BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Government has recognised corporate partners that have come on board to support the 2026 Imbube Marathon, as the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) unveiled sponsorships worth more than E1.5 million for the eighth edition of the prestigious race.
The sponsorship package, announced at Happy Valley Hotel on July 22, comprises both cash contributions and products and services from various corporate partners, underlining growing confidence in one of the country’s biggest sporting events.
Speaking on behalf of Labour and Social Security Minister Phila Buthelezi, Principal Secretary Makhosini Mndawe said the overwhelming support from the private sector demonstrated that the Imbube Marathon had become more than just a race, but a platform that promotes health and wellness, tourism, youth empowerment and economic development.
“When we officially launched the 2026 Imbube Marathon in April this year, we made a promise that this year’s event would be bigger, better and more impactful than ever before. Today, we are gathered to demonstrate that we are honouring that promise,” he said.
Mndawe described the occasion as a celebration of partnership, noting that the marathon continued to attract athletes from across Southern Africa and beyond as both a Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon qualifier.
He said an event of such calibre could not be built by one organisation alone, but through meaningful partnerships with the corporate sector and other stakeholders.
The Fund announced that cash sponsors had collectively contributed E790 000 towards the marathon. Standard Bank led the pack with E440 000, followed by Old Mutual Eswatini and Ubombo Sugar Limited, which each contributed E100 000.
Other cash sponsors include Unifoods (E55 000), Industrial Development Company of Eswatini (E50 000), SPAR Eswatini (E20 000), Lactalis Eswatini (E15 000) and Balondolozi (E10 000).
In addition to the cash sponsorships, ENPF secured product and service sponsorships valued at more than E1.5 million, significantly enhancing the overall marathon experience for participants.
Among the major partners is Coca-Cola Eswatini, which will serve as the marathon’s hydration partner through sponsorship worth E290 000. Paratus Eswatini pledged E90 000 in connectivity support for race timing and communications, while SPAR Buy & Save provided grocery vouchers worth E50 000 for winners.
Lactalis Eswatini is contributing dairy products valued at E25 000 for runners’ goodie bags, Umbuluzi Chicken is sponsoring chicken hamper vouchers worth E10 000, while Build IT is providing hydration support valued at E10 000.
The event has also attracted media and automotive partners. Eswatini Television Broadcasting Services will provide broadcast and media coverage, while Mbabane Motors, Autofin Investments and NTT Toyota will provide official lead and support vehicles for the various race categories.
Mndawe also acknowledged the support of the Eswatini Tourism Authority for marketing the marathon nationally and internationally, as well as Eswatini Wire for its waste management partnership.
In a move aimed at creating social impact, ENPF unveiled Eco Manzini Solutions as its newest community partner. The youth-led organisation will provide environmental management and waste collection services during the marathon.
Mndawe said the decision to partner with the organisation was deliberate and aligned with government’s commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs.
“Rather than engaging a conventional cleaning contractor, the Fund made a deliberate decision to partner with these young entrepreneurs. This partnership reflects our belief that the Imbube Marathon should not only inspire healthy lifestyles, but should also create opportunities, empower communities and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The Principal Secretary further acknowledged water point sponsors whose contributions exceed E500 000. These include FNB Eswatini, Inhlonhla, Stanlib Eswatini, Old Mutual Eswatini, Happy Valley Hotel, Oracle, Ncedze, FSRA, SNG, Alliance Group, Tisuka, Eswatini Mobile, ESRIC, ENHB, Clover Eswatini and Finsure Insurance.
According to Mndawe, the sponsors do more than provide financial support as they also encourage employee participation and establish cheering stations that motivate runners along the race route.
He said the marathon’s growing reputation was evident from confirmation that a single running club from KwaZulu-Natal would bring 120 athletes to participate in this year’s race.
“This is a powerful indication of the growing reputation of the Imbube Marathon and the tremendous potential of sports tourism for Eswatini,” he said.
As the marathon celebrates its eighth edition this year, organisers have already set their sights on attracting 10 000 runners by the time the event reaches its 10th anniversary.
The 2026 Imbube Marathon is scheduled for October 17 at Somhlolo National Stadium. Organisers have urged corporate teams, schools, running clubs, institutions, families and individual athletes to take advantage of the early bird registration period, which closes on July 30.
Government said the continued support from sponsors represented an investment in healthier communities, youth empowerment, tourism and the growth of one of Eswatini’s premier sporting events.
2026 IMBUBE MARATHON SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Cash Sponsors (E790 000)
Standard Bank – E440 000
Old Mutual Eswatini – E100 000
Ubombo Sugar Limited – E100 000
Unifoods – E55 000
Industrial Development Company of Eswatini (IDCE) – E50 000
SPAR Eswatini – E20 000
Lactalis Eswatini – E15 000
Balondolozi – E10 000
Product and Service Partners (Total value exceeding E1.5 million)
Coca-Cola Eswatini (Hydration Partner) – E290 000
Paratus Eswatini (Connectivity Partner) – E90 000
SPAR Buy & Save – Grocery vouchers worth E50 000
Lactalis Eswatini – Dairy products worth E25 000
Umbuluzi Chicken – Chicken hamper vouchers worth E10 000
Build IT – Hydration support worth E10 000
Eswatini Television Broadcasting Services (Broadcast and Media Partner)
Mbabane Motors (Isuzu) – Official lead vehicle for the 42km marathon
Autofin Investments (Ford and Kia) – Official lead vehicles for the 21km and 10km races
NTT Toyota – Official lead vehicle for the 3.3km Fun Run
Eswatini Tourism Authority – Marketing and promotion partner
Eswatini Wire – Waste Management Partner
Community Partner
Eco Manzini Solutions – Environmental management and waste collection partner
Water Point Sponsors (Total value exceeding E500 000)
FNB Eswatini
Inhlonhla
Stanlib Eswatini
Old Mutual Eswatini
Happy Valley Hotel
Oracle
Ncedze
FSRA
SNG
Alliance Group
Tisuka
Eswatini Mobile
ESRIC
ENHB
Clover Eswatini
Finsure Insurance
Event Details
Date: 17 October 2026
Venue: Somhlolo National Stadium
Edition: 8th Imbube Marathon
Status: Comrades Marathon and Two Oceans Marathon Qualifier
#ENPF #ImbubeMarathon #Sport #LabourMinistry #Government #SponsorsPartners
