Mbabane – 2025 was a year of shocks, controversies, and historic firsts that kept Emaswati talking and sometimes gasping. From the pulpit to the corridors of power, headlines dominated public debate and often exposed deep divisions in society.
The nation reeled when Reverend Johannes Mazibuko left the Alliance Church to launch his own ministry, sparking debate and dividing loyalties within the church.
In this article we review some of the most shocking stories that made headlines this year.
Reverend Johannes Mazibuko leaves Alliance Church
The Eswatini Christian community was shocked by Reverend Johannes Mazibuko’s unexpected departure from the Mbabane Alliance Church to establish his own ministry, The House of Worship.
Mazibuko, who had reached the church’s mandatory retirement age of 65, was expected to step down and allow new leadership to take the helm. Instead, he launched an independent church currently holding services at Mbabane Central High School.
The decision sparked debate among Christians and church commentators. Some members of his former congregation chose to follow him, while others felt the move was unnecessary and ill-timed. Critics argued that Mazibuko’s decades of ministry experience could have been invaluable in mentoring younger ministers and ensuring a smooth transition within the Alliance Church.
Mazibuko began his ministerial journey at Bhunya Alliance Church before moving to lead the Mbabane branch, eventually becoming the church’s overall leader. Over the years, he gained recognition for dynamic preaching and marriage counsel.
Alpheus Nxumalo charged for rape and insults Prime Minister
Government spokesperson Alpheus Nxumalo dominated headlines with a series of controversies. Arrested earlier this year for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with two minors. Nxumalo’s contract was renewed under a cloud of controvesy but Prime Minister Russel Mmiso Dlamini rejected Nxumalo’s reinstaitment. He said government can not have a spokeperson who is facing rape charges. He was suspended without pay, and his case is pending at the Industrial Court.
He also challenged sections of the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence Act in court, claiming parts of the law were “unSwazi.” The case was dismissed after the judge there is no customary law that allows someone to engage in sexual relations with underage girls.
Controversy escalated after Nxumalo issued serious threats against Prime Minister Russel Mmiso Dlamini following the refusal to reinstate him. He later held a press conference to publicly apologize to the Prime Minister and His Majesty the King.
Kareem Ashraf at centre of drugs shortage controversy
The ongoing shortage of medicines in public hospitals continued to make headlines in 2025. Avapharm CEO and Indonesian Consular Kareem Ashraf has been under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission for his alleged role in the crisis.
The Chief Justice reportedly refused to sign a warrant of arrest against Ashraf, prompting the ACC to seek judicial intervention. Both applications were dismissed, leaving the investigation unresolved.
Ashraf has filed a lawsuit against the ACC officer handling his case, claiming personal misconduct. He also publicly shifted blame for the drug shortages onto staff at Central Medical Stores, asserting systemic failures in the health system while positioning himself as a victim of broader collapse.
Funduzi Director Zakhele Dlamini unleashed explosive files about how Ashraf has tried to use intimidating tactics to undermine the reports of his forensic investigations. To read more about the damming allegations made by Dlamini buy the print edition of Independent News.
AKA killers finally extradited
Malusi and Siyabonga Ndimande, accused of murdering South African music icon Kiren “AKA” Forbes, were extradited to South Africa after months of legal wrangling in the high court.
The brothers were arrested in Mahwalala, Mbabane, in February during a high-level investigation by the Royal Eswatini Police Service. They contested their extradition in Eswatini courts, but a high court ruling allowed their transfer.
A high-security operation in South Africa ensured their safe arrival, where they were immediately placed in custody and formally charged. The case drew significant attention in both countries due to AKA’s prominence and the violent nature of his death in 2023.
Eswatini first African country to house deported American inmates
Eswatini became the first African nation to host inmates deported from the United States under a program relocating high-risk offenders to third-party countries.
The first batch of three inmates arrived earlier this year, followed by a second group of ten, bringing the total to thirteen housed at Matsapha Maximum Correctional Facility under high-security conditions.
The initiative, described by US officials as relocating “highly dangerous” prisoners when their home countries rejected them, has involved coordination between Eswatini and other nations to ensure some inmates are repatriated to their countries of origin.
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