Information Package for Gbr-Future Leaders Summit Hosted by Swaziland

INFORMATION PACKAGE FOR GBR-FUTURE LEADERS SUMMIT HOSTED BY SWAZILAND

YOUTH SUMMIT DETAILS

Date: 29 June 2019 Venue: The Royal Swazi Convention Centre Time: 08H00 – 16H00

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Royal Swazi Spa is situated at Ezulwini Valley and it has a Conference Centre which provides for a great variety of functions, ranging from boardroom meetings for 20 delegates, conferences for up to 600 delegates and formal dinners for 560 guests. The centre consists of four venues which are totally self-contained, with a reception lobby and two pre assembly areas.

The Auditorium

The Future Summit will be held at the main auditorium which accommodates 505 delegates. The venue consists of a revolving stage which is ideal for a vast range of events such as product launches, theatrical presentations, international conventions, fashion shows and even theatre productions.

ABOUT ESWATINI

On the 19th April 2018, His Majesty King Mswati III renamed Swaziland to Eswatini meaning “Land of the Swazis”. Eswatini is the last monarchy in sub-Saharan Africa and considered to be “The Royal Kingdom”. It is surrounded by South African provinces and the country of Mozambique on the east side. Eswatini is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere, but has no shortage of cultural attractions and natural sites. The close proximity of the towns in Swaziland makes the Kingdom of Eswatini the perfect travel destination. Its picturesque hills and ever-flowing rivers are just some of the natural wonders to be seen. The forests, game parks and nature reserves are in abundance because this country has so much nature and wildlife to offer. The Swazi culture is very unique and the inhabitants are therefore very proud of their traditions.

Economy

Eswatini's economy is diverse, with agriculture, forestry and mining accounting for about 13% of GDP, manufacturing (textiles and sugar-related processing) representing 37% of GDP and services – with government services in the lead – constituting 50% of GDP. Title Deed Lands (TDLs), where the bulk of high value crops are grown (sugar, forestry, and citrus) are characterised by high levels of investment and irrigation, and high productivity.

About 75% of the population is employed in subsistence agriculture upon Swazi Nation Land (SNL). In contrast with the commercial farms, Swazi Nation Land suffers from low productivity and investment. This dual nature of the Swazi economy, with high productivity in textile manufacturing and in the industrialised agricultural TDLs on the one hand, and declining productivity subsistence

agriculture (on SNL) on the other, may well explain the country's overall low growth, high inequality and unemployment.

Eswatini's economy is very closely linked to the economy of South Africa, from which it receives over 90% of its imports and to which it sends about 70% of its exports. Eswatini's other key trading partners are the United States and the EU, from whom the country has received trade preferences for apparel exports (under the African Growth and Opportunity Act – AGOA – to the US) and for sugar (to the EU). Under these agreements, both apparel and sugar exports did well, with rapid growth and a strong inflow of foreign direct investment.

Education

The University of Eswatini (UNISWA), Southern African Nazarene University and Swaziland Christian University (SCU) are the institutions that offer university education in the country. A campus of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology can be found at Sidvwashini (Sidwashini), a suburb of the capital city Mbabane. Ngwane Teacher's College and William Pitcher College are the country's teaching colleges. The Good Shepherd Hospital in Siteki is home to the College for Nursing Assistants.

The University of Eswatini is the national university, established in 1982 by act of parliament, and is headquartered at Kwaluseni with additional campuses in Mbabane and Luyengo .The Southern African Nazarene University (SANU) was established in 2010 as a merger of the Nazarene College of Nursing, College of Theology and the Nazarene Teachers College; it is in Manzini next to the Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital. The SCU, focusing on medical education, was established in 2012 and is Eswatini's newest university. It is in Mbabane. The campus of Limkokwing University was opened at Sidvwashini in Mbabane in 2012.

The main centre for technical training in Eswatini is the Swaziland College of Technology (SCOT) which is slated to become a full university. It aims to provide high quality training in technology and business studies in collaboration with the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Other technical and vocational institutions include the Gwamile Vocational and Commercial Training Institute in Matsapha , the Manzini Industrial and Training Centre (MITC) in Manzini, Nhlangano Agricultural Skills Training Center, and Siteki Industrial Training Centre.

In addition to these institutions, the kingdom also has the Swaziland Institute of Management and Public Administration (SIMPA) and Institute of Development Management (IDM). SIMPA is a government-owned management and development institute and IDM is a regional organisation in Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini, providing training, consultancy, and research in management. North Carolina State University's Poole College of Management is a sister school of SIMPA. The Mananga Management Centre was established at Ezulwini as Mananga Agricultural Management Centre in 1972 as an international management development centre offering training of middle and senior managers.

