LOBAMBA – The Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has officially unveiled a stunning new display of the iconic Olympic Rings at the EOCGA Headquarters.
This transpired two days ago at a remarkable ceremony held at the EOCGA headquarters in Lobamba. The event was graced by His Excellency, the British High Commissioner to Eswatini Colin Wells, alongside the Chairman, Board, and Management of the Eswatini Sports and Recreation Council (ESRC), Members of the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Board and staff and presidents of national sports federations.
Crucially, Eswatini is now the first African country to unveil these monumental rings. The Olympic Rings represent far more than mere aesthetics or design; they are the recognised face of the global Olympic Movement, a powerful emblem of unity, excellence and pride worldwide.
They serve as a powerful reminder that sport transcends barriers, uniting people under the shared values of hope, respect and friendship. This move echoes global sporting symbolism—last June, a similar installation was mounted on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, marking 50 days until the prestigious Olympic Games opening ceremony.
“The new upgrades have now completed the full scope of the headquarters, giving the property a refreshed and dignified look,” Minister Nzima stated. “Among these enhancements are the construction of a Guard House, the installation of flag poles, paving of the driveway and most notably, the installation of the Olympic Rings Monument—and this is a first of its kind in Africa.”
He further announced a significant four-day clean sport workshop slated to run from October 27 to 31 at Esibayeni Lodge. This regional gathering, he noted, will bring together experts, educators and athletes to champion clean sport and nurture the spirit of fair play, which are key pillars of sports development across the region.
“Adding to this great momentum, I am pleased to note that next week, Eswatini will proudly host a four-day Regional Olympic Values Education and Clean Sport Workshop, in partnership with ANOCA Zone VI,” he added.
Minister Nzima lauded the latest upgrades, which were made possible through generous financial support from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).
“These developments build upon the foundation laid with the initial construction of this impressive facility, which was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Honourable Cleopas Dlamini. That first phase, which included the main building and parking area, came at a cost of E3 million, which is a proud investment in the future of sport in Eswatini,” he said.
EOCGA President Adam ‘Bomber’ Mthethwa shared the same sentiment, expressing his deep gratitude.
“This milestone would not have been possible without the generous support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through Olympic Solidarity (OS) and our continental body, the ANOCA. We extend our deepest gratitude to both institutions for their continued investment and trust in the EOCGA and in the development of sport within the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he addressed the attendees.
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