Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), also known as Lidlelantfongeni, has once again proven its strength as a beacon of financial sustainability and ethical stewardship, after announcing a record 10 per cent members’ interest for the financial year ended 30th June 2025.
Chairman of the Board, Mduduzi Gina, officially declared the remarkable achievement during a press conference held at Summerfield Botanical Gardens in Nokwane on Monday.
Present were board members, namely E.Nathi Dlamini, Khanyisile Dube-Dlamini, Tum Du Pont, Thuli Mdluli, Dudu Ndzinisa, Maureen Nkambule, and ENPF CEO Futhie Tembe.
“We are here to address and formally declare a matter of significance that reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. As stewards of this Fund, we recognise the importance of maintaining the public’s trust, and it is our duty to ensure that our stakeholders’ interests are protected,” said Gina.
“The ENPF’s audited financial statements revealed an operating surplus of E631.2 million for 2025 – a sharp rise compared to E532.4 million in 2024 and E446.4 million in 2023. This upward trajectory paints a picture of consistent growth and sound investment strategies,” Gina said with a tone of transparency and confidence.”
At the heart of this performance lies the Fund’s revenue growth, which increased to E 782.7 million in 2025, compared to E 682.7 million in 2024 and E595.3 million in 2023. Gina credited the Fund’s excellent investment strategy and disciplined financial management for this sustained growth.
“The Fund, being conscious of costs, has been able to contain expenditure to ensure maximum benefit for members. Our obligation under the SNPF Order is to declare not less than three per cent members’ interest. This year, we are proud to have far surpassed that mandate,” Gina said.
The declaration of 10 per cent members’ interest marks the highest payout in recent years, representing a 14 per cent increase from last year’s 8.65 per cent, and significantly higher than the 6.5 per cent declared in 2023.
“As the current board, we are pleased to declare members’ interest of 10 per cent for the period 2024/2025,” Gina announced to resounding applause. “This milestone demonstrates our resolve to ensure good stewardship for members’ financial interests.”
Gina added that this demonstrates that it makes financial sense to keep the members’ savings within Lidlelantfongeni as the dividends are reasonably much higher compared to other financial vehicles offer.
“We are grateful as the Board for the support and guidance of our Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Phila Buthelezi. We also commend the CEO and her team for the hard work, dedication, and spirit of excellence as they discharge their duties. We will continue to support them and to encourage them.”
ENPF Chief Executive Officer, Futhi Tembe, provided further insights into the drivers of this performance, pointing to strong gains in both local and international markets.
“The impressive results were also influenced by a strong positive performance in the stock markets,” Tembe explained. “We particularly saw excellent returns from investments in the Industrial Development Corporation of Eswatini (IDCE) and Happy Valley Hotel, among other strategic holdings.”
She also highlighted the Fund’s property portfolio, which delivered exceptional results during the year under review. “The property investments continue to provide reliable growth and have boosted our overall performance. This diversification strategy has truly paid off.” Board Member E. Nathi Dlamini echoed the Chairman’s sentiments, commending management for their hard work and diligence.
“These results are extraordinary,” Dlamini said. “We must applaud management for the excellent performance and urge them to continue working hard to ensure the sustainability of the Fund. This outcome gives us confidence that the ENPF remains in safe and capable hands.”
The declaration of a record 10 per cent members’ interest is more than just a number – it reflects the ENPF’s role as a guardian of the nation’s workers’ savings. For thousands of members across Eswatini, this announcement means not only stronger returns but also increased trust in the institution charged with safeguarding their future.
Gina stressed that the Board remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical governance. “The ENPF belongs to the people, and our job is to ensure that it remains strong, resilient, and aligned with the needs of its members,” he said.
As the Fund continues to record year-on-year growth, its success story is becoming a model for effective governance and investment in the region. By balancing prudent management with bold, forward-looking investment strategies, the ENPF is demonstrating that it is possible to grow members’ wealth while maintaining the highest standards of accountability.
“This is not just about today’s announcement,” Gina concluded. “It is about securing tomorrow. It is about leaving a legacy of stability, trust, and growth for every member of this Fund. That is our promise and our commitment.”
The ENPF’s stellar financial performance and the declaration of 10 per cent members’ interest have set a new benchmark for what is possible when visionary leadership, strategic investments, and strong governance converge.
For its members, this year’s announcement is not just good news – it is a ringing endorsement that their future is in safe hands.
Employers fully support conversion.
The CEO of Business Eswatini E. Nathi Dlamini said as employers, they have always been in support of the proposed conversion of the ENPF to a universal national pension scheme.
“The idea of a national pension fund was supported in principle by the private sector from the very beginning, if only as a vital component of the social protection mechanisms in the country,” Dlamini said.
He explained that the important question was concerning the logistics and modalities of reaching the desired amicable results. He added that the long-term viability of the scheme under the proposed financial mechanics was also a matter of priority, which should be discussed and agreed upon by all key stakeholders.
In another matter, Du Pont said they fully agree with the move for conversion, adding that many SMMEs, which his organisation, the Federation of Eswatini Business Community, represents, do not have pension schemes for their employees.
“It is a good and fundamental steps that ENPF has taken as we support them fully as they bring hope and dignity to Emaswati,” Du Pont said.
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