Manzini – Yoliswa Manana from the Manzini Region has been crowned Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini 2025/26 after emerging the overall winner at the grand finale held on Friday at The George Hotel in Manzini.
Manana outperformed 12 finalists from the country’s four regions, impressing judges with her deep knowledge of Eswatini’s traditions, eloquence and confidence. She now takes on the role of Goodwill Ambassador for the preservation and promotion of the kingdom’s cultural heritage.
Regional winners included Siphelele Dlamini from Shiselweni, Nobuhle Shabangu from Manzini, Thubelihle Mnisi from Hhohho and Takitsi Mamba from Lubombo.
The event was attended by key cultural figures such as former Indvuna yeMbali Nothando Nhlengetfwa, current Indvuna Bongiwe Vivane Hlatjwako and the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima.
Contestants were judged on siSwati fluency, mastery of traditional dances, knowledge of customs and their ideas for cultural development. They also presented traditional artefacts including Ludziwo, Umcwembe and Makhoyane, explaining their meanings and uses in Swati culture.
As part of her duties, Manana will lead cultural awareness programmes in schools and communities, and work alongside local leaders during major cultural events such as Imimemo.
National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC) CEO Stanley Dlamini announced several sponsorships for the new queen. Eclipse Restaurant pledged E60 000, granting her a monthly allowance of E5 000, divided between personal use and community projects. Old Mutual donated E40 000, while all regional winners received smartphones.
Additional support came from Wear Well, which provided sneakers for Miss Cultural Heritage, Miss Teen and Miss Eswatini, and Workers College, which offered Manana a fully funded course of her choice. Lassies Craft dressed the contestants, and Imisebe Publishing promised gifts for the winners.
The lively finale featured performances by Sancheziey, Blessing Dludlu, the Lutsango traditional dancers and a fashion showcase by designer Carole Lubelo, rounding off a night of music, heritage and national pride.
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