ENTRY INFORMATION

Passports & Visa Information

A full passport valid for at least three months is required for entry into Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). For tourist visits, visas are NOT required by citizens of most Commonwealth countries, the USA, Japan, most European Union countries and certain other countries. Tourist or business travellers are allowed to visit Eswatini for up to 30 days. Following this you can apply for a further 30-day extension at the Ministry of Home Affairs. If staying for longer than 60 days, you will need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP). Please use the Visa Checker, and refer to your nearest Eswatini diplomatic mission if required, from which visas for any nationality can be obtained.

To see whether or not you need a Visa to enter Eswatini you can go to www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/visa-guide

NOTE: For nationalities that DO require visas to visit Eswatini, these visas can NOT be obtained on arrival at any Eswatini border post, but must be organised in advance from one of Eswatini’s Missions Abroad.

How to Apply For a Swazi Visa

They are dealt with in the Ministry of Home Affairs Visa & Citizenship department or alternatively with the country’s foreign missions and Swaziland representative in your country or the nearest one to you.

Visa Upon Arrival

This is done after the host or tourist made an undertaking to the Chief Immigration Officer that the tourist would not be able to make a visa application prior to his/her travel to the Kingdom of Swaziland.

Requirements for Visa Application (Mbabane)

1. Completed Visa application form 2. Cover Letter from host/tourist 3. Valid passport-with at least three months before reaching the date of expiry. 4. Proof of Residence by host (A copy of Temporal Residence Permit)

Visa Fees In The Kingdom Of Swaziland

1. Single entry (3 months): E80. 00 2. Multiple entry ( 3 months): E300.00 3. Multiple entry (6 months): E700.00 4. Multiple entry (9 months): E1000.00

For visa letters, kindly email Ms Lihle Mabuza on [email protected]

LANGUAGES

SiSwati is a Bantu language of the Nguni Group, spoken in Eswatini and South Africa. It has 2.5 million speakers and is taught in schools. It is an official language of Eswatini, along with English, and one of the official languages of South Africa. English is the medium of communication in schools and in conducting business including the press.

CURRENCY

Eswatini's currency, the Lilangeni, is pegged to the South African Rand, subsuming Eswatini's monetary policy to South Africa. Customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union, which may equal as much as 70% of government revenue, and worker remittances from South Africa substantially, supplement domestically earned income. ATM machines are readily available.

CLIMATE

The climate of Eswatini varies from tropical to temperate. As with most countries in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere with December being mid-summer and June mid-winter. On average, temperatures in June may reach a maximum of 22° and at least around 8° degrees, and for this reason Excellences are advised to bring warm clothes.

FOOD & DRINK

When catering for yourself, experiencing local markets and stalls is a great way to pick up cheap good quality food as well as tasting local delicacies and dishes. Ensure all food is thoroughly washed and cooked well though. In more remote locations where cultural influence is high, African staples such as stew and pap (a traditional porridge made from ground maize) are great things to try.

Meat is generally available across tourism establishments in Eswatini. Animals are generally slaughtered for food. In this regard, stews made with spiced chillies including tripe, offal, hooves, trotters can be enjoyed.

Eswatini also has many artisan food producers including Eswatini Kitchen – a specialist in making jams, sauces, chutneys and more. Eswatini is also home to its very own chilli production with Black Mamba Chilli, and in the northern town of Bulembu, Eswatini produces it’s very own honey!

Other popular foods include pumpkin, beans and rice, where available. Sweet potatoes are widely cultivated and sorghum is farmed in some areas. Fruits include many tropical varieties in season, such as mango, guava, paw-paw, banana and avocado, which grow freely around most homesteads. The best time for most fruits is the late rainy season, from December to March.

Restaurants are mainly found in the larger, more central towns such as Mbabane and in more tourist focused areas such as the Ezulwini Valley. Portuguese cuisine (an influence from nearby Mozambique) including seafood, and especially prawns, can be found in areas like Big Bend.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ESWATINI

1. Diesel Supply The Oil and Gas business is one of the most lucrative business in Eswatini.. The oil and gas industry is one of the most lucrative zones in the world. In Eswatini, it adds to the country’s economic output, making it extremely important in aiding economic development in the nation. While this industry remains a great source of revenue for the country, a few individuals are taking advantage of it to create fascinating businesses.

2. Cyber Café Browsing has become almost daily routine for Swazis, either for business purpose, entertainment, or research and education. Hundreds of millions of hours are spent daily by those who have personal devices for accessing the internet, and another hundreds of millions of hours in Cyber Cafe by those who do not have their own devices and internet connection. Running a cyber cafe has been a huge capital intensive business but viable.

3. Restaurant Business The restaurant business in Eswatini and many other places around the world is one of the most lucrative ventures to start up. This is largely a result of the insatiable worldwide demand for food, which doesn’t just make it a highly profitable business for building entrepreneurs, but also one of the best recession proof business ideas to explore.

