…No liswati should be left out…
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
EZULWINI – No talent should go unheard and no Liswati should be left behind, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla said as she called for deliberate inclusion in the newly launched Eswatini Praise Season 1 talent search.
Speaking at the launch held at Sibane Sami Hotel, Dladla urged organisers to ensure that the competition’s Top 20 includes young people living with disabilities, vulnerable youth, orphans and vulnerable children, as well as talented young people from disadvantaged households.
Her remarks came as Eswatini Praise, spearheaded by gospel musician Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane and Rolling Time Investments/Big Fish Entertainment, was officially launched under the theme “20 Voices. One Nation. One Sound.”
Dladla described the initiative as more than a gospel television programme, saying it brings together faith, talent, creativity, national identity and community while creating a platform for young people from across the four regions to showcase their abilities.
“Let that collective voice proclaim that Eswatini believes in its people,” Dladla said, emphasising that inclusion should be a visible and deliberate feature of the programme.
She encouraged organisers to create clear pathways beyond talent identification, including skills development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable livelihoods.
“This is how entertainment becomes empowerment. This is how talent becomes economic opportunity,” she said.
Dladla also called on the private sector and development partners to view Eswatini Praise as more than a sponsorship opportunity, but as an investment in young people, culture and the country’s creative economy.
She further encouraged churches, communities and organisations representing persons with disabilities to work closely with the organisers to ensure meaningful participation.
Addressing young people, Dladla encouraged them not to allow their circumstances to define their future, stressing that disability, poverty or being an orphan should never diminish their worth or potential.
“Your talent matters. Your voice matters. Your dreams matter. Your contribution matters. And Eswatini needs you,” she said.
She concluded by officially launching Eswatini Praise Season 1, expressing hope that the programme would discover exceptional talent, strengthen communities and promote inclusion across the Kingdom.
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