BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Her Royal Highness Princess Sibahle has been widely praised for her outstanding leadership and commitment in advancing Eswatini’s electricity generation, following the successful signing of a landmark Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) between Ubombo Sugar Limited (USL) and the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC).
The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, highlighted Princess Sibahle’s pivotal role in steering negotiations that ultimately strengthened the country’s energy capacity. Speaking in Mbabane, the Minister revealed that discussions between the two entities were at times complex and challenging, occasionally reaching deadlock. However, Princess Sibahle’s calm determination, patience and unwavering focus ensured that all parties returned to the negotiating table with renewed purpose.
“Princess Sibahle demonstrated exceptional bravery, precision and leadership,” Prince Lonkhokhela said. “Her ability to unite stakeholders and keep the national interest at the centre of discussions played a critical role in ensuring that this important agreement was concluded successfully.”
Princess Sibahle, who serves as a board member of the Eswatini Electricity Company, was instrumental in facilitating dialogue and consensus, ensuring that the negotiations remained constructive and aligned with Eswatini’s long-term energy goals. Her efforts have been recognised as a key factor in strengthening domestic electricity production and reducing reliance on imports.
The praise was echoed by Ubombo Sugar Limited Managing Director Muzi Siyaya, who acknowledged the collaborative leadership that enabled the project to move swiftly from concept to financial close. Siyaya noted that the 40-megawatt PPA is one of the fastest power projects in Eswatini’s history to progress from tendering to completion of financial agreements, achieving this milestone in just 18 months.
“This pace is rare for infrastructure projects of this magnitude, not only in Eswatini but across the continent,” Siyaya said. “It reflects the urgency of our national energy needs and the strong alignment between Government, public institutions and the private sector.”
Siyaya also extended sincere appreciation to the USL Executive Committee for its steadfast support throughout the project’s development. He credited the committee’s leadership, governance oversight and strategic guidance for keeping the project focused, agile and firmly on track.
Currently, Ubombo Sugar Limited contributes 16 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, accounting for approximately five percent of locally generated power. With the new PPA in place, USL’s contribution will increase to 40 megawatts, with an additional 24 megawatts coming on stream. This expansion will raise USL’s share to 10 percent of Eswatini’s local electricity production, marking a significant boost to national capacity.
Princess Sibahle’s role in ensuring this increase has been widely applauded, with stakeholders noting that her leadership exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development, energy security and national progress.
The successful conclusion of the PPA represents a major milestone in Eswatini’s journey towards energy resilience. It also underscores the value of principled leadership, collaboration and perseverance in delivering infrastructure projects that directly benefit the nation and its people.
(📸 Courtesy Pic)
