Africa-Press – Eswatini. Across schools in Eswatini, the arts are increasingly becoming a powerful space where pupils are discovering their talents, building confidence, and expressing creativity in ways that are reshaping the learning experience under a changing education system.
Minister of Education and Training Hon. Owen Nxumalo has hailed the growing role of arts education under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, saying it is strengthening practical learning and talent development among pupils.
Speaking at the Schools Choral Music Competition held at the UNESWA Kwaluseni Sports Emporium on June 21, 2026, the Minister said the education system is increasingly embracing practical skills development through arts programmes being implemented in schools.
He said the growing participation and improving standards in school arts activities are a clear indication that education reforms are beginning to yield positive results, as pupils are being given opportunities to develop their abilities beyond the classroom and showcase their talents.
“We are very happy as the Ministry of Education to see the growth of arts education in our schools. The standard displayed here shows that the Competency-Based Education curriculum is bearing fruit because it encourages maximum pupil participation and gives children the opportunity to develop their practical talents,” said Hon. Owen Nxumalo.
The Minister said the competition reflects the broader objectives of the Competency-Based Education curriculum, which seeks to move learning beyond theory by equipping pupils with practical skills, creativity and confidence necessary for holistic development.
“What we are seeing here is exactly what we speak about when we talk about practical learning. Our children are not only learning in the classroom, but they are also being given space to express themselves, develop confidence and sharpen their skills through arts activities such as music,” he said.
Nxumalo noted that arts education plays a key role in shaping well-rounded pupils, as it instils discipline, teamwork, creativity and leadership qualities that are essential for personal growth and future responsibility.
“Arts education is not just about performance. It teaches discipline, creativity, teamwork and leadership. These are the qualities we want to see in the young people who will lead this country in the future,” said Hon. Owen Nxumalo.
He commended school committees, choir trainers, music teachers and instructors for their dedication in nurturing talent, saying the quality of performances at the competition was a result of hard work, commitment and consistent preparation by both educators and pupils.
“A performance of this quality does not happen by accident. It comes from hard work, dedication, consistent practice and the commitment of teachers, trainers and the pupils themselves,” he said.
The Minister further highlighted that arts education requires structured training and professional guidance to help pupils fully develop their abilities, adding that educators play a critical role in refining talent and building confidence.
He said such competitions are not only platforms for showcasing talent, but also important spaces for pupils to gain exposure, build self-confidence and learn discipline and teamwork.
“These children participating here today are future leaders of this country. Through the arts, they are learning confidence, discipline and how to work together, and those are qualities that will serve them well in the future,” said Hon. Owen Nxumalo.
Nxumalo also acknowledged the support of corporate sponsors, saying the company has demonstrated strong commitment to youth empowerment and the development of arts education in Eswatini. He said partnerships between government, schools and the private sector remain essential in expanding opportunities for pupils.
He commended all participating schools, teachers, pupils and organisers for contributing to the continued growth of arts education, noting that such initiatives are strengthening the education sector and supporting national development goals.
The competition highlighted the growing role of arts education within the school system, with the Ministry maintaining that practical programmes which nurture talent, discipline and creativity remain central to Eswatini’s education transformation agenda.
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