By Ncaba Ntshakala
Eswatini Railways has announced the cancellation of its highly anticipated Ses’khona Tourist Train 2024, initially scheduled to run from November 29 to December 1, 2024.
This decision follows advisories from reliable authorities in Mozambique regarding the ongoing social and political unrest in Maputo, the planned destination for the trip.
“After being advised by reliable authorities in the Republic of Mozambique about the political situation, Eswatini Railways wishes to inform the public of the cancellation of the planned Ses’khona Tourist Train 2024 scheduled for the 29″* of November to the 01″ of December 2024,” Dlamini said in a statement.
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Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nixon Dlamini shared that the unrest has heightened safety and security concerns, compelling the company to prioritize the well-being of its passengers and staff.
Despite closely monitoring the situation with hopes for stabilization, the persistent unrest has left no assurance of resolution in the near future.
The company has taken proactive steps to ensure passengers who had booked and paid for the trip will be refunded within 48 hours.
Refunds for payments made through mobile accounts will be processed directly, while those who paid via electronic funds transfer (EFT) are required to submit proof of payment and their banking details to designated email addresses.
“Tourists who had made payment for the trip communication will be refunded within 48 hours after the release of this Ticket Refund Process:
Tourists who paid through Momo Market Place will be refunded through their mobile accounts which they used when buying the ticket.
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For tourists who made EFT payments, kindly send your Proof of Payments and your Bank Accounts to be credited to the emails listed:
debtors@esr.co.sz, precious.hlophe@esr.co.sz and gp.intern@esr.co.sz,” the CEO added.
Reports assert that the unrest in Mozambique stems from escalating tensions between political factions and protests over economic hardships and the recent elections.
In Maputo, demonstrations have disrupted daily life, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in roadblocks and temporary closures of key transit routes.
These developments have not only strained the local population but have also raised alarm across neighbouring countries, leading to precautionary measures by organizations like Eswatini Railways.
