MANZINI – More than 3 000 people attended the closing day of the first 2026 Jehovah’s Witnesses’ ‘Eternal Happiness’ Convention at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre yesterday.
The three-day convention featured Bible-based talks, dramatisations and practical discussions on achieving lasting happiness through Christian teachings.
Yesterday morning’s attendance reached 3 031, comprising 2 946 people attending physically and 85 following the programme through JW Stream.
The convention opened on Friday with 1 856 people attending the morning programme, rising to 1 919 in the afternoon. Saturday’s morning session drew 2 878 people.
Opening the convention, Chairman Nkosinathi Fakudze said the theme was relevant at a time when many people faced difficult circumstances.
“We will learn how we can be happy and how you can help others to be happy. We face difficult times, but we are all here, and we can be happy,” he said.
Saturday’s programme focused extensively on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Speakers discussed prayer, mercy, forgiveness, materialism, peacemaking and the importance of balancing daily concerns with spiritual priorities.
Sunday’s programme focused on lessons from Jesus’ illustrations, including the four types of soil, wheat and weeds, mustard grain, leaven and the dragnet. Delegates were encouraged to examine their hearts, strengthen their relationship with God and avoid allowing anxiety or material pursuits to overshadow spiritual priorities.
One of the key sessions was the public Bible discourse, ‘Have You Discovered the Treasure?’, delivered by Wandile Mndvoti.
Drawing on Matthew 13:44-46, Mndvoti discussed Jesus’ illustrations of a man who discovered hidden treasure and a travelling merchant who found a valuable pearl. Both recognised the value of what they had found and were prepared to give up other possessions to obtain it.
Mndvoti said the illustrations showed the value Christians should attach to Bible truth and their relationship with God.
“We have found treasure,” he said, referring to Psalm 119:72, which describes God’s law as more valuable than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
The afternoon programme featured the final instalment of the Bible drama, ‘The Good News According to Jesus: Episode 6 — Are You the Coming One?’, which portrayed Jesus’ miracles, teachings and compassion.
Delivering the closing address, ‘Happy Are Your Eyes Because They See’, Mfanimpela Nkosi urged delegates to apply what they had learnt rather than leave the convention with only notes and memories.
Nkosi compared the three-day programme to looking into a mirror, asking delegates to reflect on what they had learnt about themselves.
“In the three days we were looking at ourselves in the mirror. What did you see?” he asked.
He warned against using Bible principles mainly to identify the faults of others instead of examining one’s own conduct. Nkosi contrasted Jesus’ disciples, who were willing to ask questions and accept correction, with the Pharisees, whom he said often used their knowledge to judge others.
“The way we treat others shows if we allow God’s word to mould us,” he said.
He highlighted humility, applying what had been learnt and being willing to make sacrifices as important lessons. He also urged delegates not to allow material pursuits, opposition or busy schedules to push spiritual priorities aside.
Nkosi said genuine happiness depended not merely on hearing Jesus’ teachings, but on putting them into practice.
“May we use what we have learnt. May the joy that we feel today keep on growing and stay forever,” he said.
The second instalment of the “Eternal Happiness” Convention will be held at the same venue from Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18, 2026. Admission is free, and members of the public are invited to attend.
