BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI- The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) has officially launched the 2026 High School Film Competition, a national initiative aimed at nurturing young creative talent and promoting local content development in the broadcasting sector.
The competition was launched Monday February 2, 2026 at ESCCOM Head Offices by the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Mvilawemphi Dlamini, who said the programme was designed to give young people a platform to tell their stories while exposing them to opportunities within the creative and broadcasting industries.
The competition has received strong financial backing from key partners, with the First National Bank of Eswatini Foundation contributing E200 000 and UNESCO contributing E100 000 towards its implementation.
The ESCCOM CEO said the initiative goes beyond a film competition, describing it as an investment in youth development, local storytelling and the future of Eswatini’s broadcasting and creative industries.
“As the national regulator, ESCCOM’s mandate extends beyond regulation to actively supporting the growth of the sector. One of the key pillars of a strong broadcasting industry is the availability of high-quality local content that reflects our realities, cultures and lived experiences as EmaSwati,” he said.
He added that the competition is deliberately designed to identify and nurture talent at an early stage by encouraging learners to write, act, direct and produce their own films, while introducing them to careers such as filmmaking, scriptwriting, sound production and production management.
The programme will also create a skills-development bridge between secondary education and tertiary institutions through collaboration with the University of Eswatini and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, allowing for mentorship, skills transfer and hands-on learning.
Dlamini noted that beyond broadcasting, the initiative has broader socio-economic benefits, as creative industries continue to play a growing role in employment creation, innovation and economic diversification.
ESCCOM also acknowledged the Ministry of Education and Training for granting approval for the project and providing ongoing support, as well as UNESCO and Limkokwing University for availing students to participate in the programme.
Dlamini urged schools, educators and learners across the country to actively take part, noting that the competition aligns with the competency-based curriculum by promoting creativity, collaboration, communication and practical skills.
“The competition is for the students. It is an opportunity to discover talent, sharpen skills and open doors to future possibilities,” he said.
With the official launch concluded, ESCCOM says it is looking forward to witnessing innovative storytelling, emerging talent and inspiring journeys from young filmmakers across the country.
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(Courtesy Pic)
