BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE – The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has officially sent off five outstanding choirs that will represent the Kingdom of Eswatini at the prestigious Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod in South Africa.
The colourful send-off ceremony took place on the morning of Wednesday, 18 December 2025, marking a proud moment for both Government and the arts sector. The choirs are expected to depart for South Africa the same day and return home on Monday, 22 December 2025.
The choirs representing Eswatini are His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir, Pure Voices, Mbabane Methodist Choir, Manzini Choir and Dolce Harmony Chorus. Together, they will carry the nation’s musical heritage, discipline and creativity onto a highly competitive regional platform.
Addressing the choirs during the ceremony, Minister Nzima expressed strong confidence in their ability to perform with excellence and bring honour to the country. He said Eswatini has, over many years, built a solid reputation for choral music and consistently impressed audiences and adjudicators at regional and international competitions.
“This send-off is not just a farewell, but a recognition of your hard work, talent and dedication,” the minister said. “You are cultural ambassadors, and as you depart, remember that you carry the pride, values and identity of Emaswati with you.”
Nzima urged the Arts and Culture Board to continue supporting the choirs and ensuring that the country remains competitive in regional cultural platforms. He noted that Government holds high expectations for the groups, given their proven track records and the country’s long-standing choral tradition.
The minister described the occasion as an important milestone for the arts sector, as it formally acknowledges the achievements of local choirs and affirms their role in promoting Eswatini’s cultural diplomacy. He highlighted that choral music in the country has continued to grow in strength and professionalism, supported by structured training, committed leadership and strong coordination.
Nzima also paid tribute to conductors, trainers and administrators, whose behind-the-scenes work he said was vital to the sustained success of choral music in Eswatini. He commended the Eswatini National Choral Music Association for its continued efforts in organising competitions, nurturing talent and ensuring that local choirs are well prepared for regional engagements.
He encouraged the singers to compete with unity, discipline and respect, reminding them that excellence goes beyond winning trophies. According to the minister, participation in such events contributes meaningfully to cultural exchange, artistic growth and regional integration.
“Regardless of the final results, your participation strengthens the arts sector and inspires future generations,” Nzima said.
The Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod is widely regarded as a major platform for showcasing choral excellence in the region, bringing together some of the finest voices from southern Africa. For Eswatini’s representatives, the competition offers an opportunity not only to compete, but also to share the country’s rich musical traditions and learn from others.
As the choirs depart, the nation watches with pride and optimism, confident that Eswatini’s voices will once again resonate strongly on the regional stage.
(
Courtesy Pic)
