Africa-Press – Eswatini. Inyatsi Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation and youth development through the successful conclusion of the 2025 Schools Arts and Culture Competitions.
The prize presentation ceremony was held on Friday at the Divine Healing Ministries International Auditorium in Manzini, where top-performing schools were honoured in a vibrant showcase of music, dance, poetry, and national pride.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Training, Under Secretary Lungelo Nhlengetfwa delivered remarks on behalf of Minister Owen Nxumalo, applauding the initiative for preserving Eswatini’s heritage while nurturing learners’ creativity and cultural identity.
“Inyatsi Foundation has made a strong statement by injecting over E1 million into this vision,” said the President of the Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture Association. “This partnership is shaping lives, giving learners from rural and urban areas a platform to shine.”
Inyatsi Foundation Corporate Affairs Manager Nhlanhla Dlamini reaffirmed the company’s dedication to youth development, revealing that this year’s support, amounting to E300 000, is part of a broader five-year commitment that will exceed E1 million in total.
The Eswatini Network of Women also joined hands as a sponsor, contributing E150,000 towards this year’s edition, which showcased a wide array of performances from primary and high school learners across all four regions.
Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) representative Thembekile Dlamini commended the sponsors and confirmed that five learners who excelled in their categories would travel to the Robben Island Arts and Culture Festival in South Africa. She said the Council would ensure the students don Eswatini traditional attire, also fully sponsored.
“These students are all winners. They carry the nation’s pride, and we are proud to sponsor their cultural wear for the trip,” she said.
During the ceremony, four of the five selected learners, Thandolwethu Dlamini (Music), Melokuhle Zitja (Ummiso), Khulekani Magongo, and Musawenkhosi (Drama), stepped on stage for a celebratory photoshoot as they prepared for the prestigious festival. Their trip is fully funded by Inyatsi Foundation.
The auditorium roared with energy as schools entertained guests with Sibhaca, poetry, ummiso and umbholoholo performances. Vulamasango High School moved hearts with a compelling umbholoholo act confronting abuse and violence at home. The event was professionally directed by evergreen MC Jumbo Khumalo.
The ceremony ended with the presentation of trophies and prize money. Timphisini Central High School and Sigcineni Primary School emerged as the overall winners, taking top honours among the regional champions. Timphisini dominated this year’s prize list, walking away with trophies and cash prizes amounting to about E17,000 in total.
Other winning schools included:
Lubombo Region: Lomahasha Central High and Mambane Primary
Manzini Region: Vulamasango High and Sigcineni Primary
Shiselweni Region: Evelyn Baring High and Hluthi Primary
Hhohho Region: Timphisini Central High and Hawane Primary
With music, colour and cultural pride, the 2025 Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competitions proved once again that nurturing the arts in schools is a lasting investment in national identity and unity.
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