BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE–Babukisi Foundation is set to strengthen the preservation of Siswati culture through the establishment of regional cultural hubs that will serve as centres for learning, heritage preservation and community engagement across Eswatini.
The initiative aims to create spaces where pupils, young people and community members can learn about Siswati traditions, customs and history while ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed on to future generations.
Foundation Director Thobejane Magagula said the idea was inspired by his recent participation in an exchange programme in the United States, where he witnessed communities placing great value on preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage.
“What I learnt in the United States showed me that we still have a lot to improve. They value culture highly, and we want to bring some of those ideas home,” said Magagula.
He explained that the planned hubs would complement the foundation’s existing outreach programmes in schools and communities while creating more opportunities for young people to reconnect with their cultural identity.
Magagula said the project is currently in its planning stages, with further details on its implementation expected to be announced in due course.
In addition to the cultural hubs, the foundation will roll out the Co-Creation of New Heritage Narratives initiative, bringing together artists, researchers, cultural practitioners and heritage custodians to transform Eswatini’s heritage into creative productions.
The project will produce an animated series following a Swati family during national ceremonies, a documentary exploring indigenous knowledge and identity, and a visual art exhibition inspired by Siswati names of the months and environmental conservation. These productions will be available in both Siswati and English to reach a wider audience.
Babukisi Foundation Operations Officer Kwanele Prince Tsabedze said the initiative demonstrates that culture should continue evolving while remaining rooted in its traditions.
“Heritage should not only be remembered, it should continue to inspire,” he said.
The programme will also feature school outreach activities, workshops, exhibitions, documentary screenings and community dialogues aimed at encouraging greater participation from women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Founded in 2012, Babukisi Foundation continues to champion the promotion of Siswati culture through research, education, digital innovation and the creative arts. The organisation believes the new initiatives will help safeguard Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage while inspiring future generations to embrace their identity.
#EswatiniPositiveNews #BabukisiFoundation #SiswatiCulture #CulturalHeritage #Eswatini #HeritagePreservation #CreativeArts #YouthDevelopment
(Courtesy Pic)
