Manzini News

Catsatsa! Sikuwe puts members at the heart of Lidlelantfongeni

By Thokozani Mazibuko

NHLANGANO — Lidlelantfongeni took its message of putting members first directly to the people as its Catsatsa! Sikuwe Member Engagement Roadshow brought the Fund’s leadership, services and conversations into workplaces across Nhlangano.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Futhi Tembe and the Fund’s executive and management team, the activation saw direct engagements with employers and employees at Zheng Yong Factory, Montigny Investments and FTM, giving members an opportunity to raise questions, seek clarity and engage directly with the institution responsible for managing their savings.

At the heart of the discussions was the performance of members’ savings, with one figure standing out: 10%.

For the financial year ended June 2025, ENPF declared 10% members’ interest, following 8.65% in 2024 and 6.5% in 2023.

For Tembe, the return was part of a wider conversation about trust, responsibility and the future.

“When members see a return such as 10%, they should also understand the responsibility behind that number. This is their money, earned through their work and saved for their future. Our job is to manage it responsibly, protect it and create sustainable value for members,” Tembe said.

The workplace engagements covered contributions, members’ interest, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, claims, benefits, Ingungu voluntary supplementary savings, Sizumbulu lump-sum savings and Siphephelo free funeral cover, while employees raised practical questions about their individual circumstances.

Employers also raised issues around compliance, member education and strengthening communication between the Fund and their workforces.

They also expressed appreciation for ENPF’s stewardship of members’ savings, describing transparency, innovation and regular engagement as important in building confidence among employees.

Employers particularly welcomed the Fund’s growing digital footprint, including , saying digital platforms provided another convenient way for members to access information and remain connected with the Fund.

They noted that combining digital engagement with face-to-face interaction was particularly important as the Fund sought to reach members across different generations and workplaces.

ENPF General Manager Operations Vusi Ngcamphalala explained the significance of the Fund’s proposed conversion from a provident fund into a pension arrangement and its implications for members’ long term retirement income.

He encouraged members to look beyond the statutory contribution by considering voluntary supplementary contributions to strengthen their eventual retirement position. While the existing arrangement provides for a lump-sum benefit, he explained that the proposed pension model is intended to provide income in retirement, making accumulated savings increasingly important.

Ngcamphalala also highlighted Siphephelo, the Fund’s free funeral benefit for qualifying active members, and stressed the importance of continuous contributions and KYC compliance.

“Members must take ownership of their information and their savings. KYC is not simply a compliance exercise; it is about making sure that when a member needs the Fund, we have the correct information to serve them,” he said.

The Imbube Marathon, now established as a premier road running event in Eswatini, was also featured in the information shared during the activation. The eighth edition takes place on 17 October 2026 at Somhlolo National Stadium, featuring the 42.2km marathon, 21.1km half marathon, 10km race and 3.3km fun run.

The event has gained an increasingly international footing, attracting runners beyond Eswatini while promoting sport, wellness and tourism and providing opportunities for local athletes. This year’s marathon also offers qualification opportunities for major regional races, including the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon.

The engagements provided a two way platform, allowing ENPF management to explain the Fund’s role while listening directly to members’ concerns and suggestions.

“Catsatsa! Sikuwe is not about speaking at our members. It is about speaking with them. We want members to ask difficult questions, understand their benefits and know what is happening with their savings. Putting members first means being accessible and accountable to them,” Tembe said.

Adding a community centred and entertaining dimension to the activation were popular personalities Gogo and Silwane, who helped create an accessible atmosphere around financial education and member interaction.

For members who encounter ENPF primarily through deductions on their payslips, Catsatsa! Sikuwe is putting faces, explanations and direct engagement behind those monthly contributions.

The Nhlangano activation reinforced the Fund’s overarching message: “Putting Members First, Securing Lidlelantfongeni’s Future for Generations.”
Eswatini National Provident Fund

PRINCESS LINDIWE PASSED ON WHILE RECEIVING TREATMENT IN THE KINGDOM-GOVT

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has announced the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe, Minister of Home Affairs, following a short illness while receiving medical care in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Princess Lindiwe had served as Minister of Home Affairs since 2018. Government described her as a devoted public servant who served the Crown and the nation with dignity, commitment and compassion.

She was also remembered for her deep Christian faith and spiritual leadership. Affectionately known as Umkhokheli, she provided spiritual guidance and encouragement to many.

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, in a Government statement dated 17 September 2026, extended condolences to His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Royal Family, Princess Lindiwe’s family and relatives, her colleagues and all who knew her.

Further information on the funeral and related arrangements will be communicated in due course.

May the soul of Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe rest in eternal peace. 🕊️🇸🇿


Eswatini Government

Imbube Marathon registrations surge towards 10 000

By Lovey Mazibuko

NHLANGANO — The Imbube Marathon is gathering significant momentum ahead of its eighth edition, with 8,136 people from Eswatini and abroad already registered for the 17 October 2026 race at Somhlolo National Stadium.

Lidlelantfongeni Chief Executive Officer Futhi Tembe said the registration figure was encouraging and expressed optimism that participation could reach 10,000 by race day.

The eighth edition features the 42.2km marathon, 21.1km half marathon, 10km race and 3.3km fun run, with the event increasingly attracting runners from outside Eswatini.

For Tembe, the growing response reflects the national character of the event.

“Imbube is for the nation, just as Lidlelantfongeni is for emaSwati,” Tembe said.

She said the marathon had developed into more than a road race, providing a platform for wellness, sport, tourism and opportunities for local athletes while bringing participants from Eswatini and beyond together.

The event also offers qualification opportunities for major regional races, including the Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon, adding another competitive dimension for participating runners.

Employers engaging with ENPF during the Catsatsa! Sikuwe roadshow welcomed the growth of Imbube and the Fund’s wider approach to member and public engagement.

They said ENPF’s stewardship of members’ savings, transparency and innovation were important elements in building confidence, while the Fund’s expanding digital footprint was making it easier for members to remain connected.

Particular mention was made of , which gives the Fund another channel through which to communicate with members and provide access to information.

Employers said the combination of digital communication and direct workplace engagement was useful because members have different ways of receiving and seeking information.

Members also welcomed the opportunity to interact directly with ENPF officials during the roadshow.

“It helps when ENPF comes to us and explains these things face to face. Sometimes you see a deduction on your payslip every month without fully understanding what it means for your future,” one member said.

Another member said the Fund’s digital platforms were helping to keep members informed.

“I like that we can now follow what ENPF is doing digitally and get information without always having to travel to the Fund. But having the officials come here and speak to us directly is also important,” the member said.

With registrations already at 8,136, the focus now turns to whether Imbube can reach the 10,000 participant milestone before the starting gun is fired at Somhlolo National Stadium on 17 October.
Eswatini National Provident Fund

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