Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, has officially unveiled Ms Nontombi Maphanga as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Eswatini National Petroleum Company (ENPC), effective February 1, 2026.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the ENPC offices located at Sibekelo Building in Mbabane. The ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, Lindiwe Mbingo, ministry officials, the ENPC Board of Directors, management, and staff.
Speaking during the unveiling, Prince Lonkhokhela acknowledged that there had been widespread public discussion regarding the company and the delay in appointing a CEO. He expressed hope that Maphanga’s appointment would put such speculation to rest and allow ENPC to focus on delivering tangible outcomes for the country.
The minister emphasised the urgent need to strengthen Eswatini’s fuel security, noting that the country currently has fuel storage capacity for only two days, compared to the required 14-day reserve.
“Many people do not realise the danger we face because fuel is usually available when they go to filling stations. This situation calls for leadership that can see beyond what is visible today,” he said.
Prince Lonkhokhela thanked His Majesty King Mswati III for identifying the fuel security challenge early and calling for decisive action. He further encouraged Maphanga to seek blessings from His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi, noting that her appointment had already been endorsed by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Cabinet.
The minister outlined Eswatini’s long-term vision for the energy sector, which includes constructing a Strategic Oil Reserve Facility, supplying fuel to neighbouring countries, and eventually building a fuel refinery to produce petroleum products locally—an achievement that would potentially make Eswatini the first country in the SADC region to do so.
He called upon the ENPC Board, management, staff, and all stakeholders to fully support the new CEO in achieving these national objectives.
Prince Lonkhokhela also extended appreciation to Principal Energy Officer Candy Stromvig and ENPC General Manager Musa Shongwe for keeping the organisation operational during the leadership transition.
Expressing confidence in Maphanga’s capabilities, the minister revealed that he had consulted her former supervisor, Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC) Managing Director Jabulile Mashwama, who described Maphanga as a valuable asset.
“She was concerned about losing such a strong leader, but I explained that this was a decision taken in the national interest,” he said.
In her acceptance speech, Maphanga thanked the minister for entrusting her with the role and expressed gratitude to Mashwama for endorsing her appointment. She committed herself to working diligently towards achieving fuel self-sufficiency for Eswatini.
She appealed for cooperation from the ENPC Board, management, staff, and all stakeholders to ensure collective success.
Ms Maphanga brings extensive experience to the role, with qualifications in science, civil engineering, and business administration, and a strong track record in executive leadership, infrastructure development, and organisational management.
She also has significant governance experience, having served on several boards and statutory bodies in sectors including insurance, telecommunications, urban development, housing, and financial services. She currently serves as a non-executive director of a financial institution and the Eswatini National Housing Board, further strengthening her governance credentials.
As CEO, Maphanga will lead ENPC’s strategic and operational agenda, with a focus on governance, performance, and the delivery of national energy priorities. Among the key projects under her leadership is the Strategic Oil Reserve Facility at Phuzumoya, which is expected to provide 80 million litres of fuel storage capacity and significantly enhance Eswatini’s energy resilience.
Prince Lonkhokhela expressed confidence that Maphanga’s leadership would bring stability, effective service delivery, and renewed stakeholder confidence to ENPC.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
