BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE – Film makers, book writers or singers/song writers of original works are now eligible to access funding of up to E5000 to perfect their craft.
This was announced by Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) Executive Director, Mmeli Hlanze, during a press briefing on June 2, 2026 at ESWACOS offices in Mbabane.
The announcement made by Hlanze was of the ESWACOS Fund for Creativity and Artist Development and a call for applications.
The director made an official call for applications for the ESWACOS Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, a sub-fund under the recently launched Creative Industries Development Fund (CIDF).
“The original art works, once submitted will be evaluated and assessed before any funding could be granted. It might happen that any work of art submitted and application made for funding, upon evaluation, it needs just E2000 funding, if it meets the requirements for funding, E2000 will be awarded as funding and not the maximum E5000,” said Hlanze.
He explained that the Fund for Creativity and Artist Development is a social and development initiative aimed at supporting the creation, production and promotion of new copyright works by Eswatini creators. The fund will provide financial support of up to E5,000.00 per successful application for eligible activities such as recording a song or EP, shooting a music video, publishing a book, marketing creative works, supporting digital distribution costs, and other professional development activities linked to creative production.
He noted that applications will be open to ESWACOS members in good standing and will support new works or works currently in development. Works that have already been completed, commercially released or commercially published will not be eligible. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026.
ESWACOS is the collective management organisation mandated to administer copyright and neighbouring rights on behalf of rights holders in Eswatini. Its work includes the registration and documentation of rights holders and copyright works, licensing of copyright users, collection and distribution of royalties, copyright awareness, and broader development support for the creative and cultural industries.
Through this fund, ESWACOS seeks to strengthen creative production, improve the visibility and quality of local works, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of Eswatini’s creative economy.
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