BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Minister of Agriculture Hon. Mandla Tshawuka on January 30, 2026, officially appointed and commissioned the new Board of Directors for the Eswatini Cotton Board, who are to serve a three-year term.
The Board has been tasked with increasing cotton production to fully supply the national ginnery while expanding cotton farming under both dryland and irrigated systems.
Established in 1967 under Cotton Act No. 26, the Eswatini Cotton Board is mandated to regulate, grow, and promote the cotton industry, while providing technical advice and market intelligence.
Its vision is to be a competent cotton enterprise adding sustainable value to Eswatini’s economy, with a mission focused on research, legislation, innovation, marketing, farmer education, and public–private partnerships (PPPs).
Commissioning the Board, the Minister emphasised that the central mandate is to drive growth across the entire cotton value chain, from primary production to agro-processing and industrialisation.
The Minister stressed the importance of supplying raw materials for downstream industries, including spinning and oil-crushing, to stimulate local manufacturing and create jobs.
The Board was tasked to: increase cotton production to meet ginnery requirements, promote cotton farming under both dryland and irrigated systems, strengthen research and development, liaise with the Eswatini Water and Agricultural Development Enterprise (EWADE) on the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Development Project, engage stakeholders across the cotton value chain, and create an enabling environment with fair prices and technical support for farmers.
Hon. Mandla Tshawuka also highlighted key challenges facing the sector, including the impacts of climate change, escalating production costs, and the need to coordinate the establishment of a new ginnery at Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma without affecting the existing Bigbend facility.
He further noted that the Board may play a role in overseeing all industrial crops in Eswatini under a proposed Industrial Crops Authority, following Cabinet approval.
The Minister challenged the Board to explore opportunities across the cotton value chain to maximise benefits for farmers, industry players, and the national economy.
Newly appointed Board members:
- Samson Mandla Mavuso – Chairperson
- Victor Machawe Masilela
- Dr Daniel Khumalo – Chief Executive Officer
- Bheki Aazorn Nzima
- Bhekiwe Hlophe Dlamini
- Linda Msibi
- Nkosingiphile Dlamini
- Sikelela Freddy Fakudze
- Rogers Joseph Mamba
The commissioning of the new Board is expected to inject fresh momentum into Eswatini’s cotton sector, positioning it as a key contributor to agricultural transformation, industrial growth, and sustainable economic development.
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