BY VUYISWA MABILA
MATSAPHA — The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) is blending sport, education, and culture through its upcoming Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), which will be hosted in Eswatini from 27 to 30 October 2025 at Esibayeni Lodge, Matsapha.
The event marks the first-ever OVEP to be held in Eswatini and within the ANOCA Zone IV region, signifying a major milestone in promoting Olympic values and sports tourism across Southern Africa. The programme will draw two delegates from each of the ten Zone IV countries — including Botswana, Lesotho, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.
While the core of the OVEP focuses on clean sport, safe sport, civic education, and life skills development, ANOCA is also introducing an innovative tourism component aimed at showcasing Eswatini’s culture and natural beauty.
According to ANOCA Zone IV Secretary General, Maxwell Jele, a special half-day cultural tour has been organised for Wednesday, 29 October 2025, where delegates will explore key attractions such as the Mantenga Cultural Village and one of the Kingdom’s scenic waterfalls.
“Since this is the first time the ANOCA Zone IV OVEP is being hosted in Eswatini, we wanted to ensure participants experience more than just the workshops,” Jele said. “We will take them to Mantenga Cultural Village to witness Eswatini’s traditional performances and also visit one of the country’s beautiful waterfalls. This is our way of promoting sports tourism in Eswatini.”
The cultural tour will allow delegates to immerse themselves in Eswatini’s traditional music, dance, and way of life, providing a deeper understanding of the nation’s heritage. Jele explained that incorporating such experiences into sports education programmes strengthens regional unity, fosters cultural exchange, and supports local tourism initiatives.
The OVEP will be facilitated by experts from Botswana and Lesotho, who will lead participants through interactive sessions centred on the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. These sessions will promote ethical sportsmanship, leadership, and life skills, empowering participants to become ambassadors of positive change in their communities.
High-profile dignitaries, including the President of ANOCA Zone IV, Eswatini’s Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, and the President of the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA), are expected to attend the event’s opening and closing ceremonies.
Founded in 1981, ANOCA represents all National Olympic Committees across Africa and plays a vital role in promoting sport as a tool for education, inclusion, and social development. The introduction of the OVEP to the Zone IV region underscores ANOCA’s growing commitment to nurturing well-rounded athletes who embody the Olympic spirit both on and off the field.
For Eswatini, hosting the inaugural Zone IV OVEP presents an opportunity to cement its reputation as an emerging sports tourism destination in Southern Africa. The combination of athletic education and cultural engagement not only enhances the experience for participants but also contributes to the local economy through hospitality, tourism, and cultural activities.
“This initiative shows that sport is not just about competition,” Jele added. “It’s about building bridges between nations and celebrating our shared heritage through the spirit of Olympism.”
As the Kingdom of Eswatini prepares to welcome delegates from across the region, the OVEP promises to leave a lasting legacy — promoting Olympic values, strengthening regional cooperation, and showcasing the beauty and warmth of Eswatini to the world.
