A Season of Thanks, A Future of Impact
… a canding look at Lidlelantfongeni’s breakthrough year and the bold steps towards a future-ready 2026
BY WENKOSI KHUMALO
In an era of uncertainty marked by shifting economic tides and an escalating demand for institutions that genuinely serve national interests, the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), affectionately known as Lidlelantfongeni, stands out as a quietly transformative force. This year, it has transcended mere rhetoric, embodying change that is deeply rooted in dignity and respect.
Futhi Tembe, the visionary CEO, frames 2025 not as a year of comfort but as one characterised by clarity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to building enduring structures. Under her stewardship, the Fund is not just transitioning; it is evolving into a comprehensive National Pension Scheme, a generational shift from one-off payouts to a reliable, lifelong income stream. This transformation signifies a monumental leap for many families, enabling a shift from temporary relief to enduring security.
What sets 2025 apart is not solely the pension reform itself but how it has been crafted. The meticulous move toward a two-tier national pension scheme is deliberate and inclusive, backed by a coalition of actuaries, economists, social partners, and community advocates. From Tembe’s perspective, the project’s strength lies in its transparency and commitment to ensuring no member is marginalised during this pivotal transition.
Forging a Modern Institution for Today’s Needs
Lidlelantfongeni has adopted a digital-first approach across its branches, bringing services closer to the public. Key advancements under Tembe’s leadership include enhanced online services, streamlined digital contributions, and an improved member portal, all aimed at revolutionising public service accessibility. Long queues have been replaced with efficient, user-friendly systems, ensuring dignified access to financial information for contributors in both urban and rural settings.
As Lidlelantfongeni commemorates its 50th anniversary, its commitment to national economic growth becomes evident: nearly 60% of the Fund’s investments are anchored in the domestic economy. This focus not only fosters job creation but also strengthens financial resilience, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping a prosperous Eswatini.
Leadership Moments That Matter
In the Manzini region, the ENPF team took part in a momentous handover ceremony, delivering a new home to a family in need through its Corporate Social Responsiveness (CSR) programme. The head of the household expressed gratitude, stating, “This house provides stability for my family. We can now look ahead with hope.”
Tembe uses this experience to illustrate that effective leadership is defined by tangible actions that instill security and optimism. Addressing fundamental needs like safe housing lays the groundwork for citizens’ active participation in the nation’s progress.
At a community event in Sihhoye (Hhohho region), the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Thulisile Dladla, officiated the handover of a new home to Simon Dlamini, who had previously been living in a shack. This new residence also featured a rainwater tank, a reliable source for young local farmers who often seek opportunities elsewhere due to a lack of local prospects. They now see this dependable water supply as a catalyst for building futures right in their community.
Tembe reflects on these encounters as clear examples of how ENPF’s initiatives create meaningful impact. “Our focus is not solely on supporting individuals but fortifying communities,” she emphasizes. “Investing 60% of our resources in Eswatini ensures that citizens experience tangible benefits in their daily lives, clean water systems, enhanced infrastructure, and practical tools for earning a livelihood.”
“Every initiative we undertake generates jobs, supports local farmers, and inspires youth to cultivate their futures at home. Our mission is to leave people better than we found them, a true measure of national progress.”
This community-focused lens also influences the Fund’s involvement in national events, such as the Imbube King’s Marathon—a celebration of athletic excellence and national pride. The 2025 edition showcased Eswatini’s ability to host world-class sporting events while nurturing community well-being, youth development, and economic advancement.
His Majesty King Mswati III, joined by Hon. Minister Phila Buthelezi, CEO Futhi Tembe and dignitaries, commemorated Lidlelantfongeni’s 50th Anniversary by celebrating its growth and affirming a bold, sustainable and inclusive future.
Honouring the Unsung Heroes
Perhaps the most remarkable initiative this year has been the Lidlelantfongeni Stakeholder Recognition Awards. Launched as a weekly series, these Awards spotlight employers and members who steadfastly uphold their commitments, often without the recognition they deserve. Tembe has noted the quiet integrity behind these compliance acts, with many honourees having contributed faithfully over the years.
During each ceremony, Tembe stresses that these Awards are not mere decorum; they represent a new standard. They inspire a culture of saving and exemplify that responsible financial stewardship is a vital act of nation-building. For her, compliance excellence reflects core values of care, honour, and a shared commitment to securing a better tomorrow.
Uniting Purpose and Professionalism for Progress
As 2025 comes to a close, CEO Tembe heralds the remarkable strides made by the Lidlelantfongeni team.
