BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE — Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, has officially commissioned the inaugural Board of Directors for the Eswatini International Convention Centre (Pty) Ltd, marking a key governance milestone aimed at strengthening oversight and accelerating Eswatini’s positioning as a competitive Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) destination anchored by the iconic Ezulwini Palazzo.
The commissioning took place during a press briefing held at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane on June 25, 2026, bringing together Government officials, stakeholders and members of the media as the Kingdom advances efforts to unlock the full economic potential of its strategic tourism infrastructure.
The establishment of the Board signals a new phase of structured governance, strengthened accountability, and improved performance management for one of Eswatini’s most significant national tourism investments.
Government has mandated the Board to ensure that Ezulwini Palazzo develops into a world-class conferencing and hospitality hub, capable of attracting high-value international events, boosting tourism arrivals, creating employment opportunities, and supporting local enterprise development.
The inaugural Board comprises:
– HRH Prince Saziwengaye
– Adv. Mbuso Nhlahla Simelane (Chairperson)
– Dr Celucolo Peter Dludlu
– Samukelisiwe Mpimbili-Dlamini
– Malangeni Henry Mhlabane
– Lindiwe Gwebu
– Sifiso Crispin Dlamini
Speaking during the commissioning, the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, said the appointment of the Board represents an important milestone in Government’s efforts to strengthen Eswatini’s global competitiveness in tourism and business events.
She said Ezulwini Palazzo is expected to play a transformative role in driving inclusive economic growth through tourism expansion, investment attraction and support for local enterprises.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Government’s ongoing efforts to position the Kingdom of Eswatini as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, leisure tourism and investment,” the Minister said.
She further emphasised that the facility’s impact must extend beyond tourism to broader economic development.
“Beyond strengthening our tourism sector, this facility will create employment opportunities, support local enterprises, stimulate investment and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth,” she said.
The Minister urged the Board to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, and accountability in managing the national asset.
“You are called upon to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and fiduciary responsibility, ensure transparency, accountability and prudent financial management, and safeguard Government’s strategic investment,” she said.
Board Chairperson Adv. Mbuso Nhlahla Simelane expressed gratitude for the appointment, saying the Board accepts its responsibility with seriousness and commitment to delivering results.
“We are humbled by the trust that Government has placed in us. We accept this responsibility with the utmost seriousness and commitment to integrity, accountability and results,” he said.
He added that the Board will focus on ensuring Ezulwini Palazzo becomes a strong driver of economic development and a competitive destination within the global MICE industry.
“Our mandate is clear — to safeguard this national asset and ensure it becomes a true driver of economic development, tourism growth and investor confidence in the Kingdom,” he said.
The commissioning is widely viewed as a significant step in strengthening institutional governance for Eswatini’s tourism infrastructure and advancing Government’s vision of positioning the Kingdom as a leading regional hub for conferencing, tourism, and investment-led growth.
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