BY PHESHEYA KUNENE
EZULWINI – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has set a firm national agenda for climate resilience, declaring that Eswatini is entering a pivotal phase in its environmental response.
He delivered the message during the 2025 Temvelo Awards at the Royal Swazi Spa last night, where the country’s finest environmental champions were celebrated.
The Prime Minister said Eswatini’s involvement in global environmental agreements reflects duty, not diplomacy. He emphasised that the Kingdom carries a profound responsibility to protect ecosystems, shield communities and preserve its biodiversity for both present citizens and future generations.
He outlined the frameworks guiding the country’s environmental journey. These include the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. He also highlighted strengthened domestic reforms such as the new Ozone Depleting Substances and Hydrofluorocarbons Regulations of 2025 which tighten the nation’s grip on harmful emissions.
“We are taking deliberate and strategic steps to strengthen our resilience to climate change,” he said. “We are enhancing meteorological observation capacity and investing in early detection systems that support social protection. We are aligning our environmental laws with national priorities and international obligations.”
He added that Eswatini has made firm commitments on climate action. The Kingdom has pledged to reduce 2.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gases by 2035. It also stands among the first ten countries worldwide to submit NDC 3.0, signalling readiness to turn policy into impact. “We are prepared to move beyond commitments on paper,” he said. “This is bold climate action with urgency, integrity and accountability.”
He applauded all nominees and recipients, describing them as the heartbeat of Eswatini’s environmental progress. He said their work proves that the Kingdom can build a climate-resilient and prosperous future if everyone acts with intention and consistency. “Temvelo calls us to move from awareness to action and from intention to impact,” he said.
WINNERS OF THE TEMVELO AWARDS 2025
Green Municipality: Municipal Council of Mbabane
Green Business SME: Swazi Organics
Green Business Large: Malandela’s Lifestyle Centre
Sustainable Eco Tourism: Olive Country Lodge
Green Primary School: Enhlanhleni Methodist Primary School
Green Inkhundla: Motjane Inkhundla
Environmentally Responsive Journalist: Sibusiso Dlamini
Environmentally Responsive Digital Media House: UNESWA FM
Climate Change Champion Group: Green Schools Initiative
Climate Change Champion Individual: Melusi Elvis Myeni
Young Eco Hero: Wiseman Masika
Innovative Waste Management: Malandela Green Team
UNDP SDG Most Inclusive Institution: Vukani BoMake
Ecosystem Restoration Hero: Mbuluzi Ecosystems Restoration Project
FNB Sustainable Manufacturing Industry Award: Vukani BoMake
Green High School: St John Bosco High School
Green Parastatal: Eswatini Water Services Corporation
Lifetime Achievement Award: Mbuso Dlamini
