BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MBABANE– Babukisi Foundation is set to breathe new life into SiSwati heritage through an ambitious creative initiative that will use animation, film and visual arts to preserve and reimagine traditional stories for modern audiences.
The project, led by Executive Director Thobejane Magagula, was unveiled during the launch of the Africa–Europe Partnerships for Culture initiative held at Foresters Arms Hotel in Mbabane, supported by the European Union and Goethe-Institut.
Magagula said the foundation aims to fuse culture and innovation by developing an anime-inspired production rooted in the SiSwati calendar and traditional heritage narratives.
He explained that the animation project will go beyond entertainment, addressing pressing social issues such as gender-based violence, suicide prevention and environmental protection, all told through culturally grounded storytelling.
As part of the wider creative vision, Babukisi Foundation also plans to produce a film that showcases the structure and lifestyle of a traditional SiSwati homestead. Another artistic work will explore the meanings and cultural significance behind the different months in the SiSwati calendar.
“As Babukisi, we love our culture and heritage and we hold it in high regard. Through this project we also want to compare and blend our stories and traditions with other cultures from SADC countries,” said Magagula.
He added that the organisation aims to present SiSwati stories in modern and creative formats while ensuring that cultural identity is preserved and celebrated.
The initiative will bring together nine creatives who will collaborate on the project, with the final productions expected to be showcased internationally, including in Europe, where they will serve as cultural education tools about Eswatini’s traditions and way of life.
Artists interested in participating have been encouraged to submit their applications before the May 29 deadline.
The project marks a growing shift in Eswatini’s creative industry, where traditional storytelling is being transformed through contemporary digital platforms to reach wider global audiences while safeguarding cultural heritage.
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(Courtesy Pic)
