ESWATINI TO DEBUT AT MR, MISS ALBINISM AFRICA

MBABANE – Eswatini will compete for the first time at the upcoming Mr and Miss Albinism Africa, which is set to be hosted in Zimbabwe in June 2025.

This announcement was made by the Albinism Dare to Dream Initiative (ADDI) through their social media platforms. Local Mr and Miss Albinism organiser, Bongiwe Dlamini, also confirmed the news via her social media, stating that Eswatini will be represented by this year’s Mr and Miss Albinism winners, Mr Albinism 2024 Nkosinamandla Makhanya and Miss Albinism 2024 Mbali Mazibuko. Nkosinamandla Makhanya, who hails from the Hhohho Region, is a brand ambassador for the BSA Training Centre, where he educates colleagues on health and safety. According to him, the Mr and Miss Albinism platform will enable him to promote inclusion.

Albinism

“I use such platforms to promote inclusion through advocating for persons with albinism. As the current Mr Albinism Eswatini, I exercise my role of advocacy by educating the youth about albinism,” he stated. Mbali Mazibuko, the reigning Miss Albinism, comes from Manzini and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA). She works tirelessly to challenge societal misconceptions about albinism and educates communities regarding the challenges faced by individuals with the condition.

“I am proud to advocate for persons living with albinism in the Kingdom. With a passion for promoting inclusivity and diversity, I will use this platform to raise awareness about albinism and combat discrimination against those who have the condition,” she said. During the Mr and Miss Albinism Africa 2025 pageant competition, representatives from 10 countries will vie for the crown.

Awareness

These countries include Botswana, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Nigeria and Eswatini. In the neighbouring nation South Africa, pageants such as Mr and Miss Albinism serve to uplift, create awareness and advocate for individuals living with albinism. The pageant promotes inclusion through its competitive format. The participation of figures such as Mazibuko and Makhanya at this prestigious international event underscores the global call for inclusion. This landmark occasion serves not only to highlight the talents of individuals with albinism but also to provide them with a significant platform to voice their experiences and challenges.

The participation of Eswatini in this competition is a vital step towards fostering a more inclusive society, allowing the unique issues faced by persons with albinism to be brought to the forefront. The significance of representation cannot be understated. For many young people in Eswatini, seeing Makhanya and Mazibuko take the stage will help break down barriers and challenge long-standing stereotypes about albinism.

Visibility

Their visibility on such a grand scale is a positive step toward reducing the stigma associated with the condition and inspiring a new generation to embrace diversity. Furthermore, the pageant aligns with ongoing efforts within Eswatini to promote human rights and equality for all citizens. By participating in Mr and Miss Albinism Africa, the nation reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and sends a strong message that all individuals regardless of their skin tone or condition deserve respect and recognition.

As the competition draws nearer, there is palpable excitement among supporters of the pageant in Eswatini. Many view this as a golden opportunity to foster compassion, understanding and solidarity within the community. The hopes are high that Makhanya and Mazibuko’s journey will pave the way for subsequent participants from Eswatini, making the Kingdom a strong contender in future editions of Mr and Miss Albinism Africa.

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