Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla have expressed deep sorrow following the passing of former Deputy Prime Minister Constance Simelane, the first woman to hold that office in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Simelane passed away over the past weekend at Mkhiwa Clinic in Manzini, where she had been admitted for medical care. Her passing has been described as a significant loss to the nation.
The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the Simelane family, acknowledging her legacy and trailblazing service.
“We have learned with great sadness of the passing of the country’s first-ever female Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Constance Simelane,” said the Prime Minister.
“She left an indelible mark whilst serving our country — first as a Senator, then Minister of Education, and finally DPM. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her legacy, particularly her role in advancing the rights and opportunities for women in leadership. Our thoughts and prayers are with Their Majesties, the nation, her family, and all who cherished her.”
Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla also extended condolences to the Simelane family, Their Majesties, and the entire nation. She noted that Simelane had been unwavering in her dedication to serving the monarchy and the people of Eswatini.
Dladla highlighted that Free Primary Education (FPE), one of the country’s most impactful policies, was championed during Simelane’s tenure as Minister of Education and Training.
“Her contributions to the nation will never be forgotten,” said Dladla. “Her passing is painful, as the country greatly benefited from her service.”
Dladla recalled that she had been made aware of Simelane’s illness by her elder sister last week. While she was preparing to visit her at the clinic, she received word that Simelane had been discharged. However, on Sunday, July 13, Dladla was informed that the former DPM had been re-admitted. She later received the sad news of Simelane’s passing on Monday morning, July 14, 2025.
Dladla and Simelane remain the only women to have served as Deputy Prime Ministers in the history of Eswatini.
A Legacy of Firsts: Hon. Constance Simelane
Constance Simelane was a pioneering politician in Eswatini. Appointed to the Senate in 2001, she became Minister of Education in 2003. In October 2006, His Majesty King Mswati III appointed her as DPM, following the passing of another former DPM, Albert Heshane Shabangu.
Born to Funwako Simelane, a prominent Liswati teacher and diplomat, and Judith LaNkonyane, originally from Amsterdam, Mpumalanga (South Africa), Simelane was the second eldest of six children. Her family includes Thandiwe Dlamini, the longest-serving Executive Director of the Red Cross in Swaziland, and siblings Nomcebo, Zandile, Dumisa and Sifiso.
Educated abroad, Simelane was a recipient of the African Scholarship Program of American Universities, earning a Social Sciences degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. She later obtained an MBA from the University of Washington and studied Advanced Purchasing Strategies in Austria.
Her professional journey began as a credit researcher in Chicago before returning to Eswatini to serve as Assistant Secretary in the DPM’s Office. She later worked for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Simelane’s distinguished career in both public service and international development marked her as a formidable figure in Eswatini’s political history. Her leadership, particularly in advancing education and gender equity, continues to inspire future generations.
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