Eswatini’s labor minister dies of COVID-19

By Phathizwe Zulu

MANZINI, Eswatini (AA) - A senior official in the small southern African nation of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, has died as a result of COVID-19-related complications, the country’s acting prime minister announced Sunday.

"His Majesty’s government notifies the nation of the sad passing of Member of Parliament Makhosi Vilakati, the Minister of Labour and Social Security,” Themba Masuku said at a press conference.

“Vilakati passed away on Saturday evening at a South African health facility, where he had been admitted for a specialized treatment procedure arising from a COVID-19 infection. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Masuku said in a statement.

Vilakati was recently transferred from Lubombo Referral Hospital to a South African health facility for specialized treatment not available domestically after being infected with COVID-19.

He becomes the second Cabinet minister to die from COVID-19 after Minister of Public Service Christian Ntshangase, who died last week and was buried on Saturday.

Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini died of COVID-19 in December last year while undergoing treatment in South Africa.

Yesterday, Health Minister Lizzie Nkosi said the kingdom had registered 111 new cases, taking the total to 14,330. Nkosi said the country currently has 4,659 active cases.

Another 140 people have recovered, bringing the total to 9,102, while a total of 458 deaths have been recorded.