4. Hotel Business The hotel business is another lucrative business that is currently booming in Eswatini. There are opportunities in the hotel and hospitality industry. These may include mini lodges, hotels and small restaurants.

5. Agriculture Agriculture is mostly the back bone of human survival – it has been sustaining mankind over the ages. Agriculture in Eswatini as a source of income is still highly beneficial for the nation and Africa as a continent, because of the abundance of farmable lands and an increase in the number of yearly entrants. The benefits of the industry has caused an emergency action by the government to introduce several attractive incentives for new and existing farmers in the sector. It is said that the whole life of man revolves around nature and agriculture.

6. Transportation Business Transport business is an industry of opportunity in Eswatini. The increasing number of commuters between their homes and theirs place of work, intercity travels as well as transportation to cities in neighbouring countries.

7. Grocery Provision Store Starting a provision store is good business to do considering how profitable and lucrative it can be. The business entails having a shop or space you stock up with basic house hold items and products that people use and need on a daily basis. The business also involves

buying goods in bulk at wholesale prices and supplying retail stores as well as sell to consumers.

ACCOMODATION

Hotel Name Single Bed Double Bed Breakfast From Airport From Hotel to to Hotel venue

Royal Villas E1810.00 E2140.00 Yes 82km 10min driving Hotel ($125) ($150)

Royal Swazi E3298.00 E3530.00 Yes 82km 10min Sun Hotel ($228) ($244) walking

Lugogo Sun E1025.00 E1220.00 Yes 82km 15min Hotel ($71) ($84) walking

Bethel Court E805.00 E1000.00 Yes 86km 15min driving ($56) ($69)

Sibane Hotel E1240.00 E1500.00 Yes 84km 20min driving ($85) ($104)

Mogi E950.00 E950.00 Yes 82km 10min driving Boutique ($66) ($66) Hotel

Victory Guest N/A E650.00 Yes 85km 10min driving House ($45)

Ebuhleni E800.00 E1200.00 Yes 82km 5min driving Guest House ($56) ($83)

Ekuphumuleni E550.00 E750.00 No 80km Guest House ($38) ($52)

Immanuel E705.00 E890.00 Yes 100km 25min driving Guest House ($49) ($62)

Lidwala E785 R600 No 79km 5 min driving Lodge/ ($53) (41) Backpackers

$1.00 = E14.49 (Dated 04 June 2019)

NB: The Lilangeni is Equivalent to the South African Rand E1.00= R1.00

The United States Dollar (USD) is acceptable in some Hotels but not all so, Excellences are encouraged to change to the local currency or South African Rand

TRANSPORT

Eswatini can be accessed from most large cities in South Africa (Johannesburg, Durban) as well as Maputo. Access into Eswatini from Johannesburg can be by road or air.

Flights to Eswatini

Reaching Eswatini by air at present is only possible from Johannesburg, flying to King Mswati III International airport on Airlink. This much larger airport has now replaced Matsapha airport. Flights to Eswatini from Johannesburg are currently provided solely by Airlink, taking around 45 minutes. Flights depart four times per day and cost from US$175 one-way and US$350 return. An airport tax of E50 is payable when departing from King Mswati III International Airport.

Intercontinental Flights to Johannesburg

British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic all operate two or three daily non-stop flights from London to Johannesburg. Airlines such as Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates also provide flights to Johannesburg as well as from Europe or the Middle East (depending where you fly from). Flight prices are dependent on the time of year, with flights to Johannesburg getting more expensive around the Christmas period. Non-direct flights in most cases will be cheaper, but shop around to make sure you get the best deal.

Entering Eswatini by Road

Driving into Eswatini is relatively easy. Upon entry, a fee of R50.00 is required at the border (road tax) for a car and for a truck / company car a fee of R80.00 applies. There is no Bureau to change currency; however the gate does accept South African rands. Certain documentation is required by the South African authorities to enter Eswatini from South Africa, depending on the ownership of the vehicle, as follows:

Company car

 Valid Passport  Driver licence  Letter from the company that you are given the access to drive the vehicle  Blue book (Registration Document)

Rented vehicle

 Letter from the Car Hire  Valid driver licence  Valid passport

Your own vehicle but still paying for it

 Letter from the bank  Blue book (Registration Document)  Valid passport  Valid driver licence

Own vehicle and fully paid.

 Blue book (Registration Document)  Valid passport  Valid driver licence

Borrowed from relative/friend

 Affidavit  I.D copy of the owner of the vehicle  Blue book (Registration Document)  Valid passport  Valid driver’s licence.

