- Successful Candidates Begin Reporting To Mbuluzi
- UEDF Introduces Phased Training Intake System
- Thousands Competed In Nationwide Recruitment Exercise
BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
NOKWANE – Excitement and anticipation are building across the country as successful recruits from the latest national military recruitment exercise begin reporting to Mbuluzi for intensive training under the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).
The UEDF confirmed on Tuesday that all successful candidates from the nationwide recruitment programme have officially been contacted, with the intake process now underway in carefully coordinated phases to ensure smooth operations and effective logistical management.
Speaking through an official statement released on 13 May 2026, UEDF Public Affairs Officer Major Sandile Gwebu said the recruitment process had now been successfully concluded following the Commander-in-Chief’s directive by His Majesty King Mswati III to conduct recruitment exercises across all Tinkhundla centres nationwide.
Major Gwebu revealed that training officially commenced on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, with recruits being transported to Mbuluzi in batches as part of the Force’s structured operational approach.
“In line with the pronouncement by the Commander-in-Chief that there will be a recruitment exercise in all Tinkhundla centres, the UEDF would like to inform all concerned that all processes have now been completed. All those who have passed all phases have been contacted and are now being taken to Mbuluzi for training,” said Major Gwebu.
He explained that the phased intake system has been designed to maintain discipline, efficiency and order while managing the large number of successful candidates entering military training.
“The exercise commenced on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, and recruits will be going in phases as it has been happening throughout the recruitment process. This is done for ease of logistics associated with such operations,” he added.
The UEDF also applauded the professionalism displayed throughout the recruitment exercise and congratulated all candidates who successfully passed the demanding selection stages, including physical endurance assessments conducted across the country.
Major Gwebu further encouraged the new recruits to remain focused and resilient as they begin one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of national service.
“The UEDF as a professional entity congratulates all those who participated in the exercise and wishes those going for training all the best, as the training is very vigorous where not everyone can manage,” he said.
The 2025–2026 recruitment drive attracted thousands of young emaSwati during the nationwide selection process held from 20 September to 29 November 2025 across various Tinkhundla centres. Applicants underwent strict screening processes, including the demanding 3.2-kilometre endurance run.
The initiative forms part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen the country’s security capacity while simultaneously creating meaningful opportunities for youth participation, empowerment and national service under the leadership of His Majesty King Mswati III.
The UEDF has assured the nation that the phased intake process at Mbuluzi will continue until all selected recruits have officially reported for duty and commenced training.
