BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI– The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has confirmed that first-place winners from community cultural competitions across the country will perform at the upcoming Eswatini Trade Fair, with the Mbeka representatives officially announced during a prize presentation ceremony held on 8 July 2026 at the Arts and Culture Offices in Manzini.
Speaking at the ceremony, ENCAC Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini thanked participants, teachers, coaches and organisers for their commitment to preserving and promoting Eswatini’s cultural heritage through Culture Competitions.
He explained that the Trade Fair performance opportunity is open to all first-place winners from the various community competitions organised by ENCAC, not only those from Mbeka. He said the ceremony marked the official selection of the Mbeka representatives who will join other winners from across the country at the national showcase.
During the prize presentation, Dlamini announced that the recognition extended beyond the winners, with every participant receiving an award in appreciation of their effort and dedication throughout the competition.
He further explained that competitors who finished in first place would not receive their cash prizes during the ceremony. Instead, those funds would be retained to support their participation in the Eswatini Trade Fair, where they will represent their communities and showcase their talent on a larger stage.
The initiative aims to ensure that the selected performers are adequately supported as they prepare for the national event while giving them an opportunity to gain wider exposure.
The ceremony celebrated outstanding performances across the different competition categories and recognised the contribution of all participants. ENCAC encouraged young artists to continue developing their talents and to remain active in programmes that preserve and promote Eswatini’s rich arts and cultural heritage.
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