BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NTFONJENI – A powerful youth-driven movement against substance abuse is set to unfold in Ntfonjeni as the Changing Lives Association (CLA) rolls out the first-ever Youth Rise Up & Ntfonjeni Arts Festival on 23 May 2026 at Egedeni.
The groundbreaking initiative, held in partnership with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (DPMO), marks a historic moment for Ntfonjeni Inkhundla as young people take centre stage in a creative campaign to confront drug abuse through talent, culture, and education.
At the heart of the initiative is Thabiso Shongwe, Founder and CEO of CLA, who is leading the festival as a youth empowerment intervention designed to redirect young people from substance abuse toward creativity and opportunity. The event will feature entertainment by Cy Ndukwemnyama, who is expected to energise the cultural programme with a live performance.
Speaking to the media, Shongwe said the festival is anchored on the theme “Youth Involvement in Ending Drug Abuse”, noting that it is designed to provide both students and out-of-school youth with a constructive platform for expression and development.
“This is a massive day for Ntfonjeni. Our community has seen a rise in outlets selling alcohol and tobacco, which has unfortunately led to increased substance use among our youth. As CLA, our objective is to fight this trend head-on by inspiring young people to focus on their talents and potential,” he said.
The festival will feature a vibrant competitive showcase of both traditional and modern arts, including cultural performances such as Sibhaca and Ingcadla, alongside Poetry, Drama, Music, and visual arts. Participants will include both students from local schools within Ntfonjeni Inkhundla and out-of-school youth, ensuring wide community participation.
Beyond performances, the event will serve as an education and empowerment platform. Guest speakers on drug abuse prevention will address attendees, while entrepreneurship mentors from Ngwenya Glass will guide young people on self-employment opportunities and business development skills.
Strong institutional and corporate backing has been confirmed for the festival. The initiative is supported by the DPMO and driven by a wide network of stakeholders, including:
– Ngwenya Glass – Main sponsor and entrepreneurship mentor
– InstaCash – Corporate sponsor
– Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) – Arts development partner
– United Holdings – Corporate sponsor
– Eswatini National Poetry Association – Poetry category partner
– MTN Eswatini (Pigg’s Peak Branch) – Youth connectivity and support sponsor
– Tswelopelo Funerals – Community support sponsor
– Ntfonjeni Inkhundla Youth – Local youth representation and mobilisation body
Organisers say the festival is designed as a full-day cultural and developmental experience, bringing together creativity, mentorship, and awareness under one roof.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and support the youth showcase, with entry set at E10 for adults and E5 for children.
As anticipation builds, organisers maintain that the message is simple but urgent: through unity, creativity, and opportunity, Ntfonjeni’s youth can rise above substance abuse and shape a stronger future.
#EswatiniPositive #YouthRiseUp #NtfonjeniArtsFestival #SayNoToDrugs #YouthEmpowerment #CreativeAgainstDrugs
