MBABANE – In a display of tradition, intelligence and grace, Yoliswa Manana from the Manzini Region secured the coveted title of Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini 2025/26 at the grand finale on November 8 at The George Hotel.
Manana triumphed over a field of 12 exceptional finalists, earning the right to serve as a Goodwill Ambassador for the kingdom’s rich cultural legacy. The final showdown saw Manana, one of three regional representatives from Manzini, captivating the judges and audience with her profound understanding and passionate articulation of Eswatini’s customs. The journey of the Top 12 finalists carefully selected from the Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo regions, in an evening steeped in cultural significance. The winners of the different regions include Siphelele Dlamini (Shiselweni), Nobuhle Shabangu (Manzini), Thubelihle Mnisi (Hhohho) and Takitsi Mamba (Lubombo).
The event was attended by cultural enthusiasts, including former Indvuna yeMbali Nothando Nhlengetfwa, present Indvuna Bongiwe Vivane Hlatjwako and the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima.
Manana’s win shows the pageant’s core mission: To select a queen based not on physical attributes, but on her ability to embody, promote and safeguard the nation’s heritage. The contestants were rigorously judged on their fluency in siSwati, performances of traditional dances and their knowledge of Swati traditions and also on what they would do if they were crowned.
The newly-crowned Miss Cultural Heritage now steps into a crucial year-long mandate dedicated to active community involvement and driving cultural awareness across Eswatini.
Minister Nzima, when delivering his speech highlighted that the crowned queen will work to promote cultural awareness together with some leaders: “Miss Cultural Heritage ‘Temasiko’ will work closely with community leaders in events such as ‘Immimemo,’ and she will also work closely with schools across Eswatini from higher grades to lower grades to educate them on culture awareness. In universities, she is expected to partner with groups that focus on culture days and celebrate them.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, Stanley Dlamini, delivering his speech during the crowning stated that there are sponsors such as Eclipse Restaurant, that have sponsored E60 000, stating that the winner will receive E5 000 monthly allowance with E3 000 personal allowance and E 2 000 for community projects and Old Mutual E40 000, “All winners tonight will walk away with smartphones, we also have Wear Well store that donated sneakers that were worn by Miss Teen, Miss Cultural Heritage and Miss Eswatini , we also have Workers College sponsoring the winner with any course she may like to pursue, the outgoing Miss Cultural Heritage is in a three-year programme at Workers College, Lassies Craft sponsored the event by dressing the contestants and many other individuals who are in a traditional attire tonight, Imisebe Publishing promises to treat the winners to a night out,” he said.
Dlamini also mentioned that they usually have a different day for prize presentation, where all sponsors come to present the prizes to the winners.
The electric atmosphere of the final event, filled with music, traditional artistry and high anticipation, was a fitting celebration of Eswatini’s enduring resilience and cultural vibrancy.
There were musical performances from Sancheziey, Blessing Dludlu , traditional dances from Lutsango and a fashion show by Carole Lubelo, the young liSwati fashion designer.
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