Swaziland traditionally maintains strong economic and trading links with South Africa. However, the country is an independent state with a fully autonomous government that falls under the Monarch who is Head of State. Close ties are also maintained with the other nearby states of Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia, as well as elsewhere in the region.
Swaziland’s Westminster based constitution was revoked in 1973 and replaced with a system designed to facilitate both western and traditional styles of government. This structure incorporates the system of Tinkhundla, which enables the people to elect candidates to be their parliamentary representatives for specific constituencies. However, it does not allow for different political parties.
In 1993 the first fully democratic elections since the repeal of the Westminster Constitution took place, with regular elections held since then.
Power is vested in the King who appoints the Prime Minister and consults with the Cabinet,
which is headed by the Prime Minister and the bicameral parliament. These aspects comprise the western style of government.
The Upper House (Senate) comprises 30 Senators, 20 of whom are appointed by the King with 10 elected from members of the public by the Lower House. The Upper House also includes the President of the senate and his Deputy. The Lower House (House of Assembly) is made up of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and 53 other members.
The Swazi National Council, known in the vernacular as Libandla, is the traditional side of government and is headed by the King and Queen Mother in accordance with the dual monarchy approach. The Queen Mother’s primary role is to uphold the traditional and cultural elements. All Swazi adult males are entitled to offer advice and council on matters pertaining to traditional law and custom.
Swaziland’s legal system also operates on a dual basis, embracing both traditional Swazi National courts as well as constitutional courts. The latter observe Roman-Dutch law and comprise a High Court with various Magistrates Courts as well as an Industrial Court. They are headed by a Chief Justice under who fall judges and magistrates. It is important to note that the constitutional courts have the final ruling in the event of any contention arising between the two legal systems.
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE
The Government of Swaziland, headed by the Prime Minister, consists of cabinet ministries under who, in turn, fall various departments.
Cabinet Office
P.O. Box 395 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2251, Fax 2404-3943.
E-mail: mspmoffice@realnet.co.sz
Prime Minister: Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini
POLICE:
Headquarters
P.O. Box 49 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2051.
Deputy Prime Minister’s Office
P.O. Box A33 Swazi Plaza.
Phone 2404-2723, Fax 2404-4085.
E-mail: dp_minister@gov.sz
Deputy Prime Minister: Mr. Themba Masuku
Agriculture & Cooperatives
P.O. Box 162, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2731 Fax 2404-4700.
E-mail: codec@realnet.co.sz
Veterinary Department:
Phone 2404-2731
Malkerns Research Station:
Phone 2528-3017
Rural Development Areas Centre:
Phone 2442-4014
Cooperative Development Centre:
Phone 2416-1086
Commerce, Industry & Trade
P.O. Box 451, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-3201, Fax 2404-4711.
E-mail: mcit@realnet.co.sz
Department of Labour
Phone 2404-1306
Registrar General’s Office:
government &
administration
P.O. Box 460 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-3041.
Economic Planning & Statistics
P.O. Box 602 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-3765, Fax 2404-2157.
E-mail: psmepd@africaonline.co.sz
Statistics Section: Phone 2404-2151
Regional Training Council: Phone 2404-6407.
Education & Training
P.O. Box 39 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2491, Fax 2404-3880.
Educational Testing & Guidance, Psychological Services Phone 2404-4542
National Examinations Council
Phone 2404-3763
National Curriculum Centre
Phone 2505-2106
Finance
P.O. Box 443, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-8146, Fax 2404-3187.
E-mail: minfin@realnet.co.sz
Public Enterprise Unit: Phone 2404-8145
Administration: Phone 2404-2143
Budget Section: Phone 2404-8149
Finance & Capital Markets: Phone 2404-8147
Audit Department: Phone 2404-2796
Customs & Excise: Phone 2404-5370
Income Tax: Phone 2404-2751
Treasury: Phone 2404-2041
Foreign Affairs
P.O. Box 518 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2661, Fax 2404-2669.
E-mail: ps_foreign@realnet.co.sz
Trade Promotion Unit: Phone 2404-5180
Health & Social Welfare
P.O. Box 5 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2431, Fax 2404-2092.
Health Education Unit: Phone 2404-3368
Public Health Unit: Phone 2404-3506
AIDS Programme Office: Phone 2404-5397
Institute of Health Sciences: Phone 2422-2171
Director of Medical Services: Phone 2404-6311
Home Affairs
P.O. Box 432, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-5880, Fax 2404-4303.
Information & Communications Technology
P.O. Box 642, Mbabane
Phone 2404-9268, Fax 2404-1898
Email: psmict@gov.sz
Justice
P.O. Box 924 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-6010, Fax 2404-3531.
Anti-Corruption Commission:
Phone 2404-3500, Fax 2404-0758,
Toll-free 800-3500
Attorney General’s Chambers:
P.O. Box 578 Mbabane. Phone 2404-2807.
Director of Public Prosecutions:
P.O. Box 1055, Mbabane. Phone 2404-2809.
