MBABANE – To be crowned Miss Cultural Heritage 2025/2026 is to get an E5000 monthly stipend and monthly allowances dedicated for charity work.
The development follows the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture’s (ENCAC’s) shortlisting of the Top 12 finalists at the Mountain View in Mbabane prior to the crowning ceremony billed for November 8. As part of the sponsorship, the crowned queen will receive a monthly stipend of E5,000, a E3,000 allowance, and E2,000 dedicated to charity work.
The finalists were introduced by ENCAC, where Stanley Dlamini, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said the young women are drawn from the four regions to be cultural ambassadors.
“These finalists embody the rich traditions of our nation and will serve as custodians of Eswatini’s cultural identity,” Dlamini said.
Dlamini announced that Old Mutual and Eclipse Restaurant have jointly contributed E100,000 towards this year’s competition. Old Mutual pledged E40,000, while Eclipse Restaurant sponsored E60,000.
“Eclipse Restaurant pumped in E60,000; they said the crowned queen will receive E5,000 monthly with E3,000 allowance and E2,000 for charity work,” Dlamini confirmed.
The unveiling ceremony also featured the official opening of the Lassies Craft Store, located along Gwamile Street opposite Eswatini Bank. The new store offers traditional attire such as emagebesha, emahiya, and handcrafted beadwork. Owned by local entrepreneur Lwazi Mlambo, the store has partnered with Miss Cultural Heritage to design and dress the finalists for the crowning event.
“During the crowning day, the finalists will be dressed beautifully by me,” Mlambo shared, expressing excitement about promoting locally made cultural fashion.
Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima applauded the initiative, calling it a reflection of Eswatini’s resilience, pride, and creative spirit.
“It is a great honour to join you this morning for the opening of the Lassies Craft Cultural Shop—a landmark initiative that celebrates Eswatini’s proud history, cultural identity, and creative potential,” Nzima said.
He added that the store stands as more than just a business; it is a living gallery that showcases Eswatini’s artistry and heritage.
“Its location, which is along the historic Gwamile Street beside the statue of the revered Queen Mother Gwamile, makes it even more symbolic. One can almost imagine the Queen looking upon this new establishment with pride, as it embodies the continuation of our cultural legacy,” he added.
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