BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS – Art has proven to be more than just entertainment. It has become a powerful tool for empowering young people, building confidence and inspiring innovation, as over 600 pupils from more than 42 schools across Eswatini gathered at House on Fire on Thursday, May 28, 2026, for the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival.
Held under the theme, “Art in Action: Future in the Making,” the vibrant festival officially kick-started the MTN Bushfire weekend with an exciting showcase of music, dance, poetry, drama, storytelling and visual arts performed by pupils from different parts of the country.
The event, hosted through a partnership between MTN Bushfire and the European Union, transformed House on Fire into a dynamic hub of youthful creativity and cultural celebration, highlighting the growing importance of arts in shaping future-ready young people.
For many pupils, the festival became more than just a performance platform. It created opportunities for self-expression, collaboration and learning, while encouraging young people to embrace their talents and use creativity as a force for positive change.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Education and Training Honourable Owen Nxumalo applauded pupils for embracing creativity and using their voices and talents to inspire others.
“Young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow — you are active contributors today,” said Nxumalo. “Your voice, your creativity and your participation matter.”
The Minister emphasized that platforms such as the EU Bushfire Schools Festival help pupils develop important life skills including confidence, communication, teamwork, discipline and critical thinking.
He further stressed that education must continue evolving beyond academic excellence by embracing arts and creativity as essential tools for preparing young people for the future.
“The future will not only be shaped by institutions or technology. It will also be shaped by the imagination, creativity and values of young people like you,” he said.
Nxumalo reaffirmed the Ministry of Education and Training’s commitment to supporting arts curriculum implementation in schools and increasing opportunities for local arts facilitators to nurture young talent.
European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, also encouraged pupils to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
Addressing the energetic crowd, Mecklenburg described the arts as a powerful catalyst for development and innovation, adding that creative skills are increasingly becoming valuable tools for economic growth and professional success.
He urged pupils to continue believing in themselves and to use their creativity to inspire positive change within their communities and beyond.
Throughout the day, audiences were captivated by energetic performances and colourful artistic exhibitions that celebrated Eswatini’s rich culture, diversity and youthful promise.
The festival once again highlighted the growing impact of investing in youth development and creative industries, while creating meaningful spaces where young people can confidently showcase their abilities and engage with new ideas.
As excitement continues building ahead of the main MTN Bushfire Festival activities, the Schools Festival has already demonstrated that Eswatini’s future is being shaped by a generation filled with creativity, talent and limitless potential.
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