…. Minister says strong security forces are key to peace, investment, economic growth and employment opportunities for emaSwati.
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MATSAPHA – Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane has renewed his plea for the strengthening of Eswatini’s security institutions, declaring that the country must never be allowed to run short of its “fence” if peace, stability and economic growth are to be safeguarded.
Speaking during the 18th anniversary celebrations of His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) at the Staff College in Matsapha on June 19,2026, Prince Simelane highlighted some of the challenges facing the correctional institution, including overcrowded facilities, the rehabilitation of infrastructure and a shortage of correctional officers.
In stressing the importance of adequately resourcing the country’s security agencies, the minister said. “Kudzala solo ngiyiteka kutsi, angashodi fenisi welive. Kungashoda konkhe hhayi fenisi.”
His remarks revived a passionate plea he made in 2023 during a courtesy call by Members of Parliament to His Majesty King Mswati III at Mandvulo Grand Hall.
At the time, Prince Simelane said it pleased him that he was making the submission in the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and members of the King’s Advisory Council, as the matter touched on the security and future prosperity of the Kingdom.
“Your Majesty, I have an idea, or rather a plea. It pleases me that I am making this plea before you Your Majesty, the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament and the King’s Advisory Council,” he said.
Laying the foundation for his proposal, Prince Simelane drew an analogy of a farmer who plants crops and erects a fence around the field to protect them from animals.
He explained that in the same manner, every country requires a strong “fence” to protect its economy, preserve peace and ensure the welfare of its citizens.
He described Eswatini’s “fence” as comprising the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) and Fire and Emergency Services.
The minister argued that the numbers within these institutions remained limited and advocated for their gradual expansion. He suggested that the UEDF could eventually have about 15 000 personnel, REPS 12 000 officers, HMCS 10 000 officers and Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services 5 000 personnel, stressing that these were estimates intended to illustrate the scale of the country’s future security needs.
Prince Simelane maintained that security and economic growth are closely linked.
He said investors first assess the safety and stability of a country before committing their resources.
“If they hear that a country is unsafe and unstable, they do not come. Investors contribute to economic growth and create employment opportunities for emaSwati,” he said.
Quoting the siSwati saying “Salakutjelwa sibona ngemopho,” Prince Simelane noted that he had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, warning that nations often realise the importance of strong security institutions only after challenges have emerged.
His well-known plea, “Akungetwe Lofenisi” (Let increase security officers ), has since become one of his most notable submissions on national security.
He further emphasised that once the national fence had been strengthened, it should also be properly maintained through adequate support, resources and investment.
His renewed call comes at a time when HMCS continues to face growing demands on its facilities and manpower, challenges which he said require continued attention if the institution is to effectively carry out its rehabilitation and correctional mandate.
Significantly, Prince Simelane’s remarks also come against the backdrop of periodic recruitment drives undertaken by the country’s security institutions over recent years.
The last major nationwide recruitment drive by the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) was launched in October 2021, attracting thousands of young emaSwati who queued at police stations across the country seeking opportunities to join the service.
His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) last conducted a nationwide recruitment exercise in March 2022, while the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services (ENFES) carried out its most recent major recruitment drive in November 2023.
The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) remains the most recent security institution to recruit personnel, having conducted a nationwide recruitment exercise between September 20 and November 29, 2025. Successful applicants from that intake are currently undergoing training at Mbuluzi Barracks.
With Prince Simelane once again calling for the strengthening of the country’s “fence”, many emaSwati, particularly the youth, are expected to closely follow developments regarding future recruitment opportunities within the security services.
However, no official announcements have yet been made regarding new recruitment intakes for REPS, HMCS or ENFES.
Members of the public are therefore encouraged to rely only on official communication channels and avoid falling victim to scammers who often exploit public interest in recruitment opportunities. Authorities have not formally communicated any new recruitment programmes, and prospective applicants will be informed through official government and security force channels when vacancies become available.
The anniversary celebrations were held under the theme, “Advancing Rehabilitation and Institutional Excellence Under His Majesty’s Leadership,” highlighting HMCS’ continued contribution towards rehabilitation, public safety and the building of a peaceful and secure Eswatini.
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(Courtesy Pic)
