MTN Bushfire Festival: House on Fire in Malkerns wrapped up after three days of music, fashion and culture, with big-name sets including Uncle Waffles and Moonchild Sanelly, plus talks and cultural showcases that kept the vibe going. Festival economy push: MTN Bushfire director Jiggs Thorne says he’s accepted Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s challenge to double the festival’s economic impact by 2027, as attendance hits about 23,000. Digital banking at Bushfire: FNB Eswatini used the festival to drive cashless payments, rolling out ATMs, speedpoint devices and support teams for thousands of visitors. Border buzz: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues and excitement as travellers poured in for Bushfire, turning the entry point into part of the experience. Royalties for creatives: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariffs were approved and operations began in January. Taiwan ties under scrutiny: New reporting highlights growing concerns around Taiwan’s relationship with Eswatini, including questions about governance, accountability and the 2021 pro-democracy crackdown. Oil reserve debate: World Bank-linked reporting questions whether Eswatini can afford a $300m Taiwan-backed strategic oil reserve amid poverty and high unemployment. Youth and culture: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with youth performances led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu, putting young voices at the heart of the main Bushfire build-up.