BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI – The Shiselweni Region turned into a busy cultural hub on Saturday, 8 August, as artists, cultural groups and community leaders gathered for Shiselweni Day, bringing performances, competitions and a colourful march to the region.
The programme began with a march through Nhlangano towards King Sobhuza Memorial Stadium, with Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini among those leading the procession alongside Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku, Gege Inkhundla Member of Parliament Magesi Dlamini and Nhlangano Mayor Smiling Msibi.
The march set the tone for a day that placed arts and culture at the centre of the region’s entertainment programme. At the stadium, the activities included cultural competitions and the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) Shiselweni Festival, giving nominees an opportunity to take their work to the stage before winners were recognised.
A major feature of the day was the use of ENCAC’s newly launched mobile stage, which provided a platform for the NACA nominees to perform during the festival. The celebrations also extended to Nhlangano Park, where eliminations for the Eswatini International Trade Fair Culture Competition were taking place. The competition brought cultural groups into the spotlight as they battled for places in the next stage.
The simultaneous programmes reflected ENCAC’s mandate to develop, preserve and promote arts and culture, while creating spaces where performers could present their work before audiences. Among the groups taking part was FTM Mthilane, whose participation demonstrated that the cultural programme stretched beyond the traditional perception of the organisation’s work.
With performances, competitions and the march drawing attention throughout the day, Shiselweni Day offered the region a platform to showcase its creative talent while celebrating its cultural identity. The event also raised the possibility of Shiselweni Day becoming an annual celebration, following the strong participation of cultural groups, artists, community leaders and residents.
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