The possible sale of 11 "orphan" elephants from Swaziland's Hlane Royal Game Reserve to US zoos has led to a threat of a tourism boycott by a leading US animal rights group.

A blistering conflict has erupted from within the Swazi royal camp over the inclusion of a clause that recognizes political parties in Swaziland. The dispute has led to the drafting of the national constitution being delayed now by a month. The committee, led by King Mswati's brother, Prince David, is reported to have angered the King by unbanning political parties in the draft constitution.

Workers of a large commercial transport company in Swaziland, Cargo Carriers, are on strike demanding the expulsion of a white expatriate manager of the company who assaulted one of their colleagues on Thursday.

In a surprise move, the Swaziland Cabinet announced on Thursday (12 September) that the proposed purchase of a private jet for King Mswati III's personal use was being shelved.
Instead, Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini announced that the government would use chartered planes for the king's overseas trips. Already government auditors have reported a loss of over R4 million in costs involving the hiring of chartered planes by the King when undertaking his trips.

As the political debate heats up over whether Swaziland is a democratic country, the leaders of the tiny southern African kingdom have been accused of being "looters" of state funds by using developmental projects as financial scams.