By Vuyiswa Mabila
EZULWINI – The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) and the Piggs Peak Town Council have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling a shared commitment to nurturing, promoting, and investing in the beloved town and the nation at large. The signing took place today at the Happy Valley Hotel, witnessed by local artists, dignitaries, and cultural stakeholders
This groundbreaking partnership the first between a national arts body and a town council affirms that arts and culture are not just peripheral, but central to community development, identity, economic vitality, and national pride.
“This is a moment of transformation for Piggs Peak. This MoU is a committement to naturing and investing in the culture of our beloved town and the nation at large. Through this partnership, we aim to create more platforms and opportunities for local artists to thrive, to host and support cultural festivals, exhibitions and heritage celebration that speaks to the soul of our people.” Said Piggs Peak mayor, Sipho Shongwe.
ENCAC officials also shows the significance of the agreement in decentralizing the arts sector and expanding its reach across the country. “As an association, this is the first time we’re entering into such a collaboration with a town council. It’s a groundbreaking initiative that reflects our belief that vibrant talent exists beyond urban centers and deserves to be uplifted,” noted an ENCAC CEO, Stanley Dlamini.
The MoU outlines clear goals: to create more platforms and opportunities for local artists to thrive through festivals, workshops, showcases, and community-based projects that celebrate the region’s cultural richness. It also aims to stimulate the creative economy and elevate Eswatini’s cultural identity.
Today’s signing stands as a bold declaration that the future of arts and culture in Eswatini will be shaped through grassroots empowerment and meaningful partnerships. Both institutions hope this pioneering agreement sets the standard for future collaborations between the arts sector and local governments across the country.
(Courtesy Pics)
