MANZINI– The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has announced the formation of Interim Committees to oversee the establishment and operationalisation of various national arts associations across the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The initiative is in line with the objectives of the National Arts and Culture Policy 2025–2030, which calls for a vibrant, organised and sustainable arts and culture sector. ENCAC says the move is a strategic step towards creating structured and recognised platforms that will enable artists, practitioners and stakeholders to collaborate effectively and promote their disciplines both locally and internationally.
Nine-Month Mandate
The Interim Committees will operate for a period of nine months, from May 2026 to January 2027. During this time, they will oversee the proper formation, registration and governance of their respective associations.
Among their key responsibilities are coordinating membership registration, drafting and validating constitutions, developing sector-specific programmes, facilitating capacity-building initiatives, and ensuring the signing of formal recognition agreements with ENCAC.
The committees are also expected to promote professionalism, unity and strategic stakeholder engagement within the arts community.
Strengthening Sector Governance
According to ENCAC, the establishment of these structures is expected to result in fully recognised and functional national arts associations, increased registration and participation of artists, improved governance systems, and structured professional development programmes.
The process will further pave the way for democratic elections within each association and formal recognition through official agreements with ENCAC, solidifying their standing within the country’s cultural framework.
ENCAC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative, noting that a well-organised arts sector is critical to the growth of Eswatini’s creative economy and the preservation of the country’s cultural heritage.
Proposed Interim Committees
Eswatini Music Association
Chairperson: Lindelwa Mafa
Secretary General: Ndumiso Dlamini
Treasurer: Tiyamake Maziya
Members: Wandile Ndlovu, Bongani “RocBoy” Dlamini, Mfana Gamedze
Public Relations Officer: Bongani “Tizalami”
Eswatini National Gospel Association
Chairperson: Fakazi Samuel Mamba
Vice Chairperson: Sphiwo Ndoni
Secretary General: Thami Ndlovu
Treasurer: Nhlanhla Mathunjwa
Members: Philani “R4” Gamedze, Mxolisi Mhlanga, Vusimuzi Maculuve
Eswatini DJs Association
Chairperson: Sicelo “Mixmash” Mashwama
Vice Chairperson: Allen “Wicked” Stewart
Secretary General: Thando Ntshangase
Treasurer: Mongi Mabuza
Members: Nhlanhla “Delight Soul” Zwane, ItsAllBlaQ
Eswatini National Dance Association
Chairperson: Sithembiso Magagula
Secretary General: Sthembile Hlatshwayo
Public Relations Officer: Thandeka Msibi
Treasurer: Nontsika Lukhele
Member: Sibusiso “Sey” Gwebu
Imigidvo Yesintfu
Chairperson: Mandla Shongwe
Vice Chairperson: Ndumiso Hluziyane Dlamini
Secretary General: Nompendulo Mbingo
Treasurer: Nonhlanhla “Tinono” Dlamini
Eswatini Comedy Association
Lubombo Chairperson: Mduduzi Dlamini (Mdura)
Manzini PRO: Jacob Shongwe (Gedlembane)
Shiselweni Member: Lorenzo Matsebula (Lorenzo)
Manzini Treasurer: Thabiso Malinga (Ali Gospel)
Hhohho Secretary General: Bonginkosi Dlamini (Dr Shakes)
With these committees now in place, the arts and culture sector in Eswatini moves a step closer to a more organised, representative and professionally governed future.
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