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Sekulula Online Mobile Store, Mbabane (2026)

24/11/2025

UNPLANNED HOMES, UNPLANNED CONSEQUENCES: What happens when unplanned settlements sprout on land meant for factories, schools or public services? At Magindane, an entire industrial future is now in limbo and residents say they paid for land they were never meant to occupy. A slow-burn showdown over space, survival and a system stretched thin. Our lead story has more.

A VOICE TAKING AFRICA HIGHER: Eswatini’s Gospel powerhouse is having quite a moment, new milestones, new audiences, and now a continental crown to match the noise she’s been making all year. From chart spikes to global stages, something big is unfolding in Nothando Hlophe’s world… and it’s louder than ever. Story on pages 2-3.

A MORNING THAT TURNED INTO MAYHEM
What began as an ordinary Manzini rush hour spiralled into chaos when a kombi suddenly tore down Nkoseluhlaza Street, with no driver in sight, ending in unimaginable scenes near Power Fashion. By the time the dust settled, lives had been changed in seconds. A moment no one on that street will forget. Story on page 5.

A CRISIS INSIDE THE CLASSROOM: As reports of s*xual offences by teachers continue to surface, concerns over pupil safety are growing louder. From courtrooms to classrooms, the story exposes cracks in supervision, vetting and accountability that the ministry is now trying to repair. Story on page 6.

… AND IN OTHER STORIES:
- The government is closely monitoring entities which are not remitting tax. What motivated this?
- Residents of Ntfonjeni are accusing their leadership of neglect and slow development progress. What has sparked this and what did the Inkhundla Council say?

BUSINESS: Rhodes Food Group (RFG) has committed a capital investment of E370 million for the upgrading and maintenance of its production facilities across South Africa and Eswatini during the 2026 financial year. Meanwhile, the Eswatini Stock Exchange (ESE) experienced an exceptional rise in trading activity in October 2025.

SPORTS: As the race for the E120

06/11/2025

WHEN WORDS COME BACK TO BITE: After a voice recording he wishes never saw daylight, Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo has issued a public apology to Their Majesties, the Prime Minister, and the nation. He admits the words were his, but says the context was never meant for public ears. Our lead story has more.

TECH TROUBLE, REAL CONSEQUENCES: When the government’s system goes “invalid”, life does too, from car registrations to tender bids. Dealers can’t sell, citizens can’t pay, and everyone’s asking: who’s fixing the fixer? Pages 2-3.

SALARY WOES UNVEILED: Civil servants are being urged to speak up after October pay packets caused more questions than answers. From unexpected downgrades to puzzling tax deductions, employees are scrambling to have their concerns heard before today’s deadline. Could your take-home pay be hiding surprises? Our lead story has more. Story on pages 4-5.

TENDER TROUBLES: A high-stakes tender for town planning has hit a major snag. Allegations of favouritism and scoring errors have left the council’s award under scrutiny. Who really deserved the win, and how did the process go so sideways? Story on page 4.

…AND IN OTHER STORIES:
- Low-income households that rely on paraffin for cooking and heating will benefit from the reduction of fuel prices by 45 cents.
- A 93-year-old woman was found to have hanged herself from the rafters on Tuesday afternoon, around 3:30pm.
- A former cleaner is suing Baphalali Swaziland Red Cross Society for E3.1 million following an alleged needle-stick injury that he claimed resulted in him contracting HIV.

BUSINESS: Eswatini takes centre stage as top Regional Customs officials convene in Mbabane to tackle narcotics trafficking, e-commerce revenue risks, AEO harmonisation and border integrity reforms, shaping the future of regional trade controls. Meanwhile, with assets now at E3.5 billion, the co-operatives sector is looking to take a bold new step, establishing its own Co-operative Bank.

24/10/2025

NO ‘DVULADVULA’ FOR THE DEFENDERS: Payday excitement hits the public sector, but the men and women in uniform still await their turn. Government promises November will make up for October’s silence, but the troops aren’t amused. Our lead story has more.

