Africa-Press – Eswatini. When pension savings from public servants are turned into hotels, infrastructure, and local businesses, it’s not just numbers on a balance sheet, it’s new jobs, brighter futures, and hope for thousands of Emaswati families.
This was the message shared by Musa Hlatshwayo, Director of Investments at the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF), during a lively stakeholder engagement at Hilton Garden Inn on September 25, 2025.
From Foreign Cities to Local Communities
Hlatshwayo reminded stakeholders how, in the past, every cent of Eswatini’s pension savings went outside the country, enriching cities like Cape Town and Sandton. “Today, those funds are coming back home,” he said, highlighting how the PSPF is deliberately channeling investments into Eswatini to spark job creation and revive the economy.
The PSPF has already exceeded the regulator’s requirement to invest 30% locally, with over 44% of its portfolio now building Eswatini’s future.
“This is how we rekindle our economy and create opportunities for our people,” Hlatshwayo affirmed.
Jobs, Dignity, and Opportunity
The impact is already visible. Investments such as the Hilton Garden Inn, once a risky idea on paper, have matured into profitable projects, now sustaining jobs and livelihoods.
“When we invest, we worry about whether it will yield the returns we expect. Seeing this hotel become profitable after two years makes us proud, not only because it pays back, but because it employs Emaswati,” he explained.
By rooting investments locally, the PSPF ensures that every brick laid and every salary paid benefits emaSwati directly. Pension savings are no longer just for retirement security but also a vehicle for national progress.
Fair and Transparent Investments
To reassure the public, Hlatshwayo stressed that the PSPF does not follow “prescribed projects.” Every opportunity must pass strict checks, from feasibility studies to due diligence, before being approved by the board of trustees. “If a project doesn’t meet our standards, it is rejected. We only commit to what will bring value to pensioners and the economy,” he said.
Invitation to Entrepreneurs
Hlatshwayo also extended an open hand to Emaswati entrepreneurs: “If you have viable opportunities, come to us. We are ready to partner with you, as long as your projects align with our policies and growth vision.”
Building a Shared Legacy
At the heart of his message was a simple but powerful truth: pension funds are not just for tomorrow, they can transform lives today. With every investment that creates jobs and boosts local business, the PSPF is helping build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
“As custodians of workers’ retirement savings, our mission is twofold: to deliver strong returns and to uplift the nation. Every investment we make should leave behind a positive footprint for Emaswati,” concluded Hlatshwayo.
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