Correctional Services: Headquarters,
P.O. Box 166 Mbabane. Phone 2404-2476.
Labour & Social Security
P.O. Box 198, Mbabane
Phone 2404-1971/3, Fax 2404-1966
Email: deptlab@realnet.co.sz
Local Government & Housing
P.O. Box 1832 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-6035, Fax 2404-4085
Natural Resources & Energy
P.O. Box 57 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-6244, Fax 2404-2436.
E-mail: mnre@realnet.co.sz
Geological Survey & Mines:
P.O. Box 57, Mbabane. Phone 2404-2411.
Rural Water Supply: P.O. Box 961 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-1231
Public Service
P.O. Box 338, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2761/9, Fax 2404-2774.
Sports, Culture & Youth Affairs
Phone 2404-1349, Fax 2404-1333
e-mail motsacm@gov.sz
Tourism & Environmental Affairs
P.O. Box 58 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-6420, Fax 2404-6438.
E-mail: mintour@realnet.co.sz
Tourism Office: Phone 2404-4556.
Public Works & Transport
P.O. Box 58 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2321, Fax 2404-2364.
E-mail: mpwt@realnet.co.sz
Civil Aviation: Phone 2404-2420
Road Transportation Board: Phone 2404-6823
Civil Service Board
P.O. Box 158 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2601.
Parliament
King’s Office - Phone 2416-1080
Parliament Offices - Phone 2416-1286
Tinkhundla Headquarters
P.O. Box A33 Swazi Plaza, Mbabane
Phone 2404-2723, Fax 2404-4058.
THE CONSTITUTION
Following the completion of this document and considerable debate in Parliament and amendments,
Sibebe Rock Pine Valley
the revised constitution was legally adopted in 2005. However it is felt that the certain aspects do not adequately address present day needs and as part of a five-year action plan, the present Government has undertaken to review the constitution.
DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
The Five-Year Action Plan
In 2009 Government announced its Five-Year Action Plan whereby various performance targets are to be achieved, particularly relating to education and health care issues. All Ministers and Principal Secretaries signed performance agreements in an effort to meet these targets.
Business & Economic Advisory Panel - BEAP
This panel comprises a group of key local business people, as well as regional and international specialists. It was introduced by the Prime Minister in 2006 to advise the King and Government on economic and business matters to grow the economy and improve business confidence, while enhancing the country’s image.
The Conciliation, Mediation & Arbitration Commission
CMAC, a tripartite body, was established in 2001 to promote stable labour relations in order to achieve positive economic and employment growth. The mission is to provide speedy, accessible and fair dispute resolution and prevention services, while embracing the values of integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, impartiality and professionalism. The representatives include personnel from organised labour, businesses and government.
The Millennium Action Plan (MAP)
This program replaced the Economic and Social Reform Agenda (ESRA) but retains the same principles, placing emphasis on the private sector as a vehicle for generating better economic performance. Government has pledged to honour its responsibility of providing a framework conducive to growth and new investment. The key challenges are poverty reduction, combating HIV/AIDS and creating employment.
The National Development Strategy
The NDS seeks to alleviate poverty and create job opportunities in the rural areas.
The Smart Partnership
The Smart Partnership concept is a process that unites people in growing co-prosperity and is a forum for creating opportunities and wealth that are shared among all the partners, including political leaders and the private and public sectors at all levels.
Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority
This project, which falls under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry andTrade, was established in 1998 assisted by the EU. It is designed to promote free enterprise by providing a centre where potential investors receive all the assistance and information they require.
PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Public Enterprises, or Parastatals, fall under the Public Enterprise Unit in the Ministry of Finance.
The PEU
was formed under the Act of 1989, which provides for the monitoring of performance with technical and advisory back up. Public Enterprises are a major component of the national infrastructure. All PE’s must report to the PEU on a quarterly basis.
The Central Bank of Swaziland
P.O. Box 546 Mbabane.
Phone 2408-2000 Fax 2404-5366
E-mail: info@centralbank.org.sz;
www.centralbank.org.sz
SwaziBank
P.O. Box 336 Mbabane.
Phone 2409-5000, Fax 2404-2550
E-mail: swazibank@swazibank.sz
Website: www.swazibank.co.sz
Swaziland National Provident Fund
P.O. Box 1857 Manzini.
Phone 2505-3731, Fax 2505-4377.
E-mail: metetwa@snpf.co.sz
Swaziland Royal Insurance Corporation
P.O. Box 917 Mbabane. Phone 4204-3231,
Fax 2404-6415.E-mail: sric@sric.sz
National Agricultural Marketing Board
P.O. Box 1713 Matsapha,
Phone 2518-5211, Fax 2518-4088.
Statutory Dept.
P.O. Box 4261 Manzini,
Phone 2505-5114, Fax 2505-4072.
Swaziland Dairy Development Board
P.O. Box 2975 Manzini.
Phone 2505-8262, Fax 2505-8260
E-mail: ceo-swazidairy@africaonline.co.sz
National Maize Corporation
P.O. Box 158 Manzini.
