BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
KWALUSENI – The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) has reignited its cultural flame with the official launch of the long-dormant Inkhundla Yemakhono Nemasiko eUNESWA, an arts and culture society aimed at celebrating and preserving Swazi heritage.
Operating under the evocative slogan, “Sakha likusasa letfu ngemasiko” (We build our future through culture), the society ushers in a renewed era of cultural engagement on campus.
The launch marks the revival of a student society that had been inactive for over a decade, restoring a critical platform for students to embrace their roots through traditional music, dance, art, and Eswatini customs.
The initiative follows the overwhelming success of the inaugural UNESWA Culture Day, held on 1 May 2025 at the Sports Emporium, a student-led event spearheaded by Mr Nkosinathi Matse, Director of Culture and Entertainment at the Kwaluseni Campus, and co-conceptualised by Mr Richard Dlamini. The planning committee included student leaders such as Khayelihle Dlamini, Banele Dlamini, Mzwandile Mamba, Celiwe Dlamini, Samkelo Dlamini, Phumelele Dube, and others.
Support for the event came from the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), which, under the leadership of CEO Mr Stanley Dlamini, sponsored key aspects including the sound system, refreshments, and participant gifts. Cultural engagement was further enriched by the Babukisi Foundation, which conducted workshops on traditional Swazi music. A keynote address was delivered by Mr Lethumusa Simelane of the Eswatini National Museum under the compelling theme, “Sisengabuyela yini emuva?” (Can we go back?).
In his address, Mr Stanley Dlamini encouraged the students to formally revive the society, stating, “Arts and culture are inseparable pillars of national identity.” His sentiments were echoed by Warden Khona Dlamini, who affirmed the university management’s support for the initiative.
Despite minor administrative delays during registration, the student founders pressed on, driven by passion and purpose. Their commitment extended to the planning of Libutfo Lembali, a UNESWA delegation to participate in the 2025 Umhlanga Reed Dance. The initiative drew interest from over 150 students before it was temporarily deferred by the SRC.
Motivated by the encouragement of Kwaluseni Campus Chairperson Mr Siphosethu Dludlu, the students forged ahead with a multi-campus formation meeting held on 9 October 2025. Delegates from Kwaluseni and Luyengo campuses were present, forming a quorum and electing a 10-member executive committee in accordance with the society’s constitution and gender balance policy.
Speaking at the launch, third-year BSc student and Public Relations Officer Tsandzemasiko Bulelani Dlamini expressed deep pride. “It is both a privilege and a calling to be part of this movement that seeks to revive, protect, and celebrate the cultural heritage that defines us as EmaSwati,” he said.
He added that the society seeks to unite students across UNESWA’s three campuses through inclusive cultural collaborations. “Our culture is not just a memory of the past; it is the living essence that defines who we are today and guides who we become tomorrow,” he concluded.
The society now awaits official recognition by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs.
The launch of Inkhundla Yemakhono Nemasiko eUNESWA marks a powerful return to cultural identity, unity, and artistic expression on campus—truly living up to its motto:
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Courtesy Pic)
