BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Sidzabul’imincele
Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) will tomorrow make history. Local radio host Sihlabani Sebenguni, born Siphesihle Nxumalo, will broadcast live in South Africa, Mpumalanga, at the SABC studios of Ligwalagwala FM from 6 AM to 9 AM, while South African radio host Dumisani Dominic Simelane, known as ‘Madumane’, will broadcast in Mbabane at the EBIS 1 studios from 12 PM to 2 PM.
This first-of-its-kind exchange between radio stations is set to commemorate World Radio Day tomorrow (13 February 2025). This was confirmed by EBIS Director Sabelo Dlamini. Dlamini shared with this publication that Sihlabani has already left the country to broadcast in South Africa, while Madumane is also on his way to Eswatini in preparation for tomorrow.
It is worth noting that Eswatini has groomed radio legend Wilson B Nkosi, who currently hosts a show on Metro FM, and he will be among the radio legends who will take to the airwaves tomorrow (14 February 2025) to celebrate World Radio Day 2025 with a special broadcast. Other radio legends from yesteryear who will broadcast throughout the day include Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo, Sgayoyo Sgi Magongo, Mfundo Baby B Mndzebele, and Makhosi Khoza. It is important to note that the legends will be broadcasting on EBIS 1.
According to Dlamini, EBIS 2 will also have its own special guests to commemorate Radio Day. The legends will present a special broadcast offering timeless music and unforgettable memories from the voices that defined the era. It is worth mentioning that last year the radio legends also had a special broadcast throughout the day, where Sharon Maziya was also among the legends who took part.
Last April, EBIS marked 58 years since it went live on 19 April 1966. It is significant to note that EBIS comprises two channels: SiSwati (EBIS 1) and English (EBIS 2).
EBIS is located in Mbabane, Eswatini, at the corner of Gwamile Street and Dzeliwe Street, next to Coronation Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium. The SiSwati channel serves to inform, educate, and entertain the nation of Eswatini in their SiSwati language. It broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
EBIS is a state-owned broadcast and print information provider for Eswatini, which essentially wields total control over all media within the country. It was founded in 1966 as a radio broadcaster and merged with print media in the early 1970s. It is a member of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association. Since 1991, it has been under the Ministry of Broadcasting, Information, and Tourism and is responsible for:
– Radio and television broadcasting services;
– Newspapers, magazines, and other printed governmental publications;
– Government information services, including the internet;
– Accreditation of foreign news reporters and correspondents operating in Eswatini.
