BY SIPHIMPILO HLOPHE
MBABANE – The Sibitelo neMisebe 2024 national competition was joined by learners representing the four regions of the country last week Thursday (July 4, 2024) at the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP).
The event kicked off at 11am till 5pm. The learners came from Franson Christian High School, Ka Boyce High School, Bulunga High School, and Big Bend High School.
According to the director of Imisebe Publishers, Hlobsile Stromvig, the spelling bee was inspired by Imphandza, which is a Siswati dictionary. It embarks on a mission to protect and promote the Siswati language.
Imphandza was published in 2021 after they realised that the Siswati language faces a period of neglect and decline.
The Sibitelo neMisebe 2024 event was a resounding success, drawing support from high-profile individuals and organisations. The collaboration between Imisebe Publishers, Oukitel, Technosol, and Rhino reflects a shared commitment to utilising technology to promote and preserve EmaSwati’s identity.
Siphesihle Cindzi from Swazi National High and Siphetfo Matsentjwa from Gamula High School, who were part of the Sibitelo neMisebe 2023, took the stage to express their gratitude for the inspiration provided by their Siswati teachers. They shared that Imisebe books have helped them improve their Siswati grammar and vocabulary, as well as appreciate their culture.
The founder of Imisebe Publishers,Elias Ndwandwe, expressed his gratitude to the public for their continued support. He emphasised that Imisebe Publishers is dedicated to restoring Siswati as a language of intellect and creativity.
Imisebe Publishers, founded in 2010, aims to restore SiSwati culture and language through education. Their books, which are part of Eswatini’s school curriculum, are paving the way for future generations to embrace and uphold their heritage.
