MANZINI– The stage is set for the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair Culture Competitions after the official draw was conducted, with teams from across the kingdom now knowing their order of performance.
The competition, organised with the support of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) and Mulasport, is expected to bring together some of the country’s best cultural teams as they battle for honours at the upcoming Trade Fair.
Speaking during the draw, ENCAC CEO said the council was pleased with the peaceful manner in which the regional competitions were conducted.
“We are happy that we successfully visited all regions where we hosted the culture competitions, and we noted that there was no tension among teams,” the CEO said, expressing hope that the same spirit would continue throughout the national finals.
The CEO urged teams and supporters to attend in large numbers while maintaining discipline and avoiding violence.
He also revealed that Mulasport has shown interest in taking over and fully supporting the competition in the future, saying discussions would continue once the necessary documentation had been submitted.
President of Imigidvu Yesintfu Association, Mandla Shongwe, said the selection process for the Trade Fair finals was straightforward, with the number-one team from each region earning qualification.
He said the overall prize package stands at E350,000, with part of the amount already utilised during the four regional competitions.
Mulasport representative Mukelo Magagula thanked ENCAC for supporting the competitions and called on the organising committee to ensure fairness and honesty.
“We would like to appeal to the committee to ensure fairness and honesty during the competitions so that the relationship that sponsors have with the competitions may flourish,” Magagula said.
Meanwhile, Imigidvu Yesintfu Secretary General Nompentulo Mbingo urged participating teams to work closely with the committee, stressing that effective communication would help everyone work towards a common goal.
The finals will be divided into Pool A (Forces) and Pool B (Community).
Pool B will compete on Friday, September 4, in Lutsango, while Sibhaca and Ingadla will compete on Saturday, September 5. On Sunday, September 6, Pool A teams will compete across Lutsango, Sibhaca and Ingadla.
Friday and Sunday competitions start at 9:00am, while Saturday’s programme starts at 8:00am.
According to the draw, number one will be the first team to perform, followed by number two and so forth, setting the stage for an exciting cultural showdown.
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