BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI– After making their way through regional competitions, culture teams are now heading into the final stretch as they prepare to battle it out at the Eswatini International Trade Fair from tomorrow.
The EITF Culture Competitions will run from 4 to 6 September, giving community and forces teams three days to showcase their skills in Lutsango, Ingadla and Sibhaca. The competition gets underway on Friday, 4 September, with Pool B competing in Lutsango from 9:00am. The same pool returns on Saturday, 5 September, for Ingadla and Sibhaca, with performances starting at 8:00am.
The final day on Sunday, 6 September, will bring Pool A into the competition across all three categories Ingadla, Sibhaca and Lutsango beginning at 9:00am. The draw has placed Pool B as the community category and Pool A as the forces category, with teams performing according to their numbers on the official draw.
Beyond the performances, there is substantial money at stake. According to Imigidvu Yesintfu Association president Mandla Shongwe, teams will compete for a E350 000 prize amount, which includes money already allocated during the regional competitions.
The competition comes after organisers completed cultural competitions across the country’s four regions. ENCAC CEO noted that the regional rounds were conducted without tension between teams, with hopes that the same spirit will carry through to the Trade Fair stage.
For Mulasport, which is supporting the competitions, fairness and honesty will be important as the teams compete. Representative Mukelo Magagula said the sponsor would also be present throughout the Trade Fair competitions.
With the regional battles behind them, the teams now face a different test: performing under the Trade Fair spotlight, where every movement, sound and performance will count.
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(Courtesy Pic)
