BY NONCEDO SHABANGU

MATSAPHA – The Government of Eswatini has vowed to take immediate and comprehensive action to implement His Majesty King Mswati III’s directives on the rapid expansion and modernisation of the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Service (ENFRES).

The pledge was made by Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala during celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the Fire Service, held at Matsapha International Airport. The event celebrated five decades of bravery, discipline, and dedication by the nation’s firefighters — and served as a platform for the Government to reaffirm its full commitment to the King’s vision.

Minister Maphalala announced that the Government had begun fast-tracking the drafting of new policies that would “fully embody” His Majesty’s Royal Command to extend the Fire Service’s reach and enhance its operational capacity.

“The Government of Eswatini is moving with urgency to implement His Majesty’s directive,” Maphalala said. “We are expediting the creation of policies and frameworks that will give life to this Royal vision, ensuring that the Fire Service expands its coverage, capacity, and capability across the entire nation.”

Benchmarking and Legislative Support

Minister Maphalala revealed that once the new policy framework is drafted, the Government will embark on comprehensive stakeholder consultations and benchmarking exercises within the SADC region and beyond. These exercises aim to ensure that Eswatini’s firefighting systems are guided by global best practices and adapted to meet local realities.

He added that Parliament stands ready to provide full legislative backing to translate the Royal vision into tangible reforms. “Our legislators are prepared to enact the necessary laws and regulations to make the King’s directive a living reality,” he affirmed.

Recognising Firefighters’ Dedication

In his address, Minister Maphalala paid heartfelt tribute to the Fire Service personnel, describing them as “pillars of strength and resilience” who have served the nation with courage and integrity for half a century. He praised their tireless efforts in safeguarding lives, property, and the environment — often at great personal risk.

“Our firefighters embody the spirit of national service,” Maphalala said. “They are not only first responders in times of crisis but also educators who continue to raise awareness about fire prevention and safety across communities.”

The Minister extended special thanks to His Majesty King Mswati III for his visionary leadership, which he said had elevated the Fire Service to new heights of professionalism and recognition, both nationally and within the region.

A New Chapter for National Safety

Minister Maphalala concluded by expressing optimism that this next phase of transformation will usher in a new era of efficiency, inclusivity, and innovation for Eswatini’s emergency services. He reaffirmed that the Government’s ultimate goal is to ensure that every Liswati, in every corner of the country, is within reach of rapid and reliable emergency response services.

“This is more than policy — it is a national mission inspired by His Majesty’s wisdom,” Maphalala said. “Together, we will build a stronger, safer, and more resilient Eswatini.”

The anniversary event also featured tributes from senior officials, a parade of uniformed firefighters, and expressions of gratitude to His Majesty for his enduring support of the department and its men and women in uniform.