ESWATINI CELEBRATES A FUND FOR ALL WORKERS
…Golden jubilee asserts ENPF as a Fund that is reliable and ready to serve for more years.
The International Labour Organisation shared these profound words on the occasion of the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) 50 years commemoration: “As the ENPF marks its golden jubilee, it is an ideal moment to reflect on its journey and consider future opportunities.” The message sets the tone for the Fund to share with the nation the wonderful strides noted during the recent commemoration and to thank you all for your participation in the growth of Lidlelantfongeni.
It is within a month since the nation united, at the hub of the country, to celebrate the inspirational longevity and tangible success of the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) at its sparkling Golden Jubilee.
The inclusive commemoration was attended by representatives of all sectors of society, personifying a Fund for the workers, by the workers.
Fifty years marks a historic milestone in every sphere, be it a person’s life or an organisation’s existence. It is a significant jubilee, symbolising the beginning of a golden era, rooted in wisdom and experience. The ENPF continues to stand out as an organisation that has Emaswati at the centre of its heartbeat.
On 11 July, the ENPF celebrated 50 years of collective progress, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Emaswati.
ENPF CELEBRATED FOR SOCIAL SECURITY EXCELLENCE
… Lidlelantfongeni is more than a financial entity; it is a beacon of stability and prosperity for the Kingdom of Eswatini – King
The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) has been celebrated by various stakeholders, industry experts, and stakeholders for its internationally recognized social security excellence.
Addressing the nation at the ENPF Golden Jubilee auspicious occasion, His Majesty King Mswati III shared the history of the ENPF, noting its significant growth since then. He noted that Lidlelantfongeni was founded under the leadership of His Majesty King Sobhuza II in 1974, with a basic seed capital of E100,000 from government.
“From this humble beginning, the Fund has grown into a formidable institution, benefitting countless families and communities, extending to all sectors that are vital to our progress. The Fund is more than a financial entity; it is a beacon of stability and prosperity for the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
The King said the Fund’s outcomes contribute to the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation and commended the ENPF Board, management, staff, and stakeholders who have made the Fund a crucial economic pillar for the nation.
“Over the years, it has empowered citizens, improved infrastructure, and created opportunities. Employers and workers have recognized the value of saving for a future, a reward for years of service. The ENPF, which is a social security fund, has been a pillar of hope for the nation’s workforce since its inception. We are informed that by June 2025, the Fund had amassed E4 billion in members’ interest, reflecting the trust placed in the institution and prudent management,” said His Majesty.
He also noted that the Fund has managed to issue E3.1 billion as benefit payouts to members, providing immediate relief and comfort to those who contributed throughout their working lives. He added that these funds enable all Emaswati, regardless of background, to build better lives, supporting education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and housing.
“We are encouraged to see the Fund grow each year, as members’ accumulated contributions now stand at E6.4 billion as of June 2025. Going forward, the commitment must be to ensure its benefits reach more Emaswati, empowering generations, strengthening families, and fostering a resilient and united nation. Today, we also celebrate the promise of a future where every economically active member of our society can enjoy the fruits of their labour,” said the King.
His Majesty noted that the conversion of the ENPF into a pension fund has been a subject of vital discussion for far too long and said it must be amicably resolved. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini, also congratulated ENPF for their growth.
ENPF DRIVES JOB CREATION, WORKERS’ WELFARE
The ENPF has boldly diversified its investments into vital sectors such as hospitality, tourism, health, financial services, infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications, and retail, creating thousands of jobs and supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises.
ENPF CEO Futhi Tembe, speaking at the 50-year commemoration held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini, said the Fund’s total assets have grown to E6.8 billion and more than 59 percent of that is invested in Eswatini, creating jobs and stimulating the economy in key sectors.
“These include the Tourism and Hospitality sector, through our 100% ownership of Happy Valley Hotel, healthcare through Oracle Health Eswatini, in commodities through the Montigny and Swazi Milk investment, and in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector through the Pick n Pay and Unifoods investment,” she said.
She added that other major investments are in the financial services and technology sector through Old Mutual Eswatini, FNB Eswatini, IDCE, and Eswatini Mobile, and in the Retail Sector, through Bhunu Mall and Swazi Plaza shopping centers.
“Your Majesty, we also hold strategic investment properties across all major towns. All of these achievements are a testament to your wise counsel and steadfast direction, which have inspired us to pursue impactful investments and foster sustainable growth. Today, Your Majesty, we stand ready to embrace the future, guided by your vision of a prosperous Eswatini,” Tembe said.
She said the Fund is committed to a 50-year stretch goal and is prepared to carry His Majesty’s legacy forward, ensuring that the Fund continues to be a catalyst for national development, economic stability, and the betterment of Emaswati.
