BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has proudly unveiled the Top 12 finalists for the Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini 2025/26 edition.
The announcement ceremony took place on 17 October 2025 at Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane, graced by the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Honourable Bongani Nzima, alongside several distinguished guests.
Leading the proceedings was outgoing Miss Cultural Heritage, Gcinizwe Tsikati, who was joined on stage by co-host Sancheziey. Although one finalist was unable to attend, the event maintained a vibrant atmosphere, blending glamour with cultural pride.
The ceremony also featured the official opening of the Lassies Crafts Store, one of the key sponsors of this year’s pageant. The collaboration represents a growing partnership between the creative industry and local enterprises, aimed at promoting cultural heritage, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
Celebrating the Nation’s Cultural Diversity
The twelve finalists were carefully selected from across Eswatini’s four regions, each representing the spirit, values, and traditions of their communities. The regional representatives are as follows:
Hhohho Region:
- Thubelihle Mnisi
- Vuyile Dlamini
- Andile Kunene
Manzini Region:
- Nobuhle Shabangu
- Yoliswa Manana
- Ayanda Dlamini
Shiselweni Region:
- Wethu Mavuso
- Siphelele Dlamini
- Sinenkhosi Dlamini
Lubombo Region:
- Takitsi Mamba
- Zethu Magagula
- Siphesihle Gwebu
As part of their journey to the grand finale, the finalists will participate in cultural training, educational workshops, and community development initiatives, designed to strengthen their understanding of Eswatini’s heritage and prepare them for leadership roles beyond the stage.
Culture, Creativity and Empowerment
Delivering his keynote address, Minister Nzima commended the ENCAC and its partners for their efforts in safeguarding and promoting Eswatini’s cultural identity.
“This milestone aligns with His Majesty’s NKWE! Commission, which calls upon us to preserve, promote, and commercialise our national culture,” said Nzima. “The Lassies Crafts Store is more than a business – it is a living gallery of Eswatini’s creativity, pride, and resilience.”
He emphasised the need for cultural enterprises to thrive in every region, saying,
“The opening of this shop strengthens our identity as the Culture Capital of the World and reflects the nation’s remarkable journey since independence.”
Nzima also expressed gratitude to the Taiwan delegation, whose partnership helped make the Lassies Crafts project possible. He urged more women to take leadership roles in the cultural and creative economy, adding,
“Let this initiative inspire women to lead in entrepreneurship and cultural innovation.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela, the minister concluded:
“Our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to help build our nation.”
As the Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini pageant enters its next phase, it continues to serve as a platform for young women to celebrate Eswatini’s traditions while championing progress, empowerment, and national pride.
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Courtesy Pic)
