Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Shiselweni Region will on March 12, 2026, host its annual year-opening prayer service aimed at seeking divine intervention against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the rising crime rate in the region.
The prayer service, which will be held at King Sobhuza Memorial Stadium, marks the second time the region is convening the spiritual gathering following its introduction last year.
The announcement was made by Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku during a media briefing held on February 25, 2026, at the Shiselweni Regional Administration offices. Masuku said the prayer service forms part of ongoing efforts to unite communities, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and government in addressing social challenges affecting the region.
He revealed that this year’s prayer will be held under the theme “Revive and Restore Faith: A Region Under God.” According to Masuku, the regional initiative follows the national Year-Opening Prayer Services, which were launched at Mandlulo Grand Hall under the guidance of King Mswati III. He said the region resolved to deepen the message of faith and moral renewal by cascading the national programme to regional level.
Masuku said the inaugural prayer service held last year yielded positive results for Shiselweni. He pointed to improved academic performance as one of the notable outcomes, with the region producing some of the country’s top achievers in the 2025 Form Five examinations. Phiwakwandze Simelane and Sebenele Lungiswa Gadlela from Evelyn Baring High School were among nine learners nationally who tied for first position after attaining five A* grades.
He further noted that Dwalile High School also recorded outstanding results, with learner Cebiswa Phumla Nkambule achieving five A* grades.
Beyond education, Masuku highlighted that some communities in the region experienced good agricultural harvests, which he said contributed to improved household food security. He encouraged residents to attend the prayer service in large numbers, stressing that unity, faith and collective responsibility remain key to building a peaceful and prosperous Shiselweni Region.
