BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE– A new locally founded youth development initiative, Eswatini Discipline Camp is marking a new era of home-grown empowerment and mentorship for young emaSwati.
Speaking during an interview on October 14, 2025, with Eswatini Positive News, former Assistant National Coordinator of Rising Stars Generation, Bandile Dlamini, revealed that the decision to localize the program came after strong calls from parents and community stakeholders who wanted the camp to reflect Eswatini’s identity, culture, and laws.
“We have now localized the program under the name Eswatini Discipline Camp and we are not affiliated with Rising Stars Generation,” Dlamini said. “The decision follows numerous requests from parents and stakeholders who felt that the program should reflect the values and identity of Eswatini.”
Together with his colleague Smanga Makhanya, who served as the National Coordinator under the previous South African-based program, Dlamini said this move marks a fresh start for youth empowerment in the country.
“Eswatini Discipline Camp is founded by emaSwati, for emaSwati,” he added. “Our vision is to help young people beyond just the Discipline Camp, but through various programs and collaborations that will roll out in 2026.”
The first local edition of the camp will take place at Mbuluzi Game Reserve from 6 to 18 December 2025. The 15-day camp targets youth aged 7 to 25 years, particularly those facing behavioral challenges such as substance abuse, bullying, laziness, peer pressure, and anger management. It also welcomes youth who simply want to learn responsibility, leadership, and positive life morals.
Dlamini noted that the team has already been to EBIS 1 to announce the transition, and the response from parents and government sectors has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We believe that Eswatini coming together to bring about change in our youth is the right path,” he said. “This localization gives our country the chance to shape young people in the spirit of our grandparents’ discipline and cultural morals.”
Registration for the December camp is ongoing, and the team will soon announce volunteering opportunities for youth who want to take part in the transformation of Eswatini’s future.
(Courtesy Pics)
