Africa-Press – Eswatini. Beneath the bright banners of World Book and Copyright Day, a spark was lit that promises to ignite Eswatini’s creative economy. Artists, filmmakers, and writers cheered as the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, announced a game-changing E200,000 investment in the Kingdom’s creative sector.
It was more than just a speech—it was a declaration of belief in the power of passion.
“We’re not just celebrating books—we’re writing a new chapter for Eswatini’s creative minds,” Minister Khumalo proclaimed, standing before an energized crowd. “We are turning passion into profession.”
The announcement outlined two powerful initiatives:
E100,000 to seed a Creative Industry Development Fund through ESWACOS. This fund will provide grants to artists looking to sharpen their skills and expand their reach to wider markets.
E100,000 to sponsor Eswatini’s first national short film competition, setting the stage for the birth of a vibrant local film industry.
As applause echoed through the hall, the Minister revealed one more vital promise—one that touched the hearts of many.
“We have issued a directive for the establishment of a wellness and mental health programme for artists,” he said. “This will include funeral cover, because the wellbeing of our creatives matters deeply.”
The day’s theme, “The Role of Literature in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals,” served as a fitting backdrop to the government’s creative vision. The sub-theme, “Empowering Eswatini Creatives, Unlocking Royalties,” now moves from ambition to action.
“This is more than policy. It’s personal. It’s purposeful. And it’s proof of progress,” Khumalo said. “Every investment we make in our creatives is an investment in the spirit and soul of this nation.”
With pens poised, cameras rolling, and minds dreaming, the creative future of Eswatini has never looked brighter.
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