Phone 2518-7432, Fax 2518-4461.
E-mail: nmc@africaonline.co.sz
Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority
P.O. Box 4194 Mbabane H100.
Phone 2404-0470, Fax 404-3374.
E-mail: sipa@business-swaziland.com.
Posts & Telecommunications Corporation
P.O. Box 125, Mbabane.
Phone 404-3131, Fax 2404-3130.
E-mail: info@swazi.net
Water Services Corporation
P.O. Box 20 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-3161, Fax 2404-5355.
E-mail: headoffice@swsc.co.sz
Swaziland Environmental Authority
P.O. Box 2602, Mbabane H100.
E-mail sea@realnet.co.sz; seabiodiv@realnet.co.sz
Swaziland Railway
P.O. Box 475 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-7211, Fax 2404-7210.
E-mail: info@swazirail.co.sz;
www.swazirail.co.sz
Swaziland Standards Authority
P.O. Box 300, Eveni.
Phone 2404-7770, Fax 2404-7805
E-mail: info@swasa.co.sz; www.swasa.co.sz
Swaziland Tourism Authority
P.O. Box A1030, Swazi Plaza.
Phone 2404-9693, Fax 2404-9683.
E-mail: info@tourismauthority.co.org.sz;
www.welcometoswaziland.com
The Cotton Board
P.O. Box 230 Manzini. Phone/Fax 2505-2775.Orion Piggs Peak Hotel
P.O. Box 385 Piggs Peak.
Phone 2437-1162, Fax 2437-1382.
E-mail: gmpiggspeak@orion-hotels.co.sz;
www.oriongorup.co.za
Swaziland Television Authority
P.O. Box A146 Swazi Plaza.
Phone 2404-3036, Fax 2404-2093.
Fincorp
P.O. Box 6099 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-9272, Fax 2404-9273.
E-mail: sdfc@fincorp.co.sz;
www.fincorp.co.sz
Swaziland National Housing Board
P.O. Box 798 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-5610, Fax 2404-5224.
E-mail: postbox@snhb.co.sz
Swaziland National Trust Commission
P.O. Box 100 Lobamba.
Phone 2416-1151, Fax 2416-1875.
E-mail: mantenga@sntc.org.sz;
www.sntc.org.sz
Swaziland Industrial Development Company
P.O. Box 866 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-3391, Fax 2404-5619.
E-mail: info@sidc.co.sz.
Small Enterprises Development Company
P.O. Box A186 Swazi Plaza.
Phone 2404-2811, Fax 2404-0723.
E-mail: business@sedco.co.sz;
www.sedco.co.sz
University of Swaziland
Private Bag 4 Kwaluseni.
Phone 2518-5315, Fax 2518-5276.
Email: registrar@admin.uniswa.sz
SEBENTA (Adult Literacy Programme)
P.O. Box 64 Mbabane. Phone 2404-2644
E-mail: literacy@realnet.co.sz
NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS
More than 100 NGO’s in Swaziland cover a diversity of needs and services, including education for special needs and skills training, youth, health and welfare, women’s issues, income generation, agricultural development and training, social welfare, the environment, human rights, religious issues, and animal welfare. A number of NGOs have been established specifically to deal with HIV/AIDS and related issues.
The central contact for all NGOs in Swaziland is:
The Coordinating Assembly of NGOs,
P.O. Box A67 Swazi Plaza.
Phone 2404-4721. Fax 2404-5532
E-mail:cango@africaonline.co.sz
www.cango.org.sz
PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS
Most professional services are available in the country various associations ensure that internationally recognised codes of practice and ethics are adhered to. These associations include: (Please note that the following information is subject to change).
Swaziland Institute of Accountants
P.O. Box 2653, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-5566, Fax 2404-6827.
E-mail: sia@realnet.co.sz
Swaziland Association of Architects,
Engineers & Surveyors
P.O. Box A387, Swazi Plaza.
Phone 404-2227
The Building Contractors Association
P.O. Box 518, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-0071, Fax 2404-4258.
E-mail: soconswad@realnet.co.sz
Sibakho Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 2016, Manzini.
Phone/Fax 2505-4409.
Federation of Swaziland Employers & Chamber of Industry
P.O. Box 72 Mbabane.
Phone 2404-0768, Fax 2404-0051
E-mail: fsecc@business-swazi.com
Hotel & Tourism Association
P.O. Box 223, Mbabane H100.
Phone 2404-2781, Fax 2404-5393.
E-mail: info@mountaininn.sz
Insurance Brokers Association
P.O. Box A32, Swazi Plaza.
Phone 2404-2929, fax 2404-5254.
E-mail: aon_sib@son.co.sz
Swaziland Law Society
P.O. Box 512, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-1915, Fax 2404-2179.
Medical & Dental Council
C/o Ministry of Health
P.O. Box 5, Mbabane.
Phone 2404-2431, Fax 2404-2092.
Institute of Personnel & Training Managers
C/o UNISWA,
Private Bag, Kwaluseni.