Somalis and Ethiopians make up 60-70% of offenders in Eswatini
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Times of Eswatini
Eswatini’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo says Somalis and Ethiopians account for 60 to 70% of businesses found non-compliant during inspections. The checks include documents required to conduct business on Swazi Nation Land.
Inspections carried out in Eswatini have found that Somali and Ethiopian nationals account for 60 to 70% of cases of non-compliance identified among businesses operating on Swazi Nation Land. Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo said those concerned did not always have the documents required to stay in the country or operate a business.
The checks concern the enforcement of commercial legislation dating back to 1975, which prohibits foreigners from trading on Swazi Nation Land, according to Khumalo. The same legislation prohibits Eswatini citizens from obtaining business licences and then leasing them to other people.
Nearly 200 graduates have been recruited for a three-month inspection operation, with authorisation from the Civil Service Commission, to strengthen the ministry’s staff. Khumalo said the checks did not yet constitute implementation of the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act, whose regulations still have to be examined by Parliament.
