Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) has officially launched the 2025 Temvelo Awards, highlighting the country’s commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development.
The launch was officiated on Friday (August 22, 2025) by Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, under the theme: “Our Land, Our Legacy: Acting on Climate, Nature and Pollution for a Sustainable Eswatini.”
The awards aim to recognise individuals, communities, businesses, institutions, and media outlets that demonstrate excellence in environmental conservation, sustainable practices, and climate action. The event brought together EEA management, board members, media representatives, and distinguished guests to celebrate the shared responsibility of safeguarding Eswatini’s natural heritage.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane emphasised that protecting the environment is a collective effort that requires coordination between Government, the private sector, communities, and every Liswati. She said, “The environment is not only the foundation of our wellbeing but also a vital thread in the fabric of our culture, traditions, and spiritual values. Words are no longer enough. Therefore, we must act.”
The government has aligned its environmental efforts with a structured Plan of Action, which includes developing the Climate Change Bill, restoring degraded land, phasing down hydrofluorocarbons, establishing a Flora and Fauna Unit within the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), and strengthening the Eswatini Environment Fund to support adaptation and mitigation initiatives.
2025 awards introduce new categories to reflect evolving sustainability priorities. These include:
Sustainable Eco-Tourism Award – for tourism operators promoting biodiversity, environmental education, and community engagement.
Green Hotel Excellence Award – for hotels adopting large-scale sustainable practices.
Sustainable Manufacturing Industry Award – for manufacturers integrating sustainability into operations and exceeding environmental compliance.
Existing award categories will also continue to honor achievements across sectors such as business and finance, governance, education, innovation, ecosystem restoration, media, and individual recognition, including awards for Young Eco-Heroes and Lifetime Achievement.
To enhance the awards’ reach, the Ministry has partnered with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Women Unlimited. Final-year students in Events Management and Public Relations will gain hands-on experience in hosting and stakeholder engagement.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane encouraged schools, municipalities, businesses, NGOs, and community groups to participate. Application forms are available on the Eswatini Environment Authority website, social media pages, and at all Tinkhundla Centres.
The lead-up to the awards will include pre-award activities such as tree planting drives, roadshows, and community mobilization initiatives aimed at raising awareness and action on sustainability across the country.
The minister reminded every Liswati of their role in protecting the environment, saying, “Umhlaba Uyimphilo Yetfu – Asiwonge! Together, let us build a legacy of sustainability that future generations will celebrate.”
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