Africa-Press – Eswatini. The countdown to one of Eswatini’s most iconic charity events has officially begun as the Rotary Club, in partnership with Nedbank Eswatini, launched the 2025 edition of the Sibebe Survivor Challenge.
Held at the Rotary Clubhouse in Mbabane, the launch event marked 20 years of Nedbank’s sponsorship of the annual hiking challenge, which has grown into a vital fundraising initiative supporting community development across the country.
This year’s challenge is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, and will once again take participants up the majestic Sibebe Rock.
In her keynote address, Nedbank Eswatini Managing Director Fikile Nkosi announced a record sponsorship of E500,000, describing it as the bank’s largest single contribution to the event to date. She said the milestone reflected the bank’s unwavering commitment to advancing social impact projects under its “Money Experts Who Do Good” mantra.
Nkosi commended the Rotary Club for its well-executed community projects over the years and expressed pride in the long-standing collaboration. She highlighted that Nedbank’s involvement with the challenge had not only empowered local communities but also promoted health, wellness, and tourism through an activity that now attracts thousands of participants annually.
The launch brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Sibebe Community Trust, event beneficiaries, the media, and other corporate sponsors. Some of the beneficiaries took to the podium to share testimonies of how the initiative had transformed their lives and communities.
Siphiwe Nkomo from Lamvusa Multi-purpose Association, a women-led poultry farming group, thanked the Rotary Club for providing them with chicken drinkers, water tanks, and other essential resources.
She said the support had allowed their group of elderly women to run a successful enterprise and contribute meaningfully to their households.
Chairman of the Sibebe Community Trust Innocent Gama reflected on two decades of partnership with Nedbank and the Rotary Club, noting that proceeds from the hike had helped fund bursaries for over 20 students, electrification projects, and clean water access initiatives.
“We are proud of what we’ve achieved together. Sibebe Survivor is more than just a hike — it’s a vehicle for lasting change,” he said.
From the education sector, KaPhunga High School Head Teacher Swazi Khumalo shared that the school had recently benefited from renovations and a new water pump, funded through the event’s proceeds. She noted that these improvements had created a better learning environment for the students and relieved pressure on the school’s limited resources.
Rotary Club President Sikhumbuzo Mbuyisa emphasized the broader purpose of the challenge, saying it was designed not only to raise funds but also to showcase Eswatini’s natural beauty, promote fitness, and strengthen corporate responsibility.
He confirmed that last year’s edition saw 3,681 registered participants, generating a gross income of E1.4 million and yielding E873,445 in net funds for charitable projects.
He reiterated Rotary’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that funds raised are used strictly for approved community projects aligned with Rotary International’s seven areas of focus, which include basic education, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and environmental sustainability.
Mbuyisa also assured the public that environmental conservation remains a top priority, with the club working closely with the Sibebe Community Trust to ensure the iconic rock remains clean and unspoiled for future generations. Participants are encouraged to use reusable water bottles and avoid littering during the event.
Looking ahead to Sibebe Survivor 2025, the club announced that registrations are now open online at www.mbuluzimbabanerotary.org.sz, and will close on July 11. The first 5,000 registrants will receive goodie bags containing T-shirts, water bottles, wristbands, and breakfast refreshments. No registrations will be accepted on the day of the event.
Corporate teams and individuals are encouraged to participate, with each entrant contributing E270 toward the cause. Mbuyisa also appealed to businesses to sponsor transportation for participants and ensure early planning for team logistics.
In his closing remarks, Mbuyisa expressed deep gratitude to Nedbank Eswatini, MTN FinTech, and other partners for their steadfast support, and called on more corporates to join the cause.
“Together, we can uplift more lives, transform more communities, and leave a legacy of hope,” he said.
As Eswatini prepares for the 2025 edition, the Sibebe Survivor Challenge remains a beacon of unity, empowerment, and purpose — proving year after year that when people come together for a cause, mountains can indeed be moved.
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