BY MBONO MDLULI
MANGCONGCO – Three determined residents of Mangcongco Inkhundla have claimed victory in the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) recruitment race, opening the door to what could be life-changing opportunities.
The race, held on Thursday, 25 September 2025, at Mangcongco Inkhundla Centre, drew hundreds of hopefuls all vying for a coveted place in the national army. Competitors were pushed to their limits in a gruelling two-fold 3.2-kilometre sprint, designed to test both speed and endurance.
The Winners
Njabulo Shabangu (27) powered to the finish line in just 14 minutes, securing the top male position. Having tried and failed in a previous attempt, Shabangu’s persistence finally paid off. “This is a new beginning for me,” he said, relieved to see his dream within reach.
Second place went to Sizwe Hlophe (27), another young man from Mangcongco. Known at home for doing odd piece jobs to survive, Hlophe now looks forward to the stability of permanent employment. “This is a chance to change things at home,” he said, hopeful of a brighter future.
In the women’s category, Londiwe Shiba (31) stunned onlookers as she ran barefoot through the challenging course to claim the top spot. A mother of three, Shiba once aspired to be a lawyer but was forced to abandon her studies in Form 4 due to financial constraints. “I trained in the forests alone, without shoes, because I had no choice,” she revealed. Her victory has now set her on a new path, one she hopes will enable her to provide for her children.
The Rules of Selection
Under the UEDF recruitment guidelines, only the top two male finishers and the leading female qualify for the next phase. This includes vetting, medical examinations, and further assessments to ensure that only the most resilient candidates advance to enlistment.
Unlike in previous years, this year’s Mangcongco recruitment did not include additional exercises after the run – making the race the sole deciding factor in selection.
A Race of Hope
For many of the hundreds who participated, the Mangcongco race was more than a competition. It was a test of resilience in the face of unemployment and uncertainty. While not everyone secured a spot, the stories of Shabangu, Hlophe, and Shiba symbolise the struggles and aspirations of countless Eswatini youth.
As the UEDF continues its nationwide recruitment drive, Mangcongco has become a shining example of determination and endurance. The three winners now carry the hopes of their families and their community as they prepare for the next stage in their journey to serve the nation.
(Pic: Eswatini Daily Digest)
