BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MANZINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has honoured Duncan Dlamini, Director of DJD Investments (Pty) Ltd trading as DJD Pork, with the prestigious title of Entrepreneur of the Year 2025.
The grand ceremony, held on Thursday night, celebrated Eswatini’s most innovative and resilient business leaders, highlighting the country’s growing culture of entrepreneurship.
Dlamini’s remarkable achievement was rewarded with a brand-new bakkie valued at over E600 000, generously sponsored by FNB Eswatini. The recognition comes as a tribute to his exceptional leadership and contribution to Eswatini’s agribusiness sector through DJD Pork, which has become one of the country’s most promising enterprises.
Addressing the nation during the awards ceremony, His Majesty King Mswati III praised the dedication and creativity of local entrepreneurs who continue to build the foundation of Eswatini’s economic transformation. The King encouraged the nation to support and invest in small and medium enterprises, particularly those led by the youth, women, and people with disabilities.
The King reminded attendees that entrepreneurship plays a central role in national development. “As we gather here today, each of us plays a vital role in advancing the Kingdom’s economy,” His Majesty said. “I encourage all business people to make full use of this opportunity to address their challenges and find solutions that will foster progress.”
His Majesty went on to commend the growing number of innovative businesses emerging across the country, saying that their progress is a reflection of Eswatini’s collective determination and creativity. “Tonight, we witness the continued growth of entrepreneurs across the Kingdom, which is truly inspiring. The future of our nation is indeed bright,” the King remarked.
The event also recognised several other outstanding businesspeople from across Eswatini, representing various sectors that continue to drive inclusive economic growth.
Among the award recipients were:
- National Outstanding Street Vendor: Sibongile Simelane – Benguni Handicrafts
- National Outstanding Handicraft Business: Cebsile Dlamini – Busy Hands Visual Art
- National Outstanding Start-up Business: Khethukulunga Msibi – Lawn Craft Investments
- Outstanding Business Owned by a Person with Disability: Nomcebo Dlamini – Network of Businesswomen with Disability
- National Outstanding Youth-Owned Business: Gugu Magagula – Grow Pure Farm Produce
- National Outstanding Women-Owned Business: Thabile Nsibande – Impero Investments t/a Haven Guard Security
- National Outstanding Agribusiness: Fortune Maseko – Fortune Piggery
- National Outstanding Green Business: Malibongwe Xaba – Ehome Africa
- National Most Innovative Business: Nozipho Thorne – Mongi Botanical
- National Most Techno-Savvy Business: Majaha Nkambule – Red Apple Technologies
The ceremony reflected the government’s continued commitment to promoting entrepreneurship as a key driver of Eswatini’s economic diversification. It also underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment where entrepreneurs can flourish and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Duncan Dlamini expressed gratitude for the honour, dedicating the award to his team and to all aspiring entrepreneurs across Eswatini. He encouraged young people to pursue their business dreams with passion, integrity, and perseverance.
As the Kingdom celebrated these achievements, the event reaffirmed that Eswatini’s future lies in the hands of its innovators and entrepreneurs — those turning vision into value and challenges into opportunities.
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