BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – The arts and culture sector has received a significant boost following the official unveiling of a modern mobile sound system by the ENCAC at its offices in Manzini, marking a major step toward strengthening festivals, live performances and creative industry growth across the country.
The unveiling took place on April 13, 2026, bringing together artists, cultural stakeholders and government representatives who witnessed the introduction of a high-capacity mobile system designed to transform how events are staged and experienced across Eswatini.
The newly unveiled system is built with high-end professional equipment designed for large-scale events and mobility. It includes a 1 x Allen & Heath SQ7 digital mixer with stagebox, 8 JBL stage monitors, 8 Audiocenter subwoofers, 12 Audiocenter tops, 10 Shure SM58 microphones, and a Driverack processing system, all powered under the Audiocenter sound brand, positioning it as one of the most advanced portable sound setups in the country.
Speaking during the unveiling, the ENCAC Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Dlamini, said the initiative forms part of government’s budget allocation of E3.8 million for sound equipment and vehicles, with only part of the package—sound—now delivered, while a mobile stage and vehicles are still expected.
He explained that the system was carefully selected to serve audiences of up to 5 000 people, while also offering flexibility for simultaneous use in different locations. This, he said, will allow festivals and cultural activities to be decentralised and reach communities in various regions at the same time.
“We requested equipment that can serve large audiences and also allow us to split sound operations. This means we can support two events simultaneously, which will help us expand regional festivals,” he said.
A key development accompanying the rollout is a skills empowerment programme targeting young people interested in sound engineering. The CEO announced that participants will be selected from different regions and trained by a South African professional sound engineer, with details of the workshop to be released soon.
Artist Sanchieziey welcomed the initiative, describing it as a long-awaited response to the challenges faced by creatives in hosting professional listening sessions and album launches.
“As artists, we have struggled for a long time. Now we finally have access to proper sound. We are grateful and hopeful that this is just the beginning,” she said, urging artists to take care of the equipment to ensure its longevity.
Representatives from the events sector also expressed optimism, saying the system will unlock regional festivals and help unearth talent outside urban centres. They highlighted that internationally recognised brands such as Audiocenter, JBL and Allen & Heath reflect the system’s professional quality.
Government’s commitment to the creative sector was reinforced by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, who said the sound system must directly benefit artists and not be treated as a commercial rental asset.
“We want this equipment to empower local artists and support youth development. It must not be used for profit-driven rentals that exclude creatives,” he said, while also dismissing claims that funds had been returned to government, clarifying that the allocation was used to procure the sound system.
He further emphasised the importance of equal investment in sports and arts, noting that both sectors play a vital role in youth empowerment and national development.
The ENCAC CEO concluded by outlining a new loan policy for the equipment, stating that any organiser borrowing the system must commit to including at least 10 local artists who will be fairly compensated.
With training programmes, regional festival expansion and youth empowerment initiatives on the horizon, stakeholders say the unveiling marks a transformative step for Eswatini’s creative industry, where opportunity, technology and talent now converge.
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