By Ntokozo Magongo
MBABANE – The Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima has urged Emaswati to participate in the Shukuma activities during the day on December 31, 2024.
This is the day that will precede that much-awaited first-of-its-kind crossover, which will take place on the New Year’s Eve at Prince of Wales Sports Ground in Mbabane. Minister Nzima further urged members of the public to also attend the gospel crossover in the evening to be hosted by Philani Maswati Charity Organisation.
Philani Maswati will host the inaugural Mbabane Cross-Over at Prince of Wales Sports Ground, in collaboration with the Shukuma Eswatini under the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC) and the Municipal Council of Mbabane.
The event is set to raise funds that will then benefit the elders and needy people from the capital city of Eswatini, Mbabane. Minister Nzima was making the remarks during the launch of the Mbabane crossover today (Thursday, November 21, 2024).
“It is a great honor to stand before you today at the launch of the Shukuma Crossover program in partnership with the esteemed Philani Maswati Charity Organisation. This day marks a significant moment as we prepare to bid farewell to 2024 and step into 2025 with renewed hope, determination, and a commitment to healthier, stronger, and more united communities,” he said.
The Minister said Philani Maswati has become a beacon of hope for the country’s senior citizens, reminding of the importance of cherishing and supporting them in every way possible.
“The Shukuma Crossover program, which will take place during the day, is a call to action for us all as a nation to make physical activity an integral part of our daily lives. As we cross into the New Year, let us resolve, once again, to prioritise our health through exercise and active living. Regular physical activity does not only strengthen our bodies but also revitalizes our minds and spirits, equipping us to face life’s challenges with energy and resilience,” said Nzima.
“Allow me to express our heartfelt gratitude to the patron of Philani Maswati, Her Majesty the Queen Mother for her unwavering dedication to the well-being of our elderly. Your steadfast love and leadership inspire us all to serve with greater purpose. Through your vision, I urge all emaSwati to embrace this collaboration by participating in the Shukuma activities during the day and also attending the gospel crossover in the evening. Together, let us demonstrate our unity, compassion, and commitment to building a healthier and more inclusive society.
As we prepare to usher in the New Year, may this occasion serve as a reminder that a healthier lifestyle and acts of kindness go hand in hand in shaping the nation we aspire to be. Let us seize this opportunity to celebrate life, care for one another, and move forward with strength and purpose.
It is now my honor and privilege to declare the 2024 Shukuma Crossover event officially launched. May this occasion inspire us to live healthier lives and approach the New Year with renewed energy, hope and resolution to be fit and active,” he concluded.
