Government has committed E200,000 to support the kingdom’s growing creative sector, with funds earmarked for a national short film competition and the launch of a Creative Industry Development Fund. The announcement was made by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, during the World Book and Copyright Day celebrations held in Eswatini.
Minister Khumalo said E100,000 will be allocated to the Eswatini Copyright Society (ESWACOS) to set up the development fund, which will offer grants to local creatives seeking to grow professionally and access new markets.
Another E100,000 will support a nationwide short film competition aimed at nurturing homegrown talent and laying the groundwork for a thriving film industry rooted in Swazi stories.
Khumalo also announced a directive for ESWACOS to roll out a wellness and mental health programme for artists registered with the society. The programme will include funeral cover, in recognition of the everyday struggles many creatives face beyond the stage or studio.
“This is about turning passion into profession,” said the minister. “We are investing in the future of our artists—not just culturally, but economically and socially.”
This year’s event was held under the national theme “The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” and the sub-theme “Empowering Eswatini Creatives, Unlocking Royalties.” Minister Khumalo said these were not just slogans, but a reflection of government’s commitment to building a creative economy that truly works for Emaswati.
Discussion about this post