Africa-Press – Eswatini. Tuesday, 10 February 2026, dawned as a bright and pleasant summer’s day in Siphocosini, with early morning temperatures hovering around 16 degrees Celsius before rising to a warm 27 degrees by midday.
At first glance, it was an ordinary day in this vibrant community located about 20 kilometres west of Mbabane. Residents went about their daily routines, earning a living through farming, trading food and clothing, transport services and other small businesses. The Siphocosini Bus Station, always the heartbeat of the area, buzzed with activity as schoolchildren, commuters, traders and shoppers criss-crossed its busy lanes. Learners from Siphocosini High School and neighbouring schools hurried along familiar paths, determined to arrive at their classrooms on time for lessons that usually begin between 7:30am and 7:45am.
Yet beneath the appearance of normalcy, something extraordinary was quietly taking shape.
While lessons proceeded as usual, teachers at Siphocosini High School were meticulously preparing for a moment that would go down as one of the unprecedented and memorable in the school’s history. They were planning to honour one of their own — Lindelwa Lindokuhle Sihlongonyane — who had emerged as one of the top performers nationally in the 2025 Form 5 examinations.
The school day began routinely at around 7:45am, with learners attending morning assembly before proceeding to their classes. Lessons continued uninterrupted, and when break time arrived, pupils dispersed as they always did, chatting and laughing in the schoolyard. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. When the bell rang at exactly 11am to signal the end of break, learners returned to their classes, expecting another lesson.
Instead, they were summoned to the assembly area.
Confusion rippled through the crowd as learners gathered, unsure of the reason for the sudden call. It was then that their SiSwati teacher, Mr Sicelo Khumalo, addressed them, his voice carrying both pride and excitement. Khumalo announced that the school was about to celebrate a learner who had made Siphocosini High School, the wider Siphocosini community and the entire Inkhundla immensely proud by excelling at national level.
A wave of excitement swept through the learners. Teachers quickly took charge, working in unison to organise the celebration. Instructions were given with precision. From the main school gate, learners were to form two lines along the road leading into the school’s parking area.
Boys were directed to stand on the left side, neatly dressed in white shirts, dark blue-and-white neckties, grey trousers and polished black shoes. Girls formed a line on the right, wearing white shirts, dark blue-and-white neckties, green skirts, white socks and polished black shoes. Teachers positioned themselves strategically along the route to ensure everything unfolded smoothly and with dignity.
As preparations continued, one question lingered in the air: where was Lindelwa?
Even some of her teachers appeared unsure of her whereabouts, adding an element of suspense to the unfolding moment. It was, indeed, a day full of surprises.
By 11:30am, everything was in place. Learners stood proudly, ready to roll out the Guard of Honour. Placards were raised high, bearing messages such as “Congratulations Lindelwa,” “We are so proud of you,” and “Shine, Siphocosini High School.” Unable to contain their excitement, learners began singing the now-famous celebratory song Halala, though their voices carried a hint of anticipation as the guest of honour was still nowhere in sight.
Then, at precisely 11:39am, a white double-cab Toyota Hilux bakkie appeared on the D78 public road linking Siphocosini, Sigangeni, and Motshane. It approached slowly, its hooter sounding repeatedly, as if announcing that the long-awaited moment had finally arrived. From the back of the vehicle stood a young woman dressed in black, with what appeared to be a white blouse. She smiled broadly, her joy unmistakable, even as traces of shyness softened her expression.
It was Lindelwa.
As the vehicle drew closer, she started waving enthusiastically to the learners lining the road. Cheers erupted instantly. The Halala song grew louder, richer, more confident. Teachers raised their mobile phones, capturing every second of the historic moment. Lindelwa waved to the girls standing on her right and the boys on her left, acknowledging them all with warmth and gratitude.
The Guard of Honour extended from the school gate right up to the car park, just a few metres from the administration block. It was a powerful and emotional sight — a young academic star being honoured by her peers and mentors in a way usually reserved for national heroes.
After the procession, Lindelwa briefly did an interview with Eswatini Positive News, expressing her heartfelt joy and gratitude. She thanked her teachers and fellow learners, encouraging them to remain focused on their studies and to always remember God, whom she described as the source of all success.
What followed was a scene of pure celebration. Teachers danced openly, their pride and happiness impossible to hide. The students came closer to where she was, to cheer her even more. The Halala song was more thunderous this time around, with placards being shown around.
The teachers presented Lindelwa with gifts as a token of appreciation, applauding her achievement and dedication. The atmosphere was so jubilant that one could easily imagine the teachers had just received a hefty Dvuladvula salary increment.
The moment echoed the words once shared by a veteran teacher, who said there is no greater reward for an educator than seeing their learners succeed and positively impact society. Though very important and much-needed, financial gains, the teacher had remarked, could come later — the true joy lay in watching children excel.
Speaking at around 11:50am, Siphocosini High School Headteacher Ms Futhi Ndzinisa urged learners to draw inspiration from Lindelwa’s journey. She emphasised that her success proved what dedication and trust in one’s teachers could achieve. Ndzinisa revealed that Lindelwa had also topped the country in Form 3 but chose to remain at Siphocosini High School until completing Form 5.
“As a school, we are extremely proud,” she said, extending gratitude to the teachers and all stakeholders whose collective effort contributed to the achievement.
After the interview, Ndzinisa invited Lindelwa to her office for a private conversation. With that, the celebrations drew to a close. Learners and teachers returned to their classrooms, resuming the day’s lessons — but with hearts fuller, spirits lifted, and a renewed belief that excellence truly begins at home.
