schools will get a first-ever mid-term break from June 26 to June 29, helping families plan rest and trips. Regional Sports Tourism: FDH Bank donated K100 million toward TESSAM/CUCSA games in Gaborone, with Eswatini among participating teams. Business & Leadership: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women, spotlighting Eswatini’s leadership on the continent.

Tourism Governance: Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane has appointed the first board of directors for the Ezulwini Palazzo, a key government tourism and business-events investment, with a seven-member team tasked with corporate governance, operator oversight and safeguarding public accountability. Wildlife & Conservation: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years after the reintroduction of four animals into Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, part of a wider Southern African cheetah restoration effort. Cultural Tourism Boost: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, underlining its pull for local and international visitors. Education for Families: For the first time, public schools will get a mid-term break from June 26 to June 29, giving teachers and pupils a breather. Regional Tourism & Travel Context: Eswatini’s King Mswati III reaffirmed support for the United States at the US Embassy’s Independence Day celebrations, highlighting long-running people-to-people ties that can also shape travel and exchange links. Business & Travel Networks: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa was elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women, adding another spotlight on Eswatini’s business leadership.

Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years after four animals were reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, marking a major step in restoring large carnivores. Culture & Visitor Economy: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, a boost for cultural tourism that draws tens of thousands to Ludzidzini Royal Residence. Regional Travel & Business: Eswatini is represented at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, where leaders focus on trade, industrial development and the SACU Strategic Plan—good news for cross-border travellers and investors. Leadership & Tourism Partnerships: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa was elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women, adding momentum for regional networks that can support tourism growth. Travel Safety Watch: A Canadian tourist died after a reported accidental shooting near Phabeni Gate in Kruger National Park; police are investigating and a tour guide has been arrested. Education & Family Travel: Eswatini’s first mid-term school break has been introduced (June 26–29), which may shift short holiday plans for families. Sports & Community Events: Real Betis Academy launched in Gambia, and Eswatini’s TT Phasha is set to bring his one-man show to Pretoria’s Menlyn Protea Hotel on July 4.

Wildlife & Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years after four animals were reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, marking a key step in restoring large carnivores and building a founder population. Culture & Visitor Economy: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, putting Eswatini’s flagship cultural event firmly on the international tourism map as it draws maidens and spectators from inside and outside the country. Education & Travel Planning: Eswatini’s first-ever mid-term school break starts Friday (June 26) and runs to Monday, with pupils back on Tuesday—useful for families planning trips and bookings. Business & Leadership: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women, boosting Eswatini’s profile in regional business and leadership circles. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security, calling for partnerships that support African integration. Cross-border Note: A Canadian tourist died in a reported accidental shooting incident near Phabeni Gate in Kruger National Park, with police investigating and a private tour guide arrested.

Wildlife & Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years, with four cats reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of the Southern African Cheetah Metapopulation Initiative—an important step for restoring large carnivores and boosting safari appeal. Culture & Travel: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, placing Eswatini’s flagship cultural event alongside top continental celebrations and reinforcing its pull for international visitors. Regional Economy: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane led Lesotho’s delegation at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, where leaders discussed regional trade, industrial development and the future direction of SACU. Cross-Border Travel Watch: Eswatini’s Foreign Affairs ministry urged Emaswati in South Africa to stay in touch with official missions amid tensions tied to anti-illegal immigration protests. Sports & Spotlight: Eswatini’s Sylvia Mthethwa (Shoprite director) was elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women, adding fresh visibility for local business leadership.

Festival Spotlight: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival by Globe Data, placing the Ludzidzini Royal Residence event just behind Nigeria’s Calabar Carnival and Ethiopia’s Timkat. Tourism & Travel Safety: A Canadian tourist died after a reported accidental shooting during a barbecue picnic near Phabeni Gate in Kruger National Park; police say a tour operator’s rifle discharged while demonstrating it, and a private tour guide was arrested. Cross-Border Travel Advisory: eSwatini’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Emaswati in South Africa to stay in touch with official missions amid tensions tied to anti-illegal immigration protests, warning against unofficial “helpers.” Regional Mobility & Costs: South Africa’s SARS plans to end SACU exemptions for BELN vehicles, requiring temporary import declarations for foreign-registered cars—an update that could affect many travellers and commuters. Culture & Community: MTN Bushfire Festival weekend brought 50,403 arrivals to eSwatini (including 28,392 international visitors) and boosted hotel occupancy across key towns.