SAME DAY, DIFFERENT AGENDAS: Teachers are celebrating, the federation is meeting and everyone’s talking unity. Yet the timing has sparked more questions than applause. Coincidence or quiet competition? Story on pages 2-3.

SWEET SUCCESS, SUSTAINABLY SOURCED From cane fields to global acclaim, Eswatini’s sugar industry has just set a new standard the rest of Africa will be chasing. It’s not just sweet; it’s certified sustainably. Story on page 4.

THOU SHALT NOT THROW HANDS: Two pastors. One church. Too many punches. What started as a holy disagreement at the AEC Mbuluzi branch has now landed both men of the cloth before the magistrate. Story on pages 4-5.

…AND IN OTHER STORIES:
- Somalis escape Operation Dudula, seek refugee status in Eswatini.
- The man accused of stabbing a textile worker in the neck yesterday made a confession where he claimed that the deceased had provoked the attack.

BUSINESS: The World Bank warns that global tensions could weigh on Eswatini’s textile exports, a key driver of industrial growth. But there’s good news too, the latest reports show stronger market foundations, with growth across pension funds and capital markets, signalling deeper investor confidence.

SPORTS: An ex-Sihlangu star makes a massive transfer, and army giants Young Buffaloes lose two key veterans. All the drama and essential updates are in the sports section of your favourite read. Grab your copy!

23/10/2025

PRINTER DOWN, NATION ON PAUSE: Need an ID? You might want to take a seat, a long one. Twenty-eight days later, the machine that prints the cards remains broken, and there’s no timeline for a fix. And now, even pupils heading into final exams are caught in the chaos and other basic services are also on hold. Our lead story has more.

TRAGEDY IN THE NAME OF LOVE: She had reported the abuse, declared she was scared and wanted out, begged for space and even warned he might kill her. No one thought he actually would, until it was too late. Neighbours thought it was just another argument. By morning, her silence told a different story. This is not just another GBV story. It’s a question of how far we’ve fallen. Story on pages 2-3.

DNA VS DESTINY: Two DNA tests said he’s not the father. But she’s not buying it, insisting “something spiritual” is interfering. A woman in Pigg’s Peak says no lab test can change what she knows in her heart, that the man she loved is the father of her child. Story on page 4.

THE PRICE OF TRUST: Elderly emaSwati are falling prey to cyber crooks who seem to know exactly when pension money lands. One woman’s E200 000 loss has sparked new warnings, because this could happen to anyone’s gogo. Story on page 4.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS:
- Five homesteads were demolished yesterday at Moihoek Farm in the KaMbhoke chiefdom under the Methula Constituency.
- Mpaka Mine access blocked- businesswoman.
- Junior officers demand compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.

ENTERTAINMENT: A local choral song is breaking borders and achieving a milestone in a reputable competition. Piggs Peak is aiming to boost the country's tourism through an upcoming festival. Also read about five local musicians set to represent the kingdom in Mpumalanga

BUSINESS: Oracle Insurance’s parent company Vunani Limited reports an 8% surge in profits, driven by strong performance across its financial services portfolio. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Eswatini’s total assets have climbed

19/10/2025

30 PER CENT OF HOPE: The E5.2 billion oil reserve deal promises to fuel local empowerment with a 30 per cent cut for emaSwati. Yet between procurement loopholes and foreign loans, some wonder: is this inclusion, or illusion?
our lead story has more.

TRAGIC END TO SEARCH MISSION: What began as a routine flight turned into a desperate search across two countries. The missing Cessna 206 has been found near Barberton, but the pilot’s story ends in sorrow.

LEADERLESS FOR 15 MONTHS: The Royal Science and Technology Park was meant to be the country’s innovation engine, but for over a year, it’s had no driver. As the CEO seat gathers dust, questions mount over what’s really holding up progress.

ID SERVICE SHUTDOWN: WHO’S TELLING THE TRUTH?: Government blames machines. MPs blame money. Meanwhile, students, jobseekers, and recruits are left stranded in the middle of an identity crisis.

