MANZINI– The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage after rewarding outstanding performers from the Mbeka, Sithobela and Ngevini cultural competitions during a prize presentation ceremony.
The event celebrated cultural groups and schools that excelled in traditional competitions featuring Timbongi, Sibhaca, Ingadla, Lutsango, Lacwebetelako and other cultural performances. The competitions formed part of ENCAC’s ongoing efforts to promote and preserve Eswatini’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artists and performers across the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, ENCAC Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini congratulated all participants and encouraged them to continue showcasing their talents.
“We always hope that young people will have the opportunity to showcase their talent in traditional dance. We have called the prize presentation today because we also want to discuss the Trade Fair. We previously stated that the winners would have the chance to participate in the upcoming Trade Fair,” he said.
Dlamini also encouraged participants to submit nominations for the ongoing National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA), urging both groups and individuals to seize the opportunity for national recognition.
He further assured cultural practitioners that ENCAC remains committed to supporting cultural competitions throughout the kingdom.
“Our doors at ENCAC are always open to continue supporting cultural competitions across the kingdom. Our aim is to see these events grow and positively impact diverse communities throughout the country,” he added.
ENCAC Culture Manager Thembekile Dlamini expressed satisfaction with the successful hosting of the competitions and said the inclusion of Trade Fair performance opportunities had added greater value for participating groups.
“We are pleased that everything proceeded smoothly during the competitions, and we look forward to increased participation from different cultural groups in future events. Most importantly, we are delighted that the winners will have the opportunity to participate in the Trade Fair, which means that these competitions now offer even greater opportunities for our cultural teams,” she said.
She explained that ENCAC’s mandate extends beyond preserving culture to creating sustainable opportunities that enable artists to generate an income through their craft.
Meanwhile, Imigidvo Yesintfu Vice Chairman Hluziyane Dlamini revealed that trained adjudicators are now available in all regions, making it possible to expand cultural competitions across the country.
“As we look ahead and perhaps plan to host more cultural competitions in various regions of the kingdom, I want to assure all regional teams that we have trained judges in every part of the country. We also call on more teams to participate in future cultural competitions,” he said.
Among the winners in the Mbeka competitions were Ncamiso Dlamini, who claimed first place in Timbongi, Vusweni, which emerged victorious in the Ingadla Seniors and Sibhaca Seniors categories, while Bhekinkhosi topped the Lutsango category to secure a coveted performance opportunity at the upcoming Eswatini Trade Fair.
In the Ngevini Schools Cultural Competitions, Dumisa Primary School won the Timbongi category, Sibetsaphi Primary School claimed first place in Sibhaca for primary schools, Sibetsaphi High School emerged victorious in the high school Sibhaca category, while Nkanini Primary School and Nkanini High School dominated the Ingadla categories for primary and high schools respectively. Bholi Primary School won the Ummiso primary schools category, while Nkanini High School secured first place in the high schools division.
The prize presentation highlighted ENCAC’s continued investment in preserving Eswatini’s cultural identity while creating platforms that empower cultural practitioners, promote traditional arts and provide performers with opportunities to showcase their talents on larger national stages such as the upcoming Eswatini Trade Fair.
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