MBABANE- Six different Mbabane high schools pupils have earned a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Eswatini in the United States, after emerging as top candidates in a rigorous selection process for the 2026 Global Leaders in Action (GLA) Programme.
The six learners will travel to Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, for a three-week cultural and educational exchange programme, where they will serve as youth ambassadors for the capital city under the long-standing Fort Worth–Mbabane Sister Cities partnership. They are expected to return home on July 30.
The delegation comprises Busa Motsa of St Francis High School, Buswayinkhosi Motsa and Khasi Malambe of Hermann Gmeiner (SOS) High School, Mphilwenhle Kunene of Setsembiso Sebunye Bahá’í High School, Nqobile Malinga of KaBoyce High School and Fanele Sibonge Makhubu of St Mark’s High School.
The pupils were officially bade farewell during a ceremony hosted on Tuesday by the Municipal Council of Mbabane, in partnership with the United States Embassy and American Spaces, at the American Spaces facility housed within the Eswatini National Library in Mbabane. The delegation will be led by St Francis High School English teacher Futhi Lorraine Mnisi, who also serves as Chairperson of the National English Language Association of Eswatini.
Municipal Council of Mbabane Information and Public Relations Office representatives said the six pupils were selected purely on merit following a competitive process that lasted several weeks. Invitations were sent to all 15 high schools within Mbabane, after which, pupils submitted essays outlining their interest in cultural exchange and demonstrating their public speaking potential. Every learner who submitted an essay was invited for an interview before the final selection was made. Officials said the successful candidates distinguished themselves through strong communication skills, networking ability and a genuine passion for cultural exchange.
This year’s delegation becomes the 21st group of learners to participate in the programme, which has been running for more than two decades under the sister-city agreement between Mbabane and Fort Worth. Each year, six pupils and a delegation leader are selected to participate, with teachers also undergoing an interview process before appointment.
Addressing the delegation, Mbabane Mayor Councillor Thulani Mkhonto reminded the pupils that they would not simply be travelling as individuals but as ambassadors of both Mbabane and Eswatini. He urged them to uphold the values for which emaSwati are known by carrying themselves with integrity, humility, respect and excellence throughout the programme.
Mkhonto said every conversation they have and every experience they share would contribute to strengthening the relationship between the two sister cities.
He encouraged the pupils to embrace every learning opportunity, build meaningful friendships and return home inspired to become agents of positive change within their schools and communities. The mayor also thanked parents, teachers and trainers for supporting the learners throughout the preparation process.
In a light-hearted moment, he joked that although the pupils would be returning from America, they should remain the same respectful children and continue listening to their parents and not ‘act out’. He added that previous Eswatini delegations had maintained an excellent record during the exchange programme and expressed confidence that this year’s ambassadors would uphold that legacy.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the pupils described the opportunity as both an honour and a privilege. They said they were eager to experience different cultures, forge international friendships and proudly showcase Eswatini’s traditions while learning from young people in the United States. They also encouraged fellow learners to pursue similar opportunities through hard work, confidence and a willingness to learn.
During the farewell ceremony, the delegation entertained guests with a traditional cultural performance, showcasing some of the cultural presentations they will share during their visit to Texas after undergoing specialised training.
Municipal officials also revealed plans to establish a GLA Alumni Programme that will bring together former participants to mentor other young people and share the knowledge and experiences gained during the exchange. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with the United States Embassy, which works closely with the Municipal Council on both the Eswatini and United States exchange visits.
Officials noted that an American delegation visited Mbabane in the first week of June as part of the reciprocal exchange programme, where they experienced the city’s culture and that of Eswatini.
Speaking on behalf of parents, Themba Makhubu welcomed the initiative, saying it gave young people an invaluable opportunity to broaden their horizons and dream beyond their circumstances.
Representing Mbabane high schools, St Mark’s High School Principal Khanyisile Shabangu wished the delegation a safe journey and encouraged the pupils to return empowered, enriched and ready to inspire others.
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