Manzini – The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) recognised employers, members and tenants who go beyond statutory requirements to safeguard workers’ financial futures during the fourth edition of the CEO’s weekly Lidlelantfongeni Stakeholder Recognition Awards. The event was held on 28 November 2025 at ENPF Headquarters in Manzini.
The awards spotlight companies demonstrating exceptional compliance, including those that voluntarily pay 100 percent of statutory contributions on behalf of employees. Eight enterprises were honoured this year for treating compliance not only as a legal duty but as a guiding principle for responsible leadership. Representatives from three of the recognised organisations shared insights on their approach.
AFRICA LINK LOGISTICS (45 employees)
“Drivers give their lives to this industry the least we can do is secure their future.”
For Africa Link Logistics, employing 45 long-distance truck drivers, ENPF compliance is more than an administrative task it is a declaration of gratitude to the people who spend their lives on the road. Speaking at the awards, Sifiso Dlamini said the company’s decision to contribute 100 percent of statutory contributions, though not required by law, reflects deep respect for the men behind the wheel. He noted that the average driver’s prime years fade by age 40, often without savings to cushion retirement.
“Long-distance drivers give everything. Their strength, their time, their family life. When those years are gone, what remains? The owners of Africa Link decided their future should not be left to chance.”
“The company’s decision to pay 100 percent contribution was driven by a deep respect for the men and women who keep the business moving. It is unfortunate that many in this sector reach the end of their careers with little or no retirement savings.”
Dlamini praised the CEO of Lidlelantfongeni Futhi Tembe and the ENPF team for making compliance clear and accessible. He added that many transport companies still need to strengthen retirement savings and insurance to ensure staff are not neglected when they retire and their families remain secure.
“We will continue to set a benchmark. If our drivers dedicate their lives to growing the business, the least we can do is ensure they have something meaningful at the end.”
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY (63 employees)
“SMEs can lead from the front and compliance is the foundation of growth.”
Alternative Energy, employing 63 staff in renewable solutions and rural electrification, views ENPF compliance as integral to nation-building. After receiving the award, TemaSwati Dlamini said it showed that small companies can be just as influential as large corporations in setting national standards.
“We may be small, but we want to set a big example. Compliance is who we are and it tells our employees that their future matters, and it tells the country that SMEs can lead responsibly.”
Dlamini said the award goes beyond trophies and certificates, signalling trust and maturity in a sector often dismissed as too young or stretched to implement strong governance systems. She added that the recognition validates the company’s belief that ethical practices should be embedded from day one.
“A lot of SMEs think compliance is something you do when you’re bigger or when you have more resources. But we’ve proven that responsible practices can start small, and grow with the business.”
She praised ENPF for making compliance seamless and accessible and said the Fund’s systems help young companies build strong foundations. “ENPF brings stability, structure and confidence. It assures employees that even in a young company, their effort becomes long-term security. That motivates them and it motivates us to do better every single year.”
Dlamini added that the award strengthens Alternative Energy’s credibility with partners and the communities it serves, especially as renewable energy becomes central to Eswatini’s development agenda.
“Compliance is not a burden. It’s an investment. If you want your business to grow, to be respected, and to attract good people, start with ENPF. It’s one of the smartest decisions any SME can make.”
“We’re proud to show that SMEs can lead from the front. This award is encouragement, but it’s also a challenge, a challenge to keep doing better for our employees and for Eswatini.”
UMBANE PTY LTD (73 employees)
“Corporate governance starts with how you treat your people.”
Umbane, a longstanding sugarcane farming operation in Malkerns employing 73 workers, entered a new chapter in April 2024 when it became a direct employer after years under RES Corporation. Board member Sikelela Qwabe said the ENPF recognition affirms Umbane’s renewed commitment to good governance and responsible stewardship.
“For us, compliance is not a box to tick. It is good stewardship managing shareholder value responsibly while safeguarding the workers who create that value.”
Qwabe said the transition came with challenges, but ENPF’s guidance made the process smooth and confidence-building. “The ENPF team walked with us, step by step. Their systems make it possible for new employers like us to comply confidently.”
He added that the award is more than a corporate accolade; it is a message to the workforce. “This award tells our employees that they matter. We’re not just running a business we’re protecting futures.”
Qwabe described the recognition as a springboard for responsible growth, reaffirming Umbane’s commitment to fairness and good governance. “This is only the beginning. As we grow, we will continue to comply. Our workers deserve nothing less.”
He encouraged other companies undergoing transitions to embrace compliance early. “If you want stability, trust and long-term success, start with compliance. It is not an expense it’s an investment in your company’s future.”
Discussion about this post