MANZINI- The Kingdom of Eswatini is officially a hive of activity as it hosts the Southern Africa Inter-Municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) Games 2026.
This year’s edition has drawn delegates from 55 municipalities across the region. They are from Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia.
Eswatini is hosting this 20th year edition after Lesotho staged last year’s edition.
The regional spectacle officially kicks off today, highlighted by a grand opening ceremony which is already underway at the Mavuso Sports Centre.
Festivities commenced with a colorful march from Somhlolo Park in Manzini straight to the stadium at noon, drawing crowds of participants and roadside spectators.
Top government dignitaries are expected to attend the opening event, led by Prime Minister Russel Mmiso Dlamini, Minister for Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala and Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima.
The grand opening celebrations are scheduled to conclude at 6pm, immediately paving the way for the opening football where the Nhlangano Town Council will feature in the tournament’s opening fixture against Maseru.
Action across over 12 competitive sporting codes will ramp up as the week progresses. Tomorrow morning, wellness events will take centre stage, featuring exciting competitions in cycling and aerobics.
BOTSWANA
Greater Gaborone
Gaborone City Council
Kweneng-Letlhakeng District Council
Jwaneng/Tsabong/Lobatse Town Council
Goodhope/Kanye District
Ghanzi/Charleshill District Council
Sowe
Mahalapye District/Phikwe Town Council
Serowe/Palapye District Council
Mogoditshane/Kgalagadi North
Tlokweng
Tonota/North East/Chobe Districts (Northern)
Kgatleng District Council
ESWATINI
Ngwenya Town Board
Municipal Council of Mbabane
Municipal Council of Manzini
Malkerns Town Council
Pigg’s Peak Town Council
Nhlangano Town Council
Siteki Town Council
Matsapha Town Council
Hlane Town Board
Ezulwini Municipalitiess
LESOTHO
Leribe District Council
Maseru City Council
Maseru District Council
Berea District Council
Mohale’s Hoek District Council
NAMIBIA
Municipality of Walvis Bay
Swakopmund Municipality
Gochas Village Council
Mariental Municipality
Rehoboth Town Council
Okahandja Municipality
Otjiwarongo Municipality
Grootfontein Municipality
Luderitz Town Council
Nkurenkuru Town Council
Omuthiya Town Council
City of Windhoek
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Buffalo City Metropolitan
Madibeng Local Municipality
Greater Tzaneen Municipality
City of Cape Town
City of Matlosane
Greater Letaba Municipality
Dr. AB Xuma Local Municipality
Chris Hani District Municipality
Moses Kotane Local Municipality
Greater Taung Local Municipality
Mahikeng Local Municipality
Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality
Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality
JB Marks Municipality
CoJ Pikitup
Mopani District Municipality
Maquassi Hills Local Municipality
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