By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – 59 years later!
The Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) will mark its 59th anniversary with a celebration in Madlangempisi this Saturday. The station first went live on April 19, 1966.
According to EBIS Director Sabelo Dlamini, the celebrations will begin as early as 9:00 a.m. and will feature a road show filled with music, games, and prizes for listeners. The listeners will also get an opportunity to meet some of the EBIS radio hosts at the road show.
Musicians and dancers from the Madlangempisi constituency have been invited to participate in the festivities and are encouraged to submit their applications to the station by contacting 7604 0143 by Friday.
“As part of identifying talent across the country, we are calling upon artists and dancers from the Madlangempisi constituency to take part in the celebration,” Dlamini said. “We’ll be interacting with our listeners, offering prizes, and hosting games throughout the event.”
Dlamini emphasized that the annual celebration is a way of expressing gratitude to their loyal audience. “Each year, we host the celebration in a different region. This year, we’re in the Hhohho region. Last year, it was Lubombo, and before that, Shiselweni.”
He also thanked the nation for its continued support and trust in EBIS over nearly six decades. In a previous interview, Dlamini noted that the station is undergoing modernization efforts to better serve the public and remain a reliable source of information.
EBIS operates two channels: EBIS 1, which broadcasts in SiSwati, and EBIS 2, which broadcasts in English. The organization is headquartered in Mbabane at the corner of Gwamile and Dzeliwe Streets, near Coronation Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium.
A state-owned entity, EBIS is Eswatini’s official broadcast and print information service provider. Established in 1966 as a radio station, it merged with print media in the early 1970s. It has been under the Ministry of Broadcasting, Information, and Tourism since 1991 and is a member of the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association.
EBIS is responsible for:
- Radio and television broadcasting services;
- Government newspapers, magazines, and publications;
- Government information services, including online platforms;
- Accrediting foreign news correspondents operating in Eswatini.
