BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – KFC Eswatini has joined hands with the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) in celebrating the nation’s educators, donating drinks worth E82 000 to support the ongoing 2025 Teachers’ Day festivities at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini.
The donation, extended on Thursday, 23 October 2025, adds to the growing corporate support for this year’s event, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.” It comes just a day after Pick n Pay Eswatini (Lojaf) announced a E300 000 sponsorship, underscoring the private sector’s appreciation of teachers’ invaluable contribution to national development.
Speaking during the handover, representatives from KFC Eswatini said the donation reflects their commitment to giving back to the community and recognising teachers’ central role in shaping future generations. “Teachers are the backbone of every society,” said a KFC spokesperson. “Supporting them during this special occasion is our way of saying thank you for their dedication, resilience, and passion.”
The Teachers’ Day Bash 2025, organised by SNAT, promises to be the biggest and most vibrant yet. The celebration features a star-studded lineup of local artists, including Phathwakahle Mabuza, Linda Dlamini, M Nation, Zaimarn, Young Zesh, DJ Cup, and Lady Zee, among others. Adding an international flair, South African superstars Sjava, Mafikizolo, and Khadeair will headline the after-party.
SNAT President Mbongwa Dlamini expressed heartfelt gratitude to both Pick n Pay and KFC for their contributions. “We are truly grateful for these acts of generosity,” he said. “Such partnerships strengthen the bond between the business community and the teaching profession while celebrating the vital role educators play in shaping our nation’s future.”
Entertainment and logistics for the event are being coordinated by New Life Entertainment, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed with SNAT in 2024. The collaboration promotes the use of art and culture as tools for appreciation and empowerment of teachers, while also supporting local creative talent.
Government Permits Celebrations
Meanwhile, the Government of Eswatini has formally permitted teachers to participate in the celebrations, provided essential school activities continue without interruption. In a memorandum issued on 22 October 2025, Director of Education Dr Tholakele Mngometulu stated that while teachers are encouraged to attend, those overseeing ongoing examinations and critical academic duties must remain on site. “This approach allows us to celebrate our educators while ensuring that schools continue to function effectively,” she said.
Background: Understanding Teachers’ Day
Teachers’ Day is celebrated globally to recognise educators’ contributions to society. Its origins trace back to UNESCO’s 1994 declaration of World Teachers’ Day, observed annually on 5 October. The day honours teachers for their pivotal role in achieving quality education, promoting literacy, and advancing social cohesion and national development.
In Eswatini, the celebration provides a platform to acknowledge teachers’ dedication and highlight the importance of investing in the profession. It is both a day of festivity and reflection — a moment to celebrate achievements, share professional insights, and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of progress.
As music, laughter, and gratitude fill the air at Mavuso, the 2025 Teachers’ Day stands as a powerful reminder: a nation that honours its teachers invests in its future.
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Courtesy Pic)
