BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – LIPANSULA le radio honoured!
South African commercial powerhouse RISE FM is continuing to strengthen its cultural influence beyond borders — this time by honouring one of Eswatini’s most respected entertainment figures, Lindelwa Mafa.
Known across the region for its bold programming and growing commitment to arts development, the Mpumalanga-based station yesterday (29 May ,2026) celebrated Mafa for her outstanding contribution to the creative industry and her lifelong dedication to promoting local talent in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The honour comes at a significant moment in Mafa’s career following her historic appointment as the first-ever female Chairperson of the Eswatini Music Association (SWAMA) by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC).
In a heartfelt message accompanying the token of appreciation, RISE FM described Mafa as a deserving leader who has spent years discovering, nurturing and promoting artistic talent in Eswatini.
“It is truly humbling to receive this recognition from RISE FM,” said Lindelwa Mafa. “My passion has always been to uplift our local creatives and tell our stories authentically. This honour motivates me to continue advocating for the arts in Eswatini and beyond.”
The recognition also reflects the station’s growing relationship with the neighbouring kingdom. Since the appointment of eSwatini-born station manager Makhosi Khoza, the broadcaster has embraced a fresh vision centred around its mission to “disrupt and amplify.”
“Celebrating Lindelwa’s achievements aligns perfectly with our vision to empower voices that shape culture across borders,” said Makhosi Khoza, RISE FM’s station manager. “Her dedication is an inspiration, and we are proud to stand alongside her in nurturing the next generation of African talent.”
That vision has transformed RISE FM into more than just a radio station. Broadcasting across Mpumalanga on frequencies ranging from 89.0 MHz to 106.4 MHz, the station has positioned itself as a powerful cultural platform connecting communities through music, entertainment and storytelling.
From hosting broadcasts at the Mbombela Taxi Rank and Graskop Gorge to launching youth-focused talent initiatives, the station has aggressively expanded its footprint while championing emerging voices in the entertainment industry.
One of its standout projects includes the Unsigned Vocalist Campaign launched in partnership with the Afrotraction Foundation, giving aspiring musicians opportunities for mentorship, recording sessions, interviews and radio airplay.
The station has also continued building regional partnerships, including collaborations with Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) during World Radio Day celebrations and plans to reconnect during the internationally celebrated Bushfire Festival later this month.
For Lindelwa Mafa, the recognition from such an influential broadcaster highlights the impact she has had on shaping Eswatini’s entertainment scene over the years.
Widely known as “Lindz,” Mafa built her name as a leading radio and television personality through her work on the popular entertainment programme Stargaze on EBIS2 FM. Through the platform, she became one of the kingdom’s strongest supporters of local creatives, helping launch and promote musicians, comedians and cultural figures long before they found mainstream success.
Her influence later expanded into acting and arts leadership, making her one of the most recognisable women in Eswatini’s entertainment industry today.
As RISE FM continues to grow into a regional media force, honouring figures like Lindelwa Mafa signals the station’s commitment to celebrating African talent, preserving cultural identity and using radio as a bridge connecting communities across borders.
