Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has strengthened Eswatini’s judiciary through the appointment of seven new magistrates, deployed across the Shiselweni and Lubombo regions to improve service delivery and address long-standing case backlogs.
Three of the magistrates were unveiled on Monday, 13 April 2025, and assigned to the Siteki Magistrates Court, while the remaining four were appointed to serve at the Nhlangano Magistrates Court on the same day. The appointments form part of ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the justice system, particularly at magistrate level, where delays have been a concern for many members of the public over the years.
Those appointed to the Siteki Magistrates Court are Zwelithini Magagula, Lungile Shongwe, and Thulani Dlamini. Meanwhile, the Nhlangano Magistrates Court will be served by Mpumelelo Ginindza, Sibonelo Dlamini, Ntombifuthi Manyatsi, and Sakhile Hlophe.
Last week, the JSC also announced the appointment of Innocent Mahlalela, Cebsile Ngwenya, Thabiso Fakudze, and Temantimandze Shongwe as magistrates for the Pigg’s Peak Magistrates Court.
The addition of these magistrates is expected to significantly ease the burden on existing judicial officers, enabling quicker turnaround times in the handling of cases. For years, court users have raised concerns about delays in the finalisation of matters, particularly in lower courts where the volume of cases tends to be highest. The JSC’s intervention is therefore seen as a timely response aimed at restoring public confidence in the justice system.
The appointments come at a time when the country’s courts have recorded substantial activity during the 2025/26 financial year. Magistrates’ Courts alone have processed a total of 14 385 cases, reflecting both the demand for judicial services and the pressure placed on these institutions.
Other courts have also handled a significant number of matters within the same period. The Supreme Court processed 180 cases, while the High Court dealt with 2 852. The Industrial Court attended to 204 matters, and the Small Claims Courts handled 2 074 cases. In addition, the Master’s Office finalised 349 estates.
These figures highlight the extensive workload carried by the judiciary and underscore the importance of continued investment in human resources and institutional capacity. By increasing the number of magistrates, the JSC aims to ensure that justice is not only served, but delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
The deployment of magistrates to Siteki and Nhlangano is also expected to improve access to justice in these regions, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances or endure extended waiting periods before their cases are heard.
Overall, the appointments signal a commitment by the JSC to strengthen the judiciary and address systemic challenges, while ensuring that the legal system remains responsive to the needs of the public.
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