A major investment project by the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) under the Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane brand was officially launched on Friday, with the government hailing the development as a symbol of economic growth, tourism expansion, and national progress.
The newly unveiled Together & Co (T & Co) Pool Bar facility was officially launched by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, who described the investment as a practical demonstration of Eswatini’s growing ability to deliver world-class tourism experiences while creating meaningful opportunities for citizens.
Speaking during the launch, the Minister said the project directly responds to the vision of His Majesty King Mswati III, who has consistently called on both the public and private sectors to accelerate service delivery and position Eswatini as a preferred tourism and investment destination.
“We stand here today guided, as we always are, by the vision of His Majesty the King of Eswatini, iNgwenyama, who has called upon all sectors of our nation to fast-track service delivery and to position the Kingdom of Eswatini as a destination of choice,” she said.
Mkhonta-Simelane stated that the opening of the new facility demonstrated that Eswatini could deliver premium hospitality experiences comparable to those found in leading international destinations.
“The Together & Co Pool Bar is more than a beautiful space. It is a statement. It is proof that world-class experiences do not only exist in far-off capitals; they exist right here, in the heart of Mbabane, built by people who believe in this country,” she added.
The Minister further highlighted the economic impact of the project, particularly its role in job creation and community development.
“Hilton Garden Inn alone has created meaningful employment for over one hundred EmaSwati—one hundred families supported, one hundred futures invested in, and one hundred reasons why partnerships like this one matter deeply. That is not just business; that is nation-building,” she said.
She praised the Public Service Pensions Fund for backing the investment, stating that the institution had gone beyond financing infrastructure and had instead invested in hope, opportunity, and long-term national growth.
“To the Public Service Pensions Fund, whose investment made this possible—you have not simply funded a hotel facility. You have funded hope, opportunity, and a stronger Eswatini,” she added.
Mkhonta-Simelane also commended Hilton Garden Inn Lead, Christine Ndlovu, and the Hilton management team for maintaining international hospitality standards while remaining deeply connected to the local community.
“Your ability to consistently pioneer new ideas, uphold international standards, and remain deeply rooted in the local community is something this Government does not take for granted,” the Minister said.
The Minister emphasized that tourism remains one of Eswatini’s key economic sectors, capable of stimulating investment, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating employment opportunities across various industries. She noted that developments such as the Together & Co (T & Co) Pool Bar contribute significantly to the country’s tourism narrative by strengthening hospitality offerings.
“As I conclude, let me say this clearly: Eswatini’s tourism story is still being written, and days like today add the most compelling chapters,” she said.
The launch attracted government officials, tourism stakeholders, and business leaders who welcomed the development as another milestone in strengthening Eswatini’s tourism and investment landscape.