CHURCH BATTLE GOES BACK TO COURT: A suspended pastor. A divided congregation. And a court caught in the middle of a holy tug-of-war. Judge Mumcy Dlamini has weighed in, but this fight is far from over.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS: As Eswatini weighs its future under AGOA, fresh data shows a staggering trade deficit with the US over the past decade.
-Pigg’s Peak Town Council splurged hundreds of thousands on unauthorised perks and is now flagged by the Auditor General.

SPORTS: Mancoba Nhlabatsi misses out on defending his Imbube Marathon crown by just five seconds but he and Gcinile Magongo still strike gold, sharing E100K! Elsewhere, Mbabane Highlanders clinch their first league win in front of President Shauwn MaMkhize Mkhize, and we revisit the glory days of former Wits star Ernest Hurrah Ntshangase in Legends Corner. All this and more in the Times SUNDAY.

16/10/2025

E11.9 MILLION AND COUNTING: A scandal is unravelling in the Ministry of Education, where dozens of drivers allegedly mastered the art of getting paid for hours they never worked. Police are now on the trail of the “overtime jackpot. Our lead story has more.

SALARY REVIEW HITS THE BANK: From drivers to directors, every civil servant’s October pay will carry a little extra cheer as the salary review finally lands. However, not everyone’s plate is equally full. Some will pocket a once-off E4 700 boost this month, others a bit more. But the real windfall? That’s coming next year. More on pages 2-3.

SHOPLIFTED CURVES: One Mbabane woman thought she could sneak out with “curve-boosting” pills and sell them for cash. But when the alarm went off, so did her luck and straight into police hands. Story on page 4.

NO CHECKS, NO DRUGS, NO ACCOUNTABILITY: It turns out some of the companies trusted with supplying vital medicines were never properly vetted, even after handing out tenders worth hundreds of thousands. Now, with cancelled orders and expired drugs, Parliament wants answers. Story on page 5.

…AND IN OTHER STORIES:
- Members of Parliament are not taking kindly to the statement issued by the Judiciary following submissions made by Hhukwini MP, Alec Lushaba. The six members of the Africa Evangelical Church (AEC), who include the Mankayane branch pastor, failed on Tuesday in their bid for an interim order staying Pastor Bheki Nxumalo’s suspension.
- The court dismissed a bail application filed by a house helper, Fisile Simelane, who is facing 190 ‘facata’ charges.

ENTERTAINMENT: More great news for Eswatini as Netflix is opening up its doors for an opportunity of a lifetime. Manzini is buzzing with the opening of the new studio but there are a few 'crews' that need to be tightened up.

SPORTS: Huge financial boost awaits PLE clubs! This is after the PLE introduced a smart card to boost the club's coffers through fans' subscriptions. Meanwhile, Mbabane Highlanders i

15/10/2025

THE KING’S VISION TAKES ROOT: A year ago, it was an idea floated at a global forum. Today, it’s a signed deal that could redefine how Eswatini grows, eats, and survives. Could this be the country’s most meaningful step yet towards food sovereignty? Our lead story has more.

NOTCH BY NOTCH, OR NOT AT ALL?: Civil servants say they’re ready to sign on the dotted line, but only if government keeps its promise on experience-based notches. Will the long-awaited salary review finally deliver, or is this another round of déjà vu in the pay wars? Story on pages 2-3.

MARRIAGE UNDER INSPECTION: With divorce rates climbing, before you say “I do”, Parliament says you might soon need clearance first. MPs want a marriage law that checks your readiness, from your bank balance to your family’s blessing. Story on page 4.

THE ROOTS RUN DEEP: Operation Thunder is turning up the heat, again. Dagga worth close to E1 million was seized in Singeni, but as police celebrate another haul, others are asking: Is enforcement alone enough to w**d out the trade? Also, what continues to keep this trade alive?

