BY VUYISWA MABILA
LOBAMBA – Eswatini’s sports fraternity has achieved a continental milestone with the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) unveiling Africa’s first-ever Olympic Rings Monument, marking a proud moment in the nation’s growing Olympic movement.
The historic unveiling ceremony, held at the EOCGA Headquarters in Lobamba, also celebrated the completion of major infrastructure upgrades made possible through the generous support of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).
Delivering remarks during the event, the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Hon. Bongani Nzima, expressed great pride in the achievement, noting that the upgrades not only enhance the facility’s appearance but also strengthen Eswatini’s commitment to sports development.
“The Olympic Rings represent much more than beauty or design. They are the face of the global Olympic Movement, recognised across the world as a symbol of unity, respect, and friendship,” the Minister highlighted.
The first phase of the EOCGA headquarters was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Hon. Cleopas Dlamini, with an initial investment of E3 million, which covered the main building and parking area. The latest developments now give the facility a renewed and dignified appearance, befitting its role as the home of Olympic administration in Eswatini.
The Olympic Rings, designed in 1913 by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, feature five interlocking rings — blue, yellow, black, green, and red — representing the five continents united by Olympism. Each colour was selected because at least one appears on every national flag in the world, symbolising global inclusion and togetherness through sport.
In the spirit of these values, the Rings also embody the vision of Olympic Solidarity — a global programme of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that promotes the development of sport worldwide. Through Olympic Solidarity, funding and technical support are channelled to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to ensure equal opportunities for athletes, coaches, and administrators across all nations, regardless of size or resources.
Beyond infrastructure, the unveiling also marked the launch of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) — an EOCGA initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren and the wider public about the principles of discipline, fairness, respect, and excellence both on and off the field.
The newly unveiled Olympic Rings Monument now stands as a lasting symbol of unity, perseverance, and the transformative power of sport — not only for Eswatini, but for the entire African continent.
