GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND TRADE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GRADUAL RELAXATION OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Mbabane, Eswatini – Following the pronouncement of an extension of the partial lockdown, Government will be introducing gradual relaxation of business operations effective Thursday 16th April 2020.
This means over and above essential businesses, non-essential businesses that will operate are only those classified as low risk.
The following industries identified as essential will continue to operate:
- 1. Food and Agriculture; which includes:
- Those involved in the food value chain
- 2. Retail and consumer goods suppliers, which include:
- Consumer Goods suppliers
- Food Retailers e.g. food outlets, raw material suppliers and farmers
- Those involved in the transportation, logistics and packaging of consumer goods
- Other Retail Goods that support the medical industry e.g. bedding, linen and emergency clothing for hospitals, health workers and those caring for the sick
- 3. Network Infrastructure; which include:
- Water, waste water and sanitation
- Electricity suppliers
- Renewable Energy suppliers
- Gas suppliers
- Fuel suppliers
- Law enforcement
- Defence, Safety and Security
- Waste disposal
- Fire and Emergency services
- Mining and power stations
- 4. Medical and Health; which include:
- Hospitals
- Devices and Equipment
- Pharmaceuticals
- Funders
- Doctors, nurses, paramedics e.t.c.
- 5. Forestry and Sawmills
- For the production of disposable, health and hygiene products including toilet paper as well as for packaging for food and the health supply chain.
- 6. IT Systems and Telecommunications
- 7. Finance and Insurance
- 8. Tourism and Hospitality
- 9. Communications e.g. Media
- 10. Hardware Shops
- 11. Public Transport and cross-border trade transport
- These will operate under the guidelines that Government has issued.
- For cross-border transport, this will be restricted to essential services as defined in Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique
- 12. Funeral Parlours
- 13. Spares Shops
- 14. Retail outlets selling baby clothes and baby essentials – These shall open three times a week (on Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays), between 10am and 3pm.
Meanwhile, the following non-essential industries are hereby classified as follows:
Low-Risk
- Car Wash businesses
- Construction
- Craft Vendors
- Food vendors
- Stationery Shops
- Car dealerships
- Warehousing
- Agents and consultants
- Photographic studios
- Workshops and repairs
- Cleaning services
- Dry Cleaners
- Driving Schools
- Breakdown Services
- Hawkers
- Furniture Shops
- Manufacturers who will observe the WHO and Ministry of Health Guidelines
- Clothing Shops – These shall operate under the same conditions as retail outlets selling baby clothes and accessories.
High Risk
- Hair dressing salons and barber shops
- Manufacturing, distribution and wholesaling of liquor
- Beauty parlours and gymnasiums
- Night clubs and entertainment venues
- Cinemas and theatres
- Travel agents
- Auctioneers
- Clothing Street Vendors (Bend & Pick)
Municipalities and law enforcement agents will continue to exercise controls where appropriate. Those that have not been included in the above list will have to apply for permits to operate; on conditions that will be prescribed by the Ministry. However, businesses dealing in cross-border trade will still be required to produce a permit at the border.
All businesses that will operate will have to adhere strictly to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ministry of Health Guidelines. These include social distancing as well as the sanitation of workplaces and clients. Wearing of masks is recommended to minimise the risk of transmission.
Thank you.
Released by:
Senator Manqoba B. Khumalo
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade
15th April 2020
The positions are for the post of;
- National Project Coordinator: viewpdf.aspx (intracen.org)
- Monitoring and Evaluation: viewpdf.aspx (intracen.org)
- Agribuiness/Value Chain Expert: viewpdf.aspx (intracen.org)
- Sustainability Expert: viewpdf.aspx (intracen.org)
- Project Assistant (admin): viewpdf.aspx (intracen.org)
GOVERNMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND TRADE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PERMITS FOR ESWATINI ESSENTIAL INDUSTRIES
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade is issuing permits for essential industries during the ongoing partial lockdown as pronounced by His Excellency Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini on the 24th March 2020.
The permits are being issued for industries servicing the domestic market as well as those doing cross border trade. They are aimed at assisting essential industries operate efficiently and may need to be produced when required by Government officials, including armed forces, as well as inspectors. For cross-border traders, the permits will help them have smooth passage into and out of our neighbouring countries. It is also essential for those doing cross border trade to further provide a copy of the permit to the transporter for ease of travel.
To apply for a permit, traders are expected to submit a request, in writing, with the following details:
- Name of Company
- Company ID for large enterprises and Grant Number for informal traders
- Contact Person’s Name and Surname
- Contact Person’s Cell Number
- Contact Person’s Email Address
- Company physical address
Requests should be made by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by Whatsapp to 7642 8827.
The Ministry shall be vetting information submitted and any false declaration by companies shall be punishable by law.
Revenue collection, funeral parlours
On another note, the Ministry wishes to add revenue collection and funeral parlours in the list of essential industries.
Released by:
Senator Manqoba B. Khumalo
Honourable Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade
3rd April 2020