…AND IN OTHER STORIES:
- Municipal Council CEO Gciniwe Fakudze has raised an alarm over the high HIV infection rate among young women and adolescent girls, attributing it to relationships with older men.
- Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) has postponed its graduation, causing mixed emotions among students.
- AEC Mankayane Branch members are alleged to have abruptly stopped a church service due to the presence of police officers.

ENTERTAINMENT: From global stages to gospel praise, Africa’s stars are stealing the show! Eswatini’s finest gear up for a major awards night, while Matsapha readies for a youth revival like no other. Plus, the latest buzz shaking up the gospel scene, it’s all here!

BUSINESS: Jobs saved, others created! The Eswatini Competition Commission has approved two major acquisitions involving Usutu Forest Products and Shiselweni Forest, resulting in ove

11/10/2025

FREE EDUCATION, EXPENSIVE REALITY: It’s called ‘free’ primary education, but some schools are now paying to keep it that way. From playgrounds to gardens, even the tools of learning have been caught in a web of municipal rates. And the law? It seems to be sitting this lesson out. Our lead story has more.

THE PRICE OF A REJECTION: She left her job, invested her pension, and grew what she thought was quality produce, only for NAMBoard to say “no”. What followed shook even the Agriculture Minister. Read more on pages 2-3.

UNIONS DRAW THE LINE: Public sector unions say it’s either fair pay for all or no deal at all. After talks hit a wall, negotiators handed government two options and both could shake up the salary review. More on pages 2-3.

MPs PUSH FOR A BIGGER ARMY INTAKE: Lawmakers have hailed the army’s recruitment exercise as fair and transparent, but they’re not satisfied yet. MPs say the army door should open wider. More details on pages 4-5.

VILLAGERS 1, CROCODILE 0: It started as an act of survival and ended as a standoff with the law. Villagers in Nkwene say they were tired of watching their goats disappear into a crocodile’s jaws. But catching it themselves? That’s where things got complicated. More on pages 4-5.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS: The judiciary is going digital, not for fun, but for defence. A new workshop aims to equip judges for the rising tide of cybercrime.
-Hope rises in Mahlangatsha as talks to reopen a dormant mine gain ground.

SPORTS: Sihlangu’s flight fiasco!�The national team was left stranded in Dubai after missing their connection and now they’re set to land in Cape Verde just hours before kick-off. Back home, Highlanders are making moves for Buffs striker Phiwa Dlamini, while Swallows finally break their silence on long-time backer Consul Ashraff. All the twists, transfers and travel woes; it’s all in today’s paper!

02/10/2025

NO MORE FREE RIDES: E4 million later, government has been paying suspended employees to sit at home. A new court ruling says it’s back to the hearing room and the stakes are bigger than just lost cement bags. Our lead story has more.

WHO’S COUNTING COINS?: Imagine being told your “big raise” is less than a tank of petrol, while across the corridor, someone’s getting enough to buy a new car every month. That’s the new pay scale story on pages 2-3.

FROM THREAT TO OPPORTUNITY: For most countries, AGOA’s end means panic. For Eswatini, officials insist it could mean more jobs, more investment and maybe even an unlikely win. But how much of that optimism is real? Page 4 has more.

THE AGE QUESTION: What age makes a woman “ripe” for s*x? That startling question was put before the High Court as government spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo fights to dismantle the law under which he is charged. The case has thrown culture, consent, and constitutionality into a tense courtroom clash. Page 5 has more.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS:
- MPs reject water loan bill, want prepaid system.
- It’s all systems go for the Shiselweni Umhlanga as chiefs across the region have completed preparations.
- Farm inputs will be made available at agro-dealers from today.

ENTERTAINMENT: A talented local opera singer is soaring to new heights, selected for a prestigious international programme. A local musician's impromptu jam session turned into a dream come true, sharing the stage with a world-renowned artist.

BUSINESS: In 2026, the agriculture and forestry subsector is projected to pick up by 5.3 per cent, supported by the growing of crops as well as forestry and logging activities. Meanwhile, the US Embassy is set to host yet another massive public auction featuring cars, electronics, and other equipment..