Border Opening Times

1. Bulembu/ Josefdal : 08.00 – 16.00 2. Gege/ Bothashoop : 08.00 – 16.00 3. lavumiso/ Golela : 00700 – 22.00- (Suitable for those coming from Durban) 4. lomahasha/Namaacha : 07.00 – 20.00 5. lundzi/Waverley : 07.00 – 16.00 6. Mahamba : 07.00 – 22.00 7. Mananga : 08.00 – 18.00 8. Matsama/Jeppe’s Reef : 08.00 – 20.00 9. Mhlumeni/Goba : 24 hours 10. Ngwenya/Oshoek : 07.00 – 00.00 (Suitable for those coming from Johannesburg) 11. Nsalitshe /Onverwacht : 08.00 – 18.00 12. Sandlane/ Nerston : 08.00 – 18.00 13. Sicunusa/Houdkop : 08.00 – 18.00

By Bus from South Africa

A number of companies, including minibus services between Mbabane and Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton). Depending on the company, there are 1-3 services a day in each direction with journey times around 5 hours. Fares are from R600 one-way. For more information on available shuttles in Eswatini you can go to www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/tours-activities- transport

Public transportation going to Eswatini can be found at Wanderers Taxi Rank (Park Station) at the price of E250.00 stopping in Mbabane and Manzini.

Travelling With Children

In 2015 South Africa changed its immigration regulations with regard to travelling with children these were then revised in 2018/19. The full regulations can be viewed on this page. A summary of the most common situations is as follows:

 Children travelling to South Africa with both parents can enter with just a passport.  Children travelling to South Africa with one parent may be asked for an unabridged birth certificate and other documentation  Children travelling to South Africa without a parent will need to carry an unabridged birth certificate and other documentation

These are regulations that apply when travelling to and from South Africa. There have been no such regulations introduced for Eswatini. However, since most visitors to Eswatini will come through South Africa, it’s important that any planned visit to Eswatini takes these new regulations into account to check what is applicable. Since the new South Africa regulations came into force there have been discussions in the country regarding further changes.

For more information or assistance pertaining to transport, you may contact Thandizulu Dlamini @ +268 7825 3669 or email: [email protected]

ESWATINI EXPERIENCES

Culture

Eswatini’s traditional culture fascinates visitors. The appeal is self-evident: this tiny Kingdom has managed to retain traditions that date back to pre-colonial times and that, despite all the challenges of modernity, remain fundamental to its cultural life. At its heart lies the monarchy, which binds the nation together in festivals and celebration. The kingdom is not a living museum, of course, but what you will see – the colour, costume and pageantry – is the real deal, not some contrivance for the tourist industry. And such ritual ceremonies as the Umhlanga, or Reed Dance, are among the most spectacular of their kind on the continent. Look out for the red feathers of the ligwalagwala, or purple- crested turaco, which denote the royal status of the wearer.

Wildlife

Eswatini’s rich variety of landscapes and habitats gives it a profusion of fauna and flora, with the sheer number of species mind-boggling by most European standards. The country is not large enough to offer lots of big game experiences, but it has some 17 protected areas which are home to a very wide range of species, including the sought after ‘Big 5’. As well as being one of the best places on the continent to see rhinos (on foot as well as by 4×4 and to see both black and white rhinos), Eswatini is also the perfect place to get to grips with many smaller creatures often overlooked on safari elsewhere, and it is a bird-watcher’s paradise.

Scenery

Eswatini is a small land with very big horizons. From the muscular uplands of the western highveld to the wild ridges of the eastern Lubombos, there is no bend in the road that does not offer another impressive vista. And with statuesque rock formations, picturesque villages and wide meandering rivers to fill the viewfinder, the photographer is spoilt for choice. The light is constantly changing, especially during the rainy season, when towering thunderheads pile up into menacing storm clouds, and then after the downpour, leave the sky a pristine blue. Any visitor to the Kingdom could do worse than simply wander the hills and valleys and enjoy the ever-changing views of beautiful scenery and

genuine wilderness. But such a natural canvas also allows for a very wide range of activities and different ways to explore and experience the varied landscapes.

Adventure

Eswatini is without doubt a Southern Africa adventure hot spot! Its varying landscapes provide the perfect opportunity for an impressively wide choice of activities. White-water rafting in the morning and a tree-top Canopy Tour in the afternoon – perhaps even with an evening game drive! Abseiling, rafting, caving, climbing, and even quad biking are all on offer for those seeking the fast-paced adrenaline-fuelled side of the country.

There are a number of well-established tours and activity operators in Eswatini who can help you organise your adventures. You go to www.thekingdomofeswatini.com/tours-activities-transport for more information.

Sports

Sports such as squash, tennis, and swimming are available at hotels and lodges as well as the Country Clubs on the Sugar Estates. Royal Swazi Spa in the Ezulwini Valley and Nkonyeni to the south are home to the country’s best golf courses, both with 18 hole championship courses and scenic views for the golfer to take in as they traverse the course. Fishing is also available at a number of dams and rivers around the country, with trout, tiger fish and a number of native species to be found.