BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The Kingdom of Eswatini reaffirmed its commitment to African heritage and cultural diplomacy on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during the second Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards held at the Otumfuo Golden Jubilee Hall within Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
A distinguished delegation from the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) represented the country at the prestigious ceremony that celebrates excellence in African art, culture, and heritage preservation. The delegation was led by Director of Culture, Bonsile Ndlangamandla, and Chief Finance Officer, Mduduzi Ndzinisa.
Speaking on behalf of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Ndzinisa expressed sincere appreciation to the organisers for the invitation to witness the prestigious occasion, commending the Manhyia Palace Museum for its steadfast role in safeguarding the Asante legacy while promoting artistic excellence and cultural identity.
“We are honoured to be part of this important celebration of African creativity and heritage. Platforms such as these remind us of the responsibility we carry as custodians of our cultural identity,” said Ndzinisa.
ENTC delegation strengthens heritage ties between Eswatini and the Asante Kingdom.
Ndzinisa noted that Eswatini’s participation symbolises more than cultural exchange, reflecting the growing diplomatic and cultural relations established through historic engagements between His Majesty King Mswati III and the Asante Kingdom. These relations, he said, are anchored in shared values of monarchy, heritage preservation, and the promotion of African identity.
The ceremony was organised by the Manhyia Palace Museum in collaboration with UNESCO and Justice and Repairs, and honoured outstanding local and international visual artists, curators, and cultural figures whose work contributes to preserving Africa’s artistic legacy.
Among the Ghanaian honourees were contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama, installation artist Yaw Owusu, painters Victor Butler and Larry Otoo, and portrait artist Afia Prempeh. International recognition was extended to Leon Raddegonde of Seychelles, Julie Hudson of the British Museum, and international curator Osei Bonsu.
The awards form part of a ten-year initiative aimed at celebrating both traditional and modern visual arts while advancing cultural restitution efforts across the continent.
As custodians of Eswatini’s heritage, the ENTC continues to advance cultural diplomacy and build partnerships that position museums and cultural institutions as dynamic centres of education, national pride, and heritage preservation.
Eswatini’s presence at the awards further strengthens institutional and cultural ties with the Asante Kingdom and reinforces a shared continental vision to preserve and promote Africa’s rich cultural legacy.
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(Courtesy Pic)