SPORTS: Premier League teams will compete for a revised and massive package in the next three seasons. Meanwhile, a latest twist in the Mbabane Swallows ownership battle threatens to ground the sid

29/09/2025

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26/09/2025

BOARDROOM OR BAITROOM?: Imagine flying in for a “tender meeting” held in an actual government boardroom, only to discover two years and E1.4 million later that it was all a con. That’s the nightmare one South African businessman is living, as investigators now consider whether insiders greased the scam from within. Our lead story has more.

REWRITING THE UN PLAYBOOK: Forget the long speeches and endless resolutions, His Majesty says the UN should get boots on the ground. Committees that actually sit with warring sides, ask uncomfortable questions, and chase real solutions. It’s a call that challenges the UN to live up to its founding promise. More on pages 2-3.

BETRAYED IN THE WARD: Hospitals are meant to heal, but one Pigg’s Peak teenager says she walked in for treatment and left with trauma. Police are now investigating a nurse accused of s*xually violating her, as reports of r**e across the country continue to mount. Story on page 4.

WHEN ROUTES TURN INTO BATTLEFIELDS: Taxi wars are no longer just drivers’ fights, passengers are paying the price. A seven-year-old girl is in the ICU after being shot in the head while in a kombi on her way home from school in Nhlangano. The chaos on Eswatini’s roads has taken a frightening new turn. Story on page 4.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS:
- At least 20 aspiring soldiers were disqualified yesterday at Mangcongco Inkhundla after concerns were raised regarding an unexpectedly huge turnout for a constituency with a small population
- A 53-year-old security guard allegedly removed a teenager from her father’s custody, r**ed and impregnated her.
- The Eswatini Catholic Parliamentary Liaison Office (ECPLO) supports His Majesty’s and the government’s exercise of mercy toward all pardoned inmates, including former MP Mthandeni Dube.

ENTERTAINMENT: A brand-new, multi-million recording studio has just opened its doors in one of Eswatini's regions, offering artists a state-of-the-art space to create magic. St. Mark's High School is hosting

24/09/2025

A SECOND CHANCE: With tears in her eyes, Mthandeni’s mother called it God’s grace. Others call it royal mercy. After years locked away, his upcoming release has become both a family miracle and a national talking point. Our lead story has more.

ODDS AND CONSEQUENCES: Gambling in Eswatini is no longer just about wins and losses. With debts, crime and broken families piling up, even betting giants are calling the police for help. Story on pages 4-5.

THE PRICE OF EVIL: After years of horror, a predator who terrorised Mbabane’s young girls robbing them of their innocence has finally been caged. But for many, even 48 years feels like a slap on the wrist as they believe he deserved worse. Story on pages 4-5.

MIX-UPS AND MISTRUST: What was meant to be a straight run into the forces turned into chaos, with disqualifications, dodgy directions and questions of who really belongs, as locals fume that outsiders hijacked the process, leaving Nhlambeni hopefuls stuck in the reserves. Story on pages 8-9.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS:
- Man sentenced for assaulting his girlfriend whom he accused of using money intended for their children’s maintenance to buy herself alcohol.
- Imagine going to work and being told you’ll never marry because your boyfriend is cheating. Those were the words of a customer directed to shop assistants,an insult which cost him E500 in court.

ENTERTAINMENT: Get ready, Eswatini! Nasty C's highly anticipated Ivyson Tour is coming to town! Hats off to our very own Eswatini chef who's about to spice up South Africa's culinary scene. Featured in one of the country's top cookbooks, this talented chef's recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

BUSINESS: More Investors, Limited Gains in Mining Eswatini’s mining sector attracts fresh investors, but its GDP contribution remains at just 1.3%. Eswatini and fellow African nations urged to leverage AfCFTA, energy, and water investments for real economic growth.

SPORTS: Another day, a fresh twist in Mbabane Swallows

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