Africa-Press – Eswatini. “Today wasn’t just about watching, it was about learning and feeling.”
These were the words of Dr. Sibongile Khumalo-Zwane, Manzini Regional Education Officer, as she praised the Khoisan School Exhibition for offering a deeply enriching and hands-on educational experience to pupils from across the country.
Held at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre, the event was hosted by Philani Maswati Charity Organization, in collaboration with Eswatini Biggest Braai, the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC), the Ministry of Education and Training, and Imisebe Publishing.
It brought together hundreds of learners from primary and high schools to engage directly with Botswana’s Khoisan tribe, one of the oldest surviving cultures in Southern Africa.
Dr. Khumalo-Zwane expressed sincere gratitude to the organizers, saying the event deepened cultural understanding in a way that textbooks alone could never achieve.
“As educators, we often learn alongside our students, but today’s exhibition gave us a rare opportunity to gain insight into the Khoisan’s heritage. This experience will undoubtedly enrich the scholars’ educational journey and promote greater appreciation for Eswatini’s cultural diversity,” she said.
CULTURE COMES ALIVE ON STAGE
The Khoisan tribe took to the stage with energetic and symbolic demonstrations. One of the standout moments was a live enactment of ‘kutfombisa umntfwana’, their traditional way of raising a newborn baby.
Scholars watched attentively as the tribe showcased customs passed down through generations.
Archaeologist Temahlubi Nkambule from the Eswatini National Trust Commission led an engaging lecture, explaining the Stone Age lifestyle of the Khoisan, including their use of bones for grooming and tools.
She quizzed the students on the spot, and they impressed by correctly identifying the Siswati name for the Khoisan as Batfwa.
“The fact that scholars could recall and interact with the information shows how effective live demonstrations and direct engagement can be,” Nkambule remarked.
DANCING, SPINNING, AND SCHOOL SPIRIT
Injecting fun and energy into the arena was MC Jumbo Khumalo, who had scholars on their feet with dance-offs and witty commentary. In a crowd-pleasing moment, Philani Maswati’s Themba Dlamini, a seasoned community figure, joined Jumbo for a vibrant intergenerational dance-off that had the arena erupting with applause.
As if that wasn’t enough, car spinning stunts wowed the crowd, roaring engines and screeching tyres added adrenaline to the afternoon, with scholars cheering wildly from the stands. The spectacle served as a build-up to the highly anticipated Eswatini Biggest Braai Festival, set for this weekend.
MESSAGES WITH MEANING
On the serious side, UNESCO’s Lwandle Simelane delivered a powerful message against bullying in schools.
“Bullying has no place in our learning institutions,” she said. “Culture is rooted in respect, let’s reflect that in our classrooms and schoolyards.”
She urged learners to embrace their heritage and celebrate differences as strengths, encouraging them to become ambassadors of peace in their communities.
SCHOLARS SHINE IN QUIZ COMPETITION
The event also included an educational quiz that tested learners’ retention of the Khoisan lessons. Winners were awarded educational prizes, including books and school supplies from Imisebe Publishing.
Primary School Winner: Malkerns Valley Primary School
High School Winners:
Langelihle Matsebula – St. Theresa’s High School
Senzelwe Msibi – Ngwane Park High School
Philmon Moyose – Bhunya High School
A CULTURAL JOURNEY CONTINUES
The Khoisan tribe, represented by Nkhumisang Zirae, Zhloamaxie Zaidube Garetswemang, and translator Kefilwe Boikhutso, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from Emaswati.
“There are so many similarities between our traditions,” they shared. “We are proud to be part of this educational journey.”
Their performances and cultural displays will continue throughout the week leading up to their grand appearance at the 9th Edition of the Eswatini Biggest Braai, happening from July 24 to 27 at the same venue.
“By attending these events, we are not only enjoying ourselves but contributing to a noble cause, supporting elderly citizens through the Philani Maswati Charity Organization,” noted event MC Jumbo.
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