“Our achievements, ranging from stable investment performance to enhanced national outreach, are a direct result of our united team’s professionalism and shared vision,” she emphases. Their collective efforts are laying the groundwork for a future-ready ENPF that prioritises empathy, efficiency, and innovation in serving its members.
With 2026 fast approaching, the Fund is revitalised and laser-focused on a pivotal mission to establish a retirement system that ensures predictability, dignity, and resilience for every economically active liSwati.
In a world where public trust hinges on purpose-driven leadership, ENPF’s journey throughout 2025 serves as a testament that meaningful national transformation often begins unobtrusively, rooted in discipline, courage, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the aspirations of a nation.
CEO’s Festive Season Message: United in Purpose
As we reflect on this remarkable year, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to His Majesty’s Government, through our parent ministry, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, along with the Board of Trustees, the International Social Security Association (ISSA), and all our international partners.
To our dedicated members, employers, tenants, and partners, we say thank you for your unwavering trust, loyalty, and support throughout 2025. Your commitment has allowed Lidlelantfongeni to deliver tangible value, including an impressive 10% members’ interest for the last financial year.
Your faith has served as the cornerstone of our progress. It demonstrates that when people unite under a banner of trust and common purpose, even daunting challenges can transform into opportunities for collective growth.
To our exceptional Lidlelantfongeni family, staff, management, and leadership, thank you for your dedication and teamwork. Your hard work ensures the Fund remains stable and continues fulfilling its promise to protect the future.
As we look ahead to 2026, we renew our pledge to serve with renewed vigor. May the New Year usher in security, dignity, and hope, and may we continue our shared journey toward a brighter, more resilient future.
Thank you for being integral to this collective vision.
HOW LIDLELANTFONGENI IS PIONEERING INCLUSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY
BY WENKOSI KHUMALO
Eswatini stands on the brink of profound social transformation in 2025, spearheaded by the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), commonly referred to as Lidlelantfongeni. This initiative marks a significant transition from a vulnerable Provident Fund system to a robust, lifelong National Pension Scheme.
For decades, financial security during retirement was often a gamble, characterized by one-time payouts that led to years of hardship. The new structure flips this narrative on its head, promising predictability, security, and dignity through an inflation-indexed monthly paycheck for life. This is more than a reform; it is the foundation of a new social contract.
The true brilliance of this reform lies in its sweeping commitment to encompass every economically active liSwati. Lidlelantfongeni aims to extend its reach well beyond the formal sector, actively engaging those who have long been overlooked.
“For the first time, this scheme mandates coverage for the backbone of the informal economy, domestic workers, farm labourers, and casual staff, who often retire with scant resources,” comments Miccah Nkabinde, ENPF Conversion Specialist.
This monumental move guarantees that every working liSwati has a secure foothold in the Kingdom’s financial landscape. Supported by a new mobile app for real-time contribution tracking, this push for inclusivity emphasizes transparency, accountability, and accessibility.
A cornerstone of this initiative is the carefully planned synergy between the new National Pension Scheme and existing occupational pension funds, such as the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF).
Lidlelantfongeni’s approach is one of harmony, not replacement. Current PSPF members retain their defined benefit rights, ensuring that upon retirement, civil servants will draw income from both robust sources: the PSPF and the universal scheme.
This dual-source retirement paradigm enhances financial security and offers comprehensive lifetime support. In unfortunate circumstances, dependents of contributors will receive survivors’ benefits from both Funds, establishing an unparalleled safety net for families nationwide.
The technical work is complete, expert actuarial models are approved, and the ongoing public engagement has been largely successful. Now, the entire historic project rests on a single piece of legislation.
The ENPF Bill, 2025, is currently before Parliament. This is where forward momentum meets political reality. Lidlelantfongeni is making an urgent and respectful appeal to every Honourable Member of Parliament to treat the passage of this Bill not as routine legislative business, but as a crucial national imperative.
“The vote on this Bill is a defining ethical and economic choice. It is the choice to end old-age poverty for thousands, to extend financial security to the nation’s most vulnerable workers, and to establish Eswatini as a leader in comprehensive social security reform,” emphasises Nkabinde.
Parliamentarians are being called upon to consider the long-term interests of every citizen, the factory worker, the domestic helper, the civil servant, and to deliver the decisive mandate that will finally activate this guaranteed future. The passage of the ENPF Bill, 2025, is the final, essential step to bring the promise of dignity and security to tangible fruition for generations to come.
(Courtesy Pics)
