BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The Mbabane Theatre Club was transformed into a hub of spiritual and creative excellence on January 9, 2026, as Summer Camp Sukuma hosted its highly anticipated Raise Praise Concert.
The event served as a grand showcase for the camp’s participants, highlighting the initiative’s “Impact through Art” mission in grooming the next generation of Swati performers.
The highlight of the event was the presence of veteran South African actor Sello Maake Ka-Ncube, who headlined a guest list of distinguished figures. These included Camp Director Pastor Thethe Dlamini, South African poet Vus’umuzi Phakathi, and South African artist Kgomotso Phetlhu. Their attendance, alongside the leadership team of Thamsanqa ‘KrTC’ Sibandze and Nel’siwe Dlamini, underscored the professional support behind the project.
The evening kicked off on a high note with a growing crowd soaked in a spirit of praise. Local artist KRTC brought the stage to life, followed by a powerful performance from South African poet Vus’umuzi Phakathi. Adding to the diversity of the night, the Summer Camp Sukuma cast delivered compelling drama performances that showcased their growth in stagecraft.
Stepping onto the stage to a roar of applause, the legendary South African actor shared that he has been deeply moved by the talent he has witnessed in Eswatini. In a professional and reflective address, Ka-Ncube took the audience back to the start of his own journey in 1975, noting that his career began 51 years ago in Sunday school and lower primary.
“I remember when I was in Grade 5… our teacher gave us a poem to go and memorize. In those days, the medium of instruction was the vernacular, so we were doing English as a subject. The teacher gave us ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ to memorize. I don’t think I even understood what I was saying at the time!” he shared.
His journey serves as a powerful reminder that the creative arts have no age limit and that great careers often begin with simple, early foundations. His words set a profound inspiration for local artists, encouraging them to value their beginnings and remain disciplined in their craft.
The concert provided a platform for the youth to perform alongside established names like Kgomotso Phetlhu. Supported by partners including Platinum Concepts and Impala, the initiative continues to provide professional exposure to local talent. As the event concluded, the sense of pride among supporters marked another successful chapter for the program.
#EPN #SummerCampSukuma #RaisePraiseConcert #SelloMaakeKaNcube #EswatiniArts #MbabaneTheatreClub #YouthDevelopment #SwatiTalent
(Courtesy Pic)
