Africa-Press – Eswatini. With assets now valued at over E6.8 billion, the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) marked 50 years of provident progress in spectacular style, hosting a glittering jubilee gala dinner at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, a night where legacy met leadership, and reflection gave way to national pride.
The royal arrival of His Majesty King Mswati III was the evening’s high point, with expectations high for Her Majesty the Indlovukazi and other members of the royal family to join the celebration. The venue, glowing with elegance and tradition, hosted a high-profile guest list that included the Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Cabinet Ministers, and the Diplomatic Corps.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi, who served as master of ceremonies, said the event was both a tribute to the past and a commitment to Eswatini’s future. “Fifty years represents five decades of hard work. We are truly blessed by the presence of His Majesty and inspired to build a prosperous Eswatini for all emaSwati,” he told the room.
Manzini Regional Administrator Chief Gija Dlamini echoed those sentiments, welcoming the King and calling the celebration “a moment of pride” for the region and the nation.
ENPF Chairman Mduduzi Gina said the Fund’s success was proof of trust earned over time.
“The Fund’s longevity shows our dedication to serving the people of Eswatini. We have grown through transparency, openness, and service, and the nation has responded with confidence,” he said.
Gina confirmed that the Fund’s assets had now grown to E6.8 billion, driven by both solid investment and strategic innovation, including a free funeral policy for members and digital platforms allowing clients to log claims from home.
He also announced the Fund’s complete conversion into a fully-fledged pension fund, adding that such progress would not have been possible without the support of His Majesty, the Labour Ministry, and every board that has served since inception.
A powerful moment in the evening came when a vintage video of the late King Sobhuza II was played, capturing the monarch’s launch of the Fund and his christening of it as Lidlelantfongeni. The legacy of that vision echoed through the hall.
That legacy was further honoured by ENPF CEO Futhie Tembe, who offered a stirring reflection on the Fund’s journey. “In 1974, King Sobhuza II planted a seed of stability and hope. Tonight, Your Majesty, we see that seed fully grown under your leadership,” she said.
Tembe recalled joining the Fund in 2007 when assets stood at just E1.1 billion. “Today, we’ve grown to E6.8 billion in assets, with 59% of that investment staying right here in Eswatini,” she reported.
She highlighted the Fund’s impact on urban growth, tourism and economic inclusion through investments in Happy Valley Hotel, Pick n Pay supermarkets, Swazi Plaza Properties, Bhunu Mall, Old Mutual, and Eswatini Mobile.
“Pick n Pay belongs to our members. So does Happy Valley. These investments are theirs, and they are reshaping our economy,” she said, adding that over 55% of ENPF’s investment supports the local business community.
Tembe closed her remarks by thanking past CEOs and fund leaders who helped lay the foundation of an institution that now stands as a pillar of national stability.
As the evening unfolded in song, celebration and national pride, one message rang clear: the ENPF is no longer just a fund, it is a force for transformation.
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