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UNPLANNED HOMES, UNPLANNED CONSEQUENCES: What happens when unplanned settlements sprout on land meant for factories, schools or public services? At Magindane, an entire industrial future is now in limbo and residents say they paid for land they were never meant to occupy. A slow-burn showdown over space, survival and a system stretched thin. Our lead story has more.

A VOICE TAKING AFRICA HIGHER: Eswatini’s Gospel powerhouse is having quite a moment, new milestones, new audiences, and now a continental crown to match the noise she’s been making all year. From chart spikes to global stages, something big is unfolding in Nothando Hlophe’s world… and it’s louder than ever. Story on pages 2-3.

A MORNING THAT TURNED INTO MAYHEM
What began as an ordinary Manzini rush hour spiralled into chaos when a kombi suddenly tore down Nkoseluhlaza Street, with no driver in sight, ending in unimaginable scenes near Power Fashion. By the time the dust settled, lives had been changed in seconds. A moment no one on that street will forget. Story on page 5.

A CRISIS INSIDE THE CLASSROOM: As reports of s*xual offences by teachers continue to surface, concerns over pupil safety are growing louder. From courtrooms to classrooms, the story exposes cracks in supervision, vetting and accountability that the ministry is now trying to repair. Story on page 6.

… AND IN OTHER STORIES:
- The government is closely monitoring entities which are not remitting tax. What motivated this?
- Residents of Ntfonjeni are accusing their leadership of neglect and slow development progress. What has sparked this and what did the Inkhundla Council say?

BUSINESS: Rhodes Food Group (RFG) has committed a capital investment of E370 million for the upgrading and maintenance of its production facilities across South Africa and Eswatini during the 2026 financial year. Meanwhile, the Eswatini Stock Exchange (ESE) experienced an exceptional rise in trading activity in October 2025.

SPORTS: As the race for the E120

NO ‘DVULADVULA’ FOR THE DEFENDERS: Payday excitement hits the public sector, but the men and women in uniform still await their turn. Government promises November will make up for October’s silence, but the troops aren’t amused. Our lead story has more.

SAME DAY, DIFFERENT AGENDAS: Teachers are celebrating, the federation is meeting and everyone’s talking unity. Yet the timing has sparked more questions than applause. Coincidence or quiet competition? Story on pages 2-3.

SWEET SUCCESS, SUSTAINABLY SOURCED From cane fields to global acclaim, Eswatini’s sugar industry has just set a new standard the rest of Africa will be chasing. It’s not just sweet; it’s certified sustainably. Story on page 4.

THOU SHALT NOT THROW HANDS: Two pastors. One church. Too many punches. What started as a holy disagreement at the AEC Mbuluzi branch has now landed both men of the cloth before the magistrate. Story on pages 4-5.

…AND IN OTHER STORIES:
- Somalis escape Operation Dudula, seek refugee status in Eswatini.
- The man accused of stabbing a textile worker in the neck yesterday made a confession where he claimed that the deceased had provoked the attack.

BUSINESS: The World Bank warns that global tensions could weigh on Eswatini’s textile exports, a key driver of industrial growth. But there’s good news too, the latest reports show stronger market foundations, with growth across pension funds and capital markets, signalling deeper investor confidence.

SPORTS: An ex-Sihlangu star makes a massive transfer, and army giants Young Buffaloes lose two key veterans. All the drama and essential updates are in the sports section of your favourite read. Grab your copy!

30 PER CENT OF HOPE: The E5.2 billion oil reserve deal promises to fuel local empowerment with a 30 per cent cut for emaSwati. Yet between procurement loopholes and foreign loans, some wonder: is this inclusion, or illusion?
our lead story has more.

TRAGIC END TO SEARCH MISSION: What began as a routine flight turned into a desperate search across two countries. The missing Cessna 206 has been found near Barberton, but the pilot’s story ends in sorrow.

LEADERLESS FOR 15 MONTHS: The Royal Science and Technology Park was meant to be the country’s innovation engine, but for over a year, it’s had no driver. As the CEO seat gathers dust, questions mount over what’s really holding up progress.

ID SERVICE SHUTDOWN: WHO’S TELLING THE TRUTH?: Government blames machines. MPs blame money. Meanwhile, students, jobseekers, and recruits are left stranded in the middle of an identity crisis.

CHURCH BATTLE GOES BACK TO COURT: A suspended pastor. A divided congregation. And a court caught in the middle of a holy tug-of-war. Judge Mumcy Dlamini has weighed in, but this fight is far from over.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS: As Eswatini weighs its future under AGOA, fresh data shows a staggering trade deficit with the US over the past decade.
-Pigg’s Peak Town Council splurged hundreds of thousands on unauthorised perks and is now flagged by the Auditor General.

SPORTS: Mancoba Nhlabatsi misses out on defending his Imbube Marathon crown by just five seconds but he and Gcinile Magongo still strike gold, sharing E100K! Elsewhere, Mbabane Highlanders clinch their first league win in front of President Shauwn MaMkhize Mkhize, and we revisit the glory days of former Wits star Ernest Hurrah Ntshangase in Legends Corner. All this and more in the Times SUNDAY.

FREE EDUCATION, EXPENSIVE REALITY: It’s called ‘free’ primary education, but some schools are now paying to keep it that way. From playgrounds to gardens, even the tools of learning have been caught in a web of municipal rates. And the law? It seems to be sitting this lesson out. Our lead story has more.

THE PRICE OF A REJECTION: She left her job, invested her pension, and grew what she thought was quality produce, only for NAMBoard to say “no”. What followed shook even the Agriculture Minister. Read more on pages 2-3.

UNIONS DRAW THE LINE: Public sector unions say it’s either fair pay for all or no deal at all. After talks hit a wall, negotiators handed government two options and both could shake up the salary review. More on pages 2-3.

MPs PUSH FOR A BIGGER ARMY INTAKE: Lawmakers have hailed the army’s recruitment exercise as fair and transparent, but they’re not satisfied yet. MPs say the army door should open wider. More details on pages 4-5.

VILLAGERS 1, CROCODILE 0: It started as an act of survival and ended as a standoff with the law. Villagers in Nkwene say they were tired of watching their goats disappear into a crocodile’s jaws. But catching it themselves? That’s where things got complicated. More on pages 4-5.

…AND IN OTHER NEWS: The judiciary is going digital, not for fun, but for defence. A new workshop aims to equip judges for the rising tide of cybercrime.
-Hope rises in Mahlangatsha as talks to reopen a dormant mine gain ground.

SPORTS: Sihlangu’s flight fiasco!�The national team was left stranded in Dubai after missing their connection and now they’re set to land in Cape Verde just hours before kick-off. Back home, Highlanders are making moves for Buffs striker Phiwa Dlamini, while Swallows finally break their silence on long-time backer Consul Ashraff. All the twists, transfers and travel woes; it’s all in today’s paper!