BORDER COMMITTEE MOVES TO PROTECT INTERESTS OF EMASWATI IN SOUTH AFRICA

… Govt strengthens coordination on border management, migration and support for citizens abroad

BY MBONGENI NDLELA

MBABANE– As concerns grow over migration, border management and the welfare of emaSwati living outside the country’s borders, Government has intensified efforts to ensure a coordinated national response through the Border Determination Special Committee.

The committee, chaired by Prince Mgebiseni Dlamini, convened a high-level meeting yesterday at the Hilton Hotel where senior government officials gathered to discuss the country’s border priorities, migration issues and the interests of emaSwati living in neighbouring South Africa.

Among those in attendance were Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu, Principal Secretaries Sizwe Ntshangase and Nhlanhla Nxumalo, Acting Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Labour Nompumelelo Dlamini, as well as senior government officials from various ministries and departments.

The engagement focused on providing stakeholders with a comprehensive briefing on the committee’s mandate, achievements and strategic priorities as it continues to navigate complex border-related matters affecting the Kingdom.

Officials were informed about the committee’s ongoing work in advancing border delimitation, improving border management systems and strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries. The committee also highlighted emerging challenges that require urgent attention as migration patterns continue to evolve across the region.

The discussions come at a time when migration management has become a key issue within the Southern African region, with countries increasingly working together to strengthen border governance while facilitating legal movement of people and goods.

Prince Mgebiseni’s committee emphasised that effective border management extends beyond security considerations and includes cultural, social and economic dimensions that directly affect citizens living across borders.

One of the major themes of the meeting was the need for stronger diplomatic engagement with neighbouring countries, particularly South Africa, where thousands of emaSwati live, work and conduct business.

Officials stressed that collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Home Affairs and other government departments remains critical in ensuring that the needs of citizens are adequately addressed.

The committee identified several priority areas requiring enhanced cooperation, including the strengthening of border governance frameworks, improved migration coordination and the development of mechanisms that promote the welfare of emaSwati residing outside the country.

Stakeholders also explored ways of ensuring that cultural and social ties between emaSwati living in South Africa and their homeland remain strong and protected.

Government leaders noted that many emaSwati continue to maintain close family, traditional and economic connections with communities back home, making it essential for institutions to work together in safeguarding their interests.

The meeting further reinforced the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation in dealing with increasingly complex cross-border issues that require a whole-of-government approach.

By bringing together officials from Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Labour, Government aims to ensure that policy decisions are aligned and responsive to the realities faced by citizens both inside and outside Eswatini.

The gathering concluded with a commitment to continue strengthening collaboration among stakeholders as the Border Determination Special Committee advances its work.

Further engagements are expected in the coming months as Government seeks to enhance border management systems, strengthen regional cooperation and ensure that the interests of all emaSwati, wherever they may reside, remain protected and promoted.

Subheadings: