BY MBONO MDLULI
MATSAPHA – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has been encouraged to continue his fight against corruption, with faith leaders urging him to remain resolute despite the challenges associated with rooting out entrenched malpractice.
The encouragement was delivered on Friday, January 30, 2026, by Reverend Joseph Msane of the Ezulwini Evangelical Church, who was the guest preacher at the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Annual Prayer Service, held at the Matsapha Police Academy. The service was conducted under the theme “Lord Revive Us Again,” drawn from Psalms 85:6.
Reverend Msane preached for about an hour during what was a highly charged sermon centred on the importance of spiritual revival. He explained that revival, in Christian terms, led people to turn away from wrongdoing, resulting in positive change not only in personal lives but also at national level.
About 30 minutes into his sermon, Reverend Msane and his interpreter knelt at the pulpit and addressed the Prime Minister directly. “Honourable Prime Minister, I salute you for your efforts in fighting corruption in this country. You are doing a commendable job,” he said. “However, I sympathise with you because you appear to be confronting very dangerous people who have mastered the game of corruption.”
He likened corrupt individuals to mice that bite and then blow on the wound to prevent the victim from feeling the pain, warning that some of those involved in corruption could be operating close to centres of power. Reverend Msane also shared a personal testimony from his time as a Form Five learner at Franson Christian High School, where stealing was once common. He said that when revival took hold in his life, it brought about a significant transformation.
The prayer service began at around 10am and was held in a spacious, air-conditioned tent amid warm and partly cloudy weather, with temperatures reaching approximately 29 degrees Celsius. Prime Minister Dlamini officiated at the event and delivered the keynote address. He was welcomed by Police National Commissioner Manoma Vusie Masango and other senior police officers, while proceedings were directed by Inspector Justice Simelane, a REPS chaplain.
The event was attended by senior government officials, legislators, and representatives from other uniformed services, including the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS), the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES), and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Gospel music was provided by groups such as Police Male Voices, Police Gospel Messengers, and artist Linda Dlamini, while renowned gospel singer Sergeant Thabile Myeni of the Ncandweni Christ Ambassadors also performed with her colleagues from REPS.
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were among the guests and actively participated in the worship, dancing to the gospel music. Former Police National Commissioner Senator Isaac Magagula also attended the event.
Welcoming attendees, Manzini Regional Administrator Chief Gija said the prayer service was important in encouraging people to renew their relationship with God during challenging times. Police National Commissioner Masango said seeking God’s wisdom was crucial for REPS, particularly as the service planned how to navigate the year ahead while confronting various forms of crime.
In his keynote address, Dlamini commended the police for consistently seeking God’s guidance and acknowledged the enormous responsibility they carried in protecting the nation. He reminded officers not to take lightly the privilege of worshipping in peace and expressed gratitude for the favourable weather conditions experienced in the country.
The Prime Minister highlighted that during Sibaya 2023, the nation had tasked the police with responding decisively to crimes such as corruption, gender-based violence, stock theft, and organised crime. He called for unity, strength, and boldness within the police service, urging officers to expose corruption within their own ranks where necessary.
He emphasised that officers should fear no one but God, who sees even what is done in secret, and stressed the need to pray not only for strength but also for courage. Quoting Proverbs 28:1, he said the righteous are as bold as a lion, while the corrupt flee even when no one pursues them. He also referenced Proverbs 21:31, noting that while a horse may be prepared for battle, victory ultimately comes from the Lord.
After the Prime Minister’s address, the programme continued with musical performances and an offering session. During this time, Linda Mtsetfwa, popularly known as Inceku, was seen greeting the Prime Minister and the Police National Commissioner. Reverend Msane later delivered his sermon, followed by a prayer session, before the event concluded at around 3pm.
