MBABANE – As the Imbube Marathon sponsorship reaches record heights, water point sponsorships alone are valued at around E500 000.
This was contained in the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima’s written speech for the official launch of sponsorships held on Wednesday. Nzima, who is away in Scotland, was represented by the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Makhosini Mndawe. Mndawe delivered the speech and facilitated the handover of sponsorship cheques, covering both direct cash and in-kind contributions at the Happy Valley Hotel and Casino.
The corporate partners are playing a key role in the success of the Imbube Marathon by sponsoring hydration stations along the race routes, ensuring that runners remain refreshed and energised throughout the event.
“Beyond this, they demonstrate their commitment by encouraging staff participation and creating vibrant cheering stations that motivate and inspire every participant. With a total water point sponsorship value above E500 000, their commitment is extraordinary,” the minister said.
There were over 20 companies involved, with several present to hand over replica cheques. The overall sponsorship for the eighth edition, scheduled for October 17, 2026, stands above E1.5 million, with E790 000 being direct cash sponsorships.
“Your contribution goes far beyond sponsorship, your help create the unforgettable race-day experience that makes the Imbube Marathon a truly world-class event,” the minister further said.
However, Athletics Eswatini (AE) emphasised the importance of well-stocked water points that would not get depleted during the race. The organisation said it was vital for every runner, even the last one, to get water and for everything at the water points to leave a lasting impression and lure participants back for the next race. Also in attendance was the Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Futhi Tembe. Tembe was grateful for the support and further honoured Khetsiwe Hlophe, who has led the certification of the country’s premier event into two international race qualifiers.
“In 2023, the Imbube Marathon earned its Comrades Marathon qualifier status; a milestone that fundamentally changed how the region sees us. I am proud to announce today that we have now officially been certified as a Two Oceans Marathon qualifier as well.”
She said the marathon is the only one in the country that holds qualification status for both the Comrades Marathon and the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon.
quality
“That is not a small thing. That is a statement about the quality of this race, the standard of our routes and the seriousness of our organising committee,” Tembe said.
The CEO said Hlophe is a passionate liSwati who has assisted the ENPF in securing both of these qualifier certifications entirely on a voluntary basis.
“All of it driven purely by your love for this marathon and for Eswatini athletics. On behalf of the ENPF, we see you and we are grateful,” she added. Hlophe, a Comrades Marathon Ambassador for Eswatini, was presented with a gift hamper for her role in certification of the country’s premier event into two international race qualifiers.
