BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
LOBAMBA— The 4th edition of the Khabane Cave Explorer Walk has been officially launched with a strong call to treat Eswatini’s natural heritage as a living economic asset, as HRH Princess Sakhizwe described the Khabane Cave as a “sanctuary of our origins” with global archaeological value.
The launch ceremony was held at King Sobhuza II Memorial Park and brought together government leadership, conservation bodies, and tourism partners, marking the start of preparations for the 28 June 2026 event, which will include a pre walk camping experience at Mlawula Nature Reserve.
HRH Princess Sakhizwe, speaking as brand ambassador, anchored her address on identity and heritage, warning that Eswatini’s history is not only preserved in archives but embedded in the land itself.
She said the Khabane Cave inside Mlawula Nature Reserve carries evidence of human existence dating back to the Middle Stone Age, with excavations uncovering stone tools and preserved botanical remains that offer rare insight into ancient environments in Southern Africa.
“Our history is not written solely in books; it is etched into the very geography of this land,” she said, urging emaSwati to view heritage sites as part of national identity rather than distant relics.
Her message placed the cave at the centre of a broader argument about economic participation, linking conservation directly to livelihoods and tourism growth. She extended the idea of “Made in Eswatini” beyond manufactured goods, arguing that heritage sites themselves carry economic value.
“Our natural and cultural heritage sites are the original ‘Made in Eswatini’ product,” she said, adding that responsible tourism development around such sites can generate income, support youth awareness, and attract international visitors.
The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta Simelane, said the initiative reflects a long journey from concept to a national tourism feature, highlighting its contribution to environmental care, cultural preservation, and rural economic activity.
The Eswatini National Trust Commission, working with the Rotary Club of Matsapha, said the collaboration brings together institutional expertise and community participation in advancing eco tourism.
Rotary Club leadership said the partnership combines service networks with conservation efforts to support a sustainable model for heritage based tourism development. The Khabane Cave Explorer Walk continues to draw interest as an adventure and heritage experience, with organisers expecting strong participation for the 2026 edition.
HRH Princess Sakhizwe closed her address with a call for national participation and responsible stewardship of heritage sites.
“On the 28th of June, let us walk together toward a future where our tourism sector flourishes, our heritage is protected, and peace remains our guiding light,” she said.
