INTRODUCTION
The Office of the High Commission diligently represents the country in the facilitation of engagements in Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and other Diplomatic Missions and International Organizations resident in South Africa accredited to Swaziland.
Summary of Major Engagements
(a) Facilitation of visits by: Royalty, prominent dignitaries and top / Government officials and other Swazi nationals on transit to other parts of the world through South Africa.
Royalty and other Swazi Nationals who need specialized medical attention, education, religious activities, sports and recreation and private matters. Stranded Swazi Nationals who need financial and logistics assistance from the mission. Prominent Swazi Nationals attending and engaging in events, meetings, summits, conferences in SA. These are crucial engagements that have direct and indirect bearing on the Swaziland Tourism and investments opportunities.
(b) Engagements and processes related to trade, investments and tourism promotion,
Political, Social, Administrative and International relations.
(c) Monitoring Of Media Houses Activities In South Africa
PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS
The High Commissioner presented his Credentials to the President of the Republic of South Africa on 28 October 2010. He is however, still waiting for Letters of Credence from the Ministry to enable him to present to the other countries he is accredited to namely; Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola.
CONFERENCES AND SUMMITS
SADC Troika Summit Lesotho: 22 February 2010
The High Commission facilitated the attendance and participation of His Majesty King Mswati III. The Acting High Commissioner and the First Secretary also attended the Summit.
(b) SADC Troika Summit - Botswana: 12 TO 13 July 2010
The attendance by His Majesty King Mswati III of the Troika Summit in Botswana was also facilitated by the Office of the High Commission.
(c) Briefing for The Heads Of Mission On SACU Summit – Windhoek, Namibia: 26th February 2010
The purpose of the briefing for the SACU member states was preparation for the first SACU Summit in Windhoek. The main agenda was the provision of strategic leadership and transformation of SACU. The Acting High Commissioner attended the briefing.
(d) SACU Heads Of State And Government Summit - Windhoek: 19TH April 2010
His Majesty King Mswati III’s participation and attendance of the Summit was facilitated by the Office of The High Commission.
(e) SACU Heads Of States And Government Summit - Pretoria: 15 To 16 July
The High Commission facilitated the attendance and participation of His Majesty King Mswati III.
(f) 30TH Jubilee Summit Of SADC Heads Of State And Government - Windhoek - 16 TO 17 August 2010
His Majesty King Mswati III together with eleven (11) other SADC Heads of States attended the Summit. The Acting High Commissioner also attended.
(g) Namibia’s 20th Independence Anniversary Celebration AND Presidential Inauguration,Namibia
Swaziland was one of Namibia’s neighbor States invited to the celebration of Namibia’s 20th Independence. During the same event President Pohamba was inaugurated as the new President . The His Excellency The Right Honourable Prime Minister Dr. S.B. Dlamini attended representing the country.
FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP
The Office of the High Commission facilitated the attendance of His Majesty King Mswati III of this world flagship event. He graced the opening of the FIFA 2010 ceremony together with other 19 Heads of State and Government, invited by the President of the Republic of South Africa Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.
During the closing ceremony His Majesty the King also attended the “One Goal Education Summit at the Presidential Guest House at the invitation of His Excellency the President.
HERITAGE DAY
The aim of this annual event in South Africa is to promote culture and tradition of all the ethnic groups in order to enhance and promote cultural awareness. The Umbutfo Swaziland Defence Force was invited by the Department of Defence in South Africa as an outcome of the Joint Bilateral Agreement signed in 2005 between the two (2) Governments, concerning co-operation in the area of defence. The Umbutfo Defence Force did not just attend the event or showcase our culture, but was honoured and awarded first prize, which created a positive image for Swaziland.
TRADE AND INVESTMENT PROMOTION
New Vehicle Manufacturing Plant
Trend Capital Holdings Limited based in Hong Kong, have submitted a proposal of a Rotrax Vehicle Manufacturing Plant in Swaziland. The designers and owners of the rights to the vehicle are based in Johannesburg, and have had the vehicle tested and approved by SABS and the South African Defence Force for manufacturing and sale to the public. This project is however still in the infancy stage
Timber And Biomass Power Project
Another proposal, with discussions at an advanced level, is the Timber and Biomass Power Project whereby 5000 kwe to 6000 kwe Power Plant can be sustained just using the waste Biomass left over after harvesting the trees. The harvested trees can be cut into high quality Boards which can be utilized for house construction, furniture etc., providing much needed jobs.
Anydrous Fuel Grade Ethanol
Roux consolidated Investments, a company based in South Africa, has been conducting a feasibility study on Anhydrous Bio-Fuel Grade Ethanol in Swaziland. At the time of reporting the progress status had not been ascertained.
REPARTRIATION OF SWAZI NATIONALS FROM LINDELA AND OTHER INSTITUTES
During the period under review a total number of fifty six (56) Swazis were repartriated from South Africa to Swaziland. Fifty one (51) have been booked at Lindela Holding Institution after violating immigration legislation, two (2) from psychiatric institutions whilst three were minors that were abandoned in this country.