By Gcwalisile Mhlabane (Intern)
MBABANE – The spirit of Eswatini’s youth is set to shine on an international stage as five exceptional students will soon be selected to represent the Kingdom at the prestigious Robben Island Schools Spring Festival in South Africa.
The exciting announcement was made on June 19, 2025, by Ronnie Gamedze, President of the Eswatini Schools Art and Culture Association (ESACA), during the ongoing Inyatsi Schools Art and Culture Competitions held at the Lobamba Technical Centre.
According to Gamedze, this year’s delegation will be finalized after the conclusion of the national competitions, with five students—each from a different school—set to represent five distinct performance categories:
Ummiso
Sibhaca
Music
Drum Majorettes
Drama & Theatre
“This opportunity is not just about competing—it’s about honouring our roots, expanding cultural horizons, and celebrating our students’ creativity,” Gamedze said. “We are proud to showcase Eswatini’s diverse talent on such a meaningful and historic platform.”
The Robben Island Festival is much more than a competition. Hosted on the iconic island that once imprisoned former South African President Nelson Mandela, the festival brings together youth from across the continent to engage through art, dance, theatre, and music. It is a place where young minds meet in rhythm, expression, and unity.
In 2024, Eswatini impressed at the festival, finishing fourth out of nine participating countries. The delegation included five students and two teachers who proudly represented the Kingdom with support from the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture and the Inyatsi Foundation. Last year’s student participants were:
- Mnelisi Mkhabela – Elangeni High School
- Asande Mkhonta – Ekukhanyeni High School
- Smilwesihle Dlamini – Manzini Nazarene High School
- Sibahle Shongwe – Moyeni High School
- Billy Matsenjwa – Vulamasango High School
As this year’s national finals continue in Lobamba, anticipation is growing among students, teachers, and art lovers eager to discover which young talents will make the journey to Robben Island.
Gamedze also took the opportunity to thank all stakeholders, especially the Inyatsi Foundation, for their continued investment in arts development. He highlighted the broader vision of launching a national Eswatini School Arts and Culture Festival, which would become an annual celebration and training ground for local talent aiming for international stages.
“We believe that arts education is key to holistic student development,” he added. “It builds confidence, creativity, and critical thinking—skills that extend far beyond the stage.”
In nurturing the arts, Eswatini is not only preserving its rich cultural heritage but also empowering a new generation of storytellers, innovators, and cultural ambassadors destined to make their mark on the world
