MBABANE – Mbabane is positioning itself as more than Eswatini’s administrative capital, with the city embracing the arts and creative economy through the launch of the October International Theatre Festival (OITF).
Speaking at the official opening of the festival, Mbabane Municipal Council CEO Gciniwe Fakudze welcomed artists, directors, writers and cultural practitioners who had travelled from different parts of the world to participate in the three-day festival.
Fakudze said the municipality was excited to see Mbabane transformed into a space for storytelling, performance and cultural exchange.
She described theatre as a powerful tool capable of reflecting society, challenging perspectives, healing communities and preserving shared history.
“When the curtain rises this October, it is not just actors stepping onto a stage; it is the heartbeat of global creativity resonating right here in the mountains of Eswatini,” she said.
Fakudze said the festival aligned with Mbabane’s vision of becoming a dynamic smart city, noting that meaningful urban development should extend beyond infrastructure.
“A truly resilient and thriving city breathes through its arts, its culture, and its creative economy,” she said.
According to Fakudze, the creative sector has the potential to drive economic empowerment, tourism and youth development.
She said hosting a festival of OITF’s international calibre creates opportunities for local artists to interact with international practitioners, develop collaborations and expose young people to the possibility of pursuing careers in the arts.
She also encouraged visiting artists and audiences to explore Mbabane beyond the festival venues by experiencing its markets, communities, hospitality and scenic surroundings.
The CEO thanked the festival organisers, sponsors and everyone working behind the scenes, saying the municipality was proud to partner in championing the arts.
Also speaking at the launch was Penelope Mkhwanazi, who represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu.
She echoed the municipality’s sentiments on the importance of a strong creative economy , saying artists, storytellers, musicians, filmmakers and cultural entrepreneurs contribute to the identity, energy and soul of a city.
“A vibrant city needs a vibrant creative economy,” she said.
Mkhwanazi also highlighted Shakantu’s personal connection to the festival through Genesis Ekucaleni Media (GEM), which was founded by the minister.
She explained that GEM was born from a vision to create space for Eswatini stories, culture and creative talent to be seen, heard and carried beyond the country’s borders.
She said the organisation was founded on the belief that Eswatini’s stories matter, while the country’s history and heritage deserve to be preserved and shared with the world.
According to Mkhwanazi, GEM also seeks to provide Eswatini creatives with professional platforms through which their talents can be developed and showcased internationally.
She said the meaning behind Ekucaleni, which represents “a beginning”, made the festival particularly significant.
“It represents not simply an event, but another chapter in a vision that began with the belief that Eswatini has stories worth telling and talent worthy of the world stage,” she said.
A New Chapter for Theatre
The OITF, running from October 1 to 3, 2026, brings together theatre practitioners and creatives from Eswatini and across Southern Africa.
The festival features theatre productions, masterclasses, workshops, murals, a Schools Festival and the Dzeliwe Street Festival.
Organisers hope the event will help revive theatre in Eswatini while creating opportunities across the wider creative value chain.
Discussion about this post