The CEO also paid tribute to the remarkable CEOs who have shaped the course of the Fund, including Naphtal Shabangu, the founding CEO, who served for 23 years and laid the cornerstone. She also acknowledged the leadership of Prince Lonkhokhela, the second CEO, who led with vision for 24 years. Tembe said their leadership, dedication, and strategic foresight have paved the way for exponential growth.
The CEO also acknowledged the invaluable support of the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Phila Buthelezi, and the entire Ministry. She also expressed her deepest gratitude to the Fund’s current and previous Boards for their steadfast guidance and strategic oversight.
“Their support has been vital in steering the Fund through decades of growth and transformation. I would also like to thank our employers and members—whose trust and confidence form the foundation of our success. At the heart of our success has been our unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service. We have digitized, streamlined, moved from queues to clicks, and from delay to delivery. We have brought dignity and speed to the hands of every member. Through the MyENPF app, employers no longer need to leave their offices to pay and submit monthly remittances, as they can now do so seamlessly through our user-friendly employer portal,” she said.
ENPF RELIABLE, INNOVATIVE – CHAIRMAN
The Provident Fund Board has reiterated its commitment to continue serving Emaswati in an accountable and innovative manner. The ENPF Board Chairman, Mduduzi Gina, said these are the living pillars of their governance, ensuring the ENPF remains a beacon of stability and reliability.
He said witnessing the remarkable growth of the Fund provides tangible evidence of this trustworthiness and portrays an organisation dedicated to its members’ financial well-being.
“We recognise that trust is continuously earned through transparency. This is why platforms like our Stakeholder Forum are so critical to our relationship with the owners of the Fund, who are the employers and workers. The introduction of such a forum at ENPF was vital, as it has demonstrated our openness and transparency, allowing us to openly update our members on the performance of the investments of their funds and to genuinely engage with their invaluable ideas and feedback to continuously enhance our services. We have seen other institutions locally and outside the country taking the same stand as taken from ENPF, which truly shows that as the Board, we have been very cognisant of setting milestones that would hold value for the Fund and for the members to have complete trust in it,” he said.
Gina said the Board has witnessed the introduction of valuable benefits and products designed to significantly improve workers’ lives, including a free funeral benefit for members, which provides essential assistance to members’ families by covering funeral expenses in case of a member’s passing, easing their burden during difficult times. “It would be an error for me not to applaud the Fund for also ‘living in the current times’, where we have been able to digitise most functions of the Fund, and this has been very beneficial to the members, who are able to lodge their claims in the comfort of their homes, and save on travelling and queuing for their benefits,” he said.
PSPF CONGRATULATES ENPF, WISHES IT LEGACY OF GROWTH
The Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) was among other stakeholders who shared encouraging congratulatory messages to ENPF as it turned 50.
The ENPF produced a commemorative book in which partners also placed congratulatory messages. PSPF’s message read: “From humble beginnings in 1974 to the remarkable institution you are today in 2024, PSPF would like to congratulate you on your growth and great accomplishments. Halala Lidlelantfongeni on your 50 years celebration! May you continue to build a legacy of note that will strive to better Emaswati and bring prosperity to the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
Other companies and stakeholders also placed messages, to which the ENPF expressed its profound gratitude for the support and continuous working in harmony.
ENPF UNDERSTANDS THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF LABOUR FORCE – MINISTER
“Fifty years is not merely a passage of time; it is a golden jubilee that represents five decades of dedication, resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the financial future of countless Emaswati. It is a journey marked by prudent management, strategic investments, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of our labour force. We not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also look forward with optimism to the future. The Eswatini National Provident Fund has played a pivotal role in ensuring that our workers have a safety net, providing a sense of security and dignity in their retirement years, and offering crucial support in times of need. As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we acknowledge the foresight of those who laid its foundations, the dedication of all past and present board members, managing directors, and staff who have steered its course, and the trust placed in it by every contributing member.”
LIDLELANTFONGENI HONOURED GLOBALLY FOR EFFICIENCY
The International Social Security Association (ISSA) has joined other international partners in congratulating the ENPF for its longevity and excellence. Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, the Secretary General of ISSA, said they are proud to count ENPF as an esteemed member of their global network since 2009.
“We commend the strong and collaborative relationship that has been nurtured over these years. ENPF’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and good governance in the administration of social security has been evident in its consistent participation in ISSA activities, including presenting on best practices and sharing valuable insights that continue to inspire peer institutions across the continent and beyond,” he said.
CELEBRATING ENPF’S GROWTH | INFOGRAPHIC STATS
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