BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has led the nation in mourning the passing of Minister of Home Affairs Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe, describing her as a devoted servant of the Crown, a respected Cabinet colleague and a spiritual leader whose life touched many.
In a Government statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, the Prime Minister announced that Princess Lindiwe had passed away following a short illness. She passed on in Eswatini.
“It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that I announce the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe, Minister of Home Affairs, following a short illness,” Dlamini said.
The announcement brings to an end a period of public service in which Princess Lindiwe served at the helm of one of Government’s key ministries, responsible for functions including immigration, citizenship, civil registration, refugees and national events. Government’s official website continued to list her as Minister of Home Affairs, while an official 2023 Cabinet announcement confirmed her appointment to the portfolio for the current administration.
The Prime Minister extended condolences on behalf of His Majesty’s Government to His Majesty King Mswati III, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the Royal Family, Princess Lindiwe’s immediate family and relatives, colleagues and all those who worked closely with her.
“We share in their grief and pray that they may be granted strength and comfort during this difficult time,” he said.
PM REMEMBERS HER DIGNITY AND DEVOTION
Dlamini remembered Princess Lindiwe as a leader who approached public office with dignity, commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.
According to the Prime Minister’s statement, she had served as Minister of Home Affairs since 2018 and carried out her responsibilities with what he described as distinction, integrity and compassion.
“Her Royal Highness served the Crown and the Kingdom with dignity, devotion and a strong sense of duty,” Dlamini said.
“She remained steadfast in her service to the Nation and carried out her duties with commitment to the welfare of the people of Eswatini.”
Her public role remained visible in 2026. In April, she participated in events marking His Majesty King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and 40 years on the Throne, while in May she represented Eswatini internationally on migration issues.
‘UMKHOKHELI’ REMEMBERED FOR HER FAITH
Beyond Cabinet and Government duties, the Prime Minister highlighted Princess Lindiwe’s Christian faith and her contribution as a spiritual leader.
Affectionately known as Umkhokheli, she was remembered in the statement as a woman whose faith was reflected both in her words and in her service to others.
“In addition to her public service, Her Royal Highness was a woman of deep Christian faith and spiritual conviction,” the Prime Minister said.
He said Princess Lindiwe had provided spiritual leadership, guidance and encouragement to many people, with her kindness, humility and strength of character leaving an impression on those around her.
“Her example will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who mourn her passing,” Dlamini said.
‘THE KINGDOM HAS LOST A DEVOTED SERVANT’
In one of his strongest tributes, the Prime Minister said Princess Lindiwe’s passing represented a loss felt across several sections of society — from Government and the Royal Family to the Church and the wider nation.
“The Kingdom has lost a person of humility and dignity, the Cabinet a valued and respected colleague, the Church a spiritual leader, and the Nation a devoted and faithful servant,” Dlamini said.
He added that her contribution to Eswatini would be remembered with gratitude by those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.
“Her contribution to the life of the Kingdom will be remembered with gratitude, and her memory will remain cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her,” he said.
Princess Lindiwe had continued performing high-level national responsibilities during 2026, including representing the Home Affairs portfolio on matters relating to migration, refugee protection and national ceremonies.
FUNERAL DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED
Government said further information regarding the funeral and related arrangements would be communicated in due course.
The Prime Minister concluded his statement with a prayer for the late Minister.
“May the soul of Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe rest in eternal peace.”
Princess Lindiwe’s passing leaves the Ministry of Home Affairs without its political head at a time when the ministry continues to oversee key national responsibilities including immigration, civil registration, citizenship, refugee affairs and national events.
Her death is expected to be followed by official mourning arrangements and further announcements from Government and the Royal Family.
