BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – Business Eswatini (BE) and the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening national security and supporting economic growth.
The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting held at the BE offices on Tuesday January 29, 2026, which both parties described as a long-awaited engagement to enhance cooperation between the private sector and law enforcement.
The meeting was led by REPS Deputy National Commissioner and Director of Community Safety, Wendy Hleta, representing the National Commissioner of Police. She conveyed REPS’ appreciation for Business Eswatini’s recent Appreciation Event of the Malagwane Cooling Station, noting that the gesture had boosted morale within the police service.
Wendy Hleta said recognition from the business community was important in fostering mutual trust and open dialogue, adding that improved collaboration was essential for effective crime prevention.
Both parties acknowledged that economic development and national security are closely linked, agreeing that a stable and secure environment is critical for business continuity and investment.
During the discussions, REPS raised concern over emerging crime trends affecting businesses, including cybercrime and hacking, as well as cases of criminals impersonating police officers. These issues, REPS said, pose serious risks to business operations and public trust.
REPS expressed willingness to engage the business community through awareness and sensitisation programmes, while also seeking to better understand sector-specific security challenges. Particular reference was made to the logistics and trucking industry, where challenges such as drug trafficking and driver misconduct complicate investigations.
The meeting resolved to establish a structured framework for ongoing cooperation, including quarterly coordination meetings to review security concerns and interventions, with outcomes expected to cascade to regional levels.
The parties also agreed on the need to improve real-time communication through dedicated reporting channels to enable quicker response to incidents affecting businesses.
Beyond enforcement, the discussions recognised the importance of addressing social factors contributing to crime, including youth unemployment, poverty and emerging gangsterism. Business Eswatini’s social initiatives, including Vukani BoMake, were cited as complementary efforts to crime prevention.
REPS further introduced its Crime Prevention dedicated account as an official and transparent mechanism through which the business community may formally request support, in line with governance and accountability principles.
BE Chief Executive Officer E. Nathi Dlamini welcomed the partnership, stating that the private sector remained committed to the social and economic wellbeing of the country.
He said Business Eswatini’s community initiatives and annual Private Sector Prayer reflected the organisation’s commitment to national development, adding that collaboration with REPS would contribute to a safer and more conducive environment for trade and investment.
The meeting concluded with both parties committing to sustained cooperation in advancing safety, economic stability and social development as the country moves into 2026.
#BusinessEswatini #REPS #PublicPrivatePartnership #CrimePrevention #EconomicSecurity #NationalSafety #GoodGovernance
