Africa-Press – Eswatini. It was a cultural explosion of dance, drama, and rhythm as Timphisini Central High School and Sigcineni Primary School were crowned overall champions of the 2025 Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competition.
The prize presentation ceremony was held on Friday at the Divine Healing Ministries International Auditorium in Manzini, where winners were showered with trophies, applause, and prize money.
The grand ceremony, buzzing with music and electrifying traditional performances, brought together young stars from across the country who had dazzled judges during the regional rounds. Scholars thrilled the audience with sizzling Sibhaca kicks, emotional poetry, and colourful Ummiso routines.
Timphisini Reigns Supreme
Timphisini Central dominated the high school division, scooping around E17,000 in total winnings. The school claimed first place in Sibhaca, second in Drama, and third in Ummiso, proving they were not only consistent but culturally loaded with talent.
Sigcineni Primary stole the spotlight in the primary school category, also walking away as overall winners after finishing first in Sibhaca, second in Ummiso, and third in Drama.
Winning List Unveiled
In other categories, Vulamasango took first in Drama (high school), Ekukhanyeni in Drummies, and Lobamba National wowed with top honours in Ummiso. For primary schools, Global Revival claimed gold in Ummiso, Ngomane shined in Drama, and St Aidens thrilled with first place in Sibhaca.
Winners in each category walked away with E10,000 for first prize, E7,000 for second, and E5,000 for third, thanks to the generous sponsorship from Inyatsi Foundation.
Robben Island Bound
During the ceremony, Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture representative Thembekile Dlamini announced that five outstanding learners would represent the kingdom at the upcoming Robben Island Arts and Culture Festival in South Africa.
These include Thandolwethu Dlamini (Music), Melokuhle Zitja from Lobamba (Ummiso), Khulekani Magongo, and Musawenkhosi (Drama). Four of the students took to the stage for a group photo, proudly dressed in Eswatini traditional attire sponsored by the Council, while one was absent.
“The Council is proud of all students who took part. You are all winners,” said Dlamini as she thanked the sponsors for empowering the next generation of creatives.
Call for More Support
Delivering a passionate speech, Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture Association President Mbongeni Shabangu appealed to government and corporates to expand support for arts in schools, saying: “Arts are not just a hobby; they are a source of income, empowerment, and identity. These children are the future.”
Government Applauds the Talent
Ministry of Education and Training Under Secretary Lungelo Nhlengetfwa, who represented Minister Owen Nxumalo, applauded the students for their brilliance and thanked teachers and parents for their continued guidance and support.
The event was skillfully emceed by the evergreen Jumbo Khumalo, who kept spirits high throughout the programme, which was a colourful celebration of culture and youth creativity.
INYATSI PUMPS E1M INTO YOUTH CULTURE AS LEARNERS SHINE ON NATIONAL STAGE
BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MANZINI – The rhythm of Sibhaca, poetry and vibrant performances shook the walls of Divine Healing Ministries International Auditorium this week as schools from across Eswatini gathered for the Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competitions Prize Presentation.
But it wasn’t just the youth talent that stole the show, Inyatsi Construction made headlines with a powerful reaffirmation of its E1 million investment in youth arts and culture, delivered with flair and passion by the company’s General Manager, Njabulo Dube.
“These are not just prizes, they are investments in the heartbeat of Eswatini,” Dube declared, receiving thunderous applause. Speaking on behalf of the Inyatsi Group, Dube said the competitions are more than a school event, they are platforms that inspire identity, creativity and excellence in the nation’s future leaders.
He said Inyatsi’s commitment is driven by the vision of Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu, whose belief in African excellence and inclusive growth continues to shape the company’s values. “We do not build at the expense of our communities, we grow with them,” Dube added.
ALL HAIL THE CHAMPS
Timphisini Central High School was crowned overall high school winner, dominating the stage with multiple victories and walking away with E17 000 in total prize money. Not to be outdone, Sigcineni Primary School snatched the overall primary title, claiming E10 000.
Other top winners included:
Manzini Central and Ekukhanyeni High in the Drummies category
Ngomane and Vulamasango for Drama
St Aidens and Timphisini for Sibhaca
Global Revival and Lobamba National leading the Ummiso dance divisions
Winners took home prize money ranging from E5 000 to E10 000, courtesy of the Inyatsi Foundation.
ROBBEN ISLAND BOUND
In a surprise announcement, Thembekile Dlamini from the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture confirmed that five standout learners will represent the country at the prestigious Robben Island Arts and Culture Festival in South Africa. The Council will also sponsor traditional Eswatini attire for the students.
The learners include:
Thandolwethu Dlamini (Music)
Melokuhle Zitja (Ummiso – Lobamba)
Khulekani Magongo
Musawenkhosi (Drama)
Dlamini saluted all participants, saying, “Every learner who took part is already a winner.”
ESWATINI NOW STANDS TALL WITH E300K BACKING
Another major partner, the Eswatini Network of Women (Eswatini NOW), reaffirmed its E300 000 sponsorship over two years. Deputy Chairperson Lindelwa Makhanya said the initiative gives visibility to youth voices while tackling social issues through creative expression.
“These learners are not just performing, they’re breaking silences and shaping tomorrow’s Eswatini,” she told the audience, noting that the competition reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity, identity and youth empowerment.
ARTS AND CULTURE IN FULL COLOUR
The ceremony was anything but dull. From energetic dance troupes to poignant poetry about gender-based violence, the event showcased the raw and unfiltered voice of Eswatini’s youth. Hosted by the ever-charismatic MC Jumbo Khumalo, the day was filled with celebration, ululations and cultural pride.
As the drums fell silent and the curtains drew, one thing was clear, Eswatini’s creative heartbeat is pulsing stronger than ever, thanks to the powerful collaboration between schools, sponsors, and the unstoppable spirit of the country’s young artists.
Sisonkhe sitsi Nkwe ku Arts and Culture!
EDUCATION MINISTER PRAISES CULTURE CONTESTS FOR SHAPING IDENTITY
BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MANZINI – 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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