BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – The 3rd edition of the Inyatsi Schools Arts & Culture Competition has officially been launched, marking a major milestone for youth arts development after securing a total funding package of E650 000 to support nationwide participation and talent development.
The official sponsorship cheque handover was held on May 22, 2026, at Inyatsi House in Manzini, where organisers and partners gathered to unveil the expanded programme. The competition is coordinated by the Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture Association under the oversight of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), which ensures regulatory compliance and the strengthening of arts development in schools across the country.
The 2026 edition is driven by a strong public-private partnership that continues to elevate youth creativity. The Inyatsi Foundation leads the sponsorship contribution with E500 000, followed by Eswatini Network of Women (Eswatini NOW) with E100 000, while Genesis Ekucaleni Media has provided E50 000 specifically dedicated to the theatre and drama category. Organisers say this investment is aimed at widening access to creative platforms for learners and strengthening cultural preservation through performance arts.
The initiative is also expected to significantly boost pupils’ participation in arts programmes, especially as arts education has now been formally integrated into the school curriculum. Organisers note that this development will help learners build confidence, creativity, and communication skills, while also nurturing discipline and self-expression from an early age.
The competition will feature five key categories designed to showcase cultural diversity and artistic talent among learners across the country. These include Sibhaca, Ummiso, Theatre and Drama, Drum Majorettes, and Music, with schools from all four regions expected to compete.
Speaking at the launch, Gcinekile Nxumalo, Head of Corporate Services at Inyatsi Group, said the programme is designed to empower young emaSwati through creative expression. She said, “This initiative goes beyond competition; it is a platform that allows young people to discover their talent, build confidence, and express their identity through arts and culture.”
She further emphasized the importance of the theme, “Honouring 40 Years of Legacy Through Arts and Culture,” which pays tribute to the 40-year reign of His Majesty King Mswati III.
Nxumalo added, “The theme reflects His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to preserving our cultural heritage and ensuring that future generations remain rooted in who they are.
The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework, which promotes creativity, innovation, and practical skills alongside academic learning. MOET representative Bongani Siyaya said such programmes are essential in developing well-rounded learners who can meaningfully contribute to national development beyond the classroom.
ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini expressed gratitude to sponsors for their continued support, saying their contribution strengthens arts development in schools. He said, “We are deeply grateful to our partners for investing in the development of arts and culture in schools. This support ensures that young people have the platforms they need to grow and showcase their talents.”
He further encouraged learners to embrace the opportunity, saying, “We urge all participants to take this platform seriously, express themselves freely, and use it as a stepping stone toward future opportunities in the creative industry.”
The competition will officially commence on June 8, 2026, starting in the Hhohlo North region before moving across all four regions of the country.
The E650 000 funding injection is expected to significantly boost participation, improve production quality, and strengthen arts education in schools nationwide, aligning with the national push to integrate arts into the curriculum and build confident, creative learners who can express themselves effectively through culture and performance.
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