MANZINI- There was hardly a dull moment at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre as pupils traded their classrooms for a day of culture, creativity, hard-hitting conversations and plenty of fun.
This was during the Khoisan Educational Open Lecture hosted by Philani Maswati Charity Organisation.
From the rhythmic beats of traditional Khoisan dances and pupils bursting into song, to the roar of spinning cars sending clouds of smoke into the air, the venue was transformed into a colourful hub of learning and entertainment.
At the heart of the action was a cultural exhibition featuring a delegation of Khoisan people from Botswana, who are in Eswatini as part of the build-up to the Embiveni Biggest Braai’s 10th Agape Edition 2026.
The Embiveni Biggest Braai is an event organised by Philani Maswati. A day where Eswatini gathers around the fire to feast, dance, and lift up the most vulnerable in society.
But the day was about much more than showcasing culture at the lecture.
Pupils from schools including Manzini Infant Practising Primary School, Lozitha High School, Bhunya Central High School, Ngwane Park High School and Swazi National High School, among others, took centre stage as they used poetry, essays and drama to tackle issues affecting young people and celebrate the importance of indigenous cultures and heritage.
The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) was also present, bringing its message of drug and substance abuse awareness and the dangers of domestic violence directly to the learners.
The police engagement was highly interactive, with officers from different units answering questions from the pupils and engaging them on the realities of drug abuse and the role of law enforcement in fighting the scourge.
The learners, however, did not leave the talking to the adults.
Through poetry, they delivered powerful messages on why young people should stay away from drugs, the dangers of substance abuse and the impact it has on individuals, families and communities.
Some pupils also used their poems to commend police officers for their work in combating drug abuse and efforts to prevent illegal drugs from entering and circulating within the country. Others turned their attention to the Khoisan delegation, penning essays on the importance of indigenous people, culture and heritage, inspired by the visitors from Botswana.
The creativity continued on stage, with pupils presenting plays centred on drug abuse awareness. In their performances, the young actors took on different roles, including teachers, priests, guidance counsellors and healthcare practitioners, bringing to life the different ways society can respond to drug abuse and support young people.
The pupils who participated in the various activities were recognised for their efforts, with participants receiving prizes and certificates at the end of the programme. Their teachers were also presented with certificates in appreciation of their role in preparing and mentoring the pupils, as well as bringing them forward to participate in the event.
The atmosphere was further lifted by performances from Thaifo Son, the artist behind the popular ‘Badede’ hit with South African musician Aubrey Qwana. As Thaifo Son performed his songs, the pupils could hardly sit still, dancing and singing along, adding a youthful energy to an already lively programme.
Keeping the programme moving was the vibrant Jumbo Khumalo, who served as the day’s master of ceremonies. And when the pupils weren’t learning or performing, they were having fun.
Mascots danced alongside the excited learners, while games and entertainment included jumping castles, a merry-go-round and other activities that had pupils running around and enjoying themselves.
Then came the moment that had everyone looking towards the open space. A spin and drift session took centre stage as cars spun and drifted, sending smoke into the air and drawing loud cheers from the pupils.
For a moment, the venue was less like an exhibition centre and more like a giant playground, with culture, education and entertainment all sharing the same stage. The cultural and educational programme forms part of the build-up to the Embiveni Biggest Braai’s 10th Agape Edition, which will take place this Saturday (July 25, 2026) at the same Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre. The annual event, which is an initiative of Her Majesty the Indlovukazi through the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, raises funds towards supporting elderly and vulnerable members of society.
