BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
GEGE– A colourful march, lively music, and a showcase of youthful innovation set the tone for International Youth Day celebrations at Gege Inkhundla in the Shiselweni Region on Thursday.
Led by the Salesian Band, the procession moved from the Gege traffic circle to the Inkhundla Centre, joined by community members, youth groups, and stakeholders.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs in partnership with UNFPA, the European Union (EU) and the Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC).
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini officiated the commemoration alongside ministers, senators, MPs, Shiselweni Regional Administrator Themba Masuku, and dignitaries from development partners.
Masuku applauded government and the Prime Minister’s Office for delivering impactful youth projects, saying their results were visible for all to see.
Minister Ndzima commended the work of young people in Shiselweni and noted the progress made in local development, including the construction of proper public roads.
ENYC CEO Lwazi Mamba outlined the significance of International Youth Day and thanked the Prime Minister for attending the celebrations.
Representing the youth, UNESWA student and farmer Vuyisile Dlamini encouraged her peers to create their own opportunities instead of waiting for formal employment.
She shared how she and her colleagues started a handicrafts business making earrings, hair food and emahiya, while her farming activities allowed her to supply produce to Manzini and pay her university tuition fees.
Entertainment included performances by ThaifoSon, who had the crowd dancing to Badede, and gospel artist Sphiwo Ndoni, whose soulful performance was a crowd favourite. Local groups also entertained with Sibhaca and Ummiso dances.
European Union Ambassador to Eswatini Karsten Mecklenburg reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to youth empowerment, announcing that more than E960 million has been allocated between 2021 and 2027 for skills development initiatives in the country.
He said this funding formed part of the Human Capital Development and Social Inclusion Programme under the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, aimed at building youth capacity to drive sustainable national progress.
The celebrations closed with a call for young people to localise the SDGs in their communities and lead positive change.
