By Mvuselelo Fakudze

As the twilight of 2025 approaches, I find myself filled with a profound sense of gratitude.

This has been a year of significant milestones, a year where we didn’t just navigate change, but actively shaped the future of Eswatini’s economy. I am moved by how much we have achieved by standing together.

Our mission to make Eswatini a seamless place to do business saw extraordinary progress this year. 

We have worked tirelessly to ensure that your goods move faster and your operations are more sustainable.

One of our proudest moments was the signing of the Eswatini–South Africa Joint Action Plan. By collaborating with the NTFC, SARS, and the Border Management Authority, we are paving the way for the Oshoek–Ngwenya border to become a “Juxtaposed One-Stop Border Post”.

This means less time in queues and more time for growth. In our quest for energy independence, we launched the Developer’s Guide for the Solar PV Embedded Generation Market. 

Combined with our comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) landscape assessment, we are ensuring that our members are not just ready for the future, they are leading it.

We remained your watchdog in Parliament, providing expert submissions on 13 major bills, including the Companies Bill and the Public Procurement Act, to ensure the voice of the private sector is never ignored. Our work in the labor space this year was about more than just policy; it was about protecting the livelihoods that sustain our nation.

Advocating for the Private Sector: We are actively leading the charge for the removal of Section 129 (Clauses 1, 2, and 3) of the Employment Bill. While this remains an ongoing mission, a successful outcome will safeguard thousands of livelihoods and represent a landmark victory for our SMEs. 

In tandem with these efforts, our national impact survey on triangular employment has been instrumental in illustrating the disastrous consequences of the bill as currently drafted. 

This data is vital to our work in protecting over 11,700 direct jobs and shielding our members from E250 million in potential liabilities.

In June, we traveled to Geneva for the 113th ILO Conference. I am overjoyed to celebrate that Eswatini was successfully removed from the ILO CAS long list. This is a massive win for our international reputation and labor stability. We believe in a "Tech Meets Humanity" approach. From signing a historic MoU with TUCOSWA to launching the National Workplace Wellness Policy and the VH@Work Campaign, we are fostering a culture of safety, respect, and wellness in every Eswatini workplace. 

None of these victories would be possible without the dedication of our Secretariat, the wisdom of our Board. But most importantly none of these victories would be possible without our members: you are the heartbeat of this nation. Whether you are a small herbal entrepreneur or a large industrial firm, your resilience is the “Beauty from within" that drives our country forward.

As we enjoy the festive break, I hope you find time for rest and rejuvenation with your families.

We return in 2026 with a clear vision: to continue building a stable, ethical, and prosperous Eswatini.

May your holidays be bright, and may your New Year be filled with abundant success.