BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini officially commissioned a 10-member cultural troupe on January 26, 2026, to represent the nation at the 40th Surajkund Mela International Crafts Mela in New Delhi, India.
The delegation is set to showcase the nation’s rich heritage from January 30th to February 19th, 2026. This prestigious mission marks the fourth consecutive year that Eswatini has been invited to showcase its heritage at what is widely regarded as the world’s largest crafts festival. The team is expected to leave the country this coming Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The Surajkund Mela is recognized as a massive global celebration that transforms New Delhi into a vibrant hub of international heritage. This year, the event is expected to host participants from over 500 countries. For the performers, the scale of the stage is immense, as the festival grounds attract a projected one million visitors daily.
This offers Eswatini an unparalleled platform to market its tourism and cultural identity through daily performances, craft exhibitions, and cultural exchanges.
During the high-profile send-off ceremony held this past Monday at the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs boardroom, Minister Bongani Nzima delivered a stirring charge to the departing artists. He urged the troupe to “hoist the nation’s flag very high” and remain a “cultural beacon of the world.”
“You carry the identity of our people on your shoulders. I charge you to demonstrate the nature of our peaceful kingdom through respect and excellence, proving that Eswatini is a conducive nation to work with on the global stage,” the Minister stated.
Adding to the prestige of the mission, Mr. Sriram, Second Secretary from the Indian High Commission, lauded the Kingdom’s artistic standard. He remarked that previous Eswatini delegations delivered such excellent performances that they have set a high benchmark for the festival. He shared that India is eagerly looking forward to this year’s showcase, confident that the troupe will maintain their title as top-tier international performers.
ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini highlighted that the selection of the troupe is rooted in merit, featuring artists who have excelled in national cultural competitions hosted by ENCAC every year.
The group represents a wide cross-section of the Kingdom’s Regional Arts Centers and includes award-winning artists specializing in Ingadla, Sibhaca, and Lutsango. The CEO confirmed that the Council has made full provision for all travel incidentals and allowances, ensuring the performers can focus entirely on their craft.
The delegation includes:
- Ingadla: Mkhatshwa Octavia (Manzini), Shongwe Bandiswa (Lubombo), and Nandipha Makhanya (Hhohho).
- Sibhaca: Sanele Zwane (Manzini), Magagula Phumlani (Hhohho), and Sonkhe Dlamini (Hhohho).
- Lutsango: Dladla Thobile and Makhosazana Mtsetfwa (both from Shiselweni).
- Performing Artist: Gospel star Sphiwo ‘Ndoni’ Ndlangamandla.
Dlamini Nokuthula will lead the delegation, supported by the ENCAC Assistant Culture Manager to ensure close monitoring of all logistics and daily activities during the trip.
As the troupe prepares to depart this Wednesday, they carry with them the pride of a nation that has consistently proven its cultural prowess on the international stage. With the full support of the Government and the Indian High Commission, this 10-member team is poised not just to perform, but to serve as true ambassadors of Eswatini spirit. Their journey to New Delhi is a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations through the universal language of art and dance, ensuring that the Eswatini flag continues to fly high across the globe.
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