LOBAMBA — Delegates descending on Eswatini for the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone VI Secretary Generals Seminar are in for a unique cultural experience.
Eswatini is hosting the regional meeting, which runs from tomorrow, Friday, August 28, concluding on Sunday, August 30, which coincides with the kingdom’s annual cultural event, Reed Dance Ceremony, that commenced on Tuesday, August 26.
All member nations within the Southern African zone have confirmed their participation in the first edition of the general secretaries’ meeting. ANOCA Zone VI comprises:
• Angola
• Botswana
• Eswatini
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• South Africa
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
Speaking during a press conference held today, Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) offices, Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele; who also serves as the secretary general of the region; confirmed the latest developments.
Jele stated that representatives from the various National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will arrive tomorrow and extend their stay beyond the formal meetings to partake in the historic festivities.
“As you all know, Monday will be the main day of the Reed Dance Ceremony; we’re looking at taking them there so they can experience our cultural event and return home with a positive impression, as we want to give them the best hospitality possible during this inaugural meeting,” Jele said.
He further revealed that the itinerary extends beyond the Umhlanga Ceremony. The delegates are expected to tour the Mantenga Cultural Village and visit Malandelas in Malkerns; the renowned venue that hosts the annual MTN Bushfire festival; as part of the excursions planned during the national holiday period.
It is worth noting that Monday is the main day of the Reed Dance Ceremony. On this day, Their Majesties, King Mswati III and the Queen Mother (Indlovukazi), join the imbali regiments at Ludzidzini Royal Residence as the maidens showcase their chastity before them.
Among the high-profile dignitaries expected, besides the CEOs, are African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 CEO, Stanely Mutoya and ANOCA Zone VI President Jappie Mhango.
Furthermore, on Saturday, the delegates will get a taste of another major fixture on Eswatini’s entertainment calendar: The popular Swazi Rally motorcycling spectacle.
Turning to the core agenda, the ANOCA Zone VI SG noted that the delegates will deliberate on a broad spectrum of sports development issues. Discussions will centre on action plans touching on the implementation strategies of each NOC and their better integration for the collective benefit of the region.
Another focal point of the meeting will be outlining strategic pathways toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The CEOs will explore ways to collaborate as a unified region rather than operating in silos, leveraging the resources and talent within Southern Africa to achieve global sporting excellence.
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