EZULWINI – His Majesty King Mswati III has thrown down a challenge for an Ingwenyama Cup cultural show dedicated for the cup prize presentation gala dinner.
The King issued the call yesterday morning as he closed his remarks at the Ingwenyama Cup Prize Presentation Gala Dinner, held for the first time at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Ezulwini Palazzo. Champions of the SMVAF (Sincephetelo Motor Vehicle Accidents Fund) -sponsored football and cultural competitions were officially handed their cash prize cheques and trophies during the glittering evening.
The gala dinner has traditionally been staged at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini. His Majesty said the Palazzo was a fitting new home for the occasion and urged performers to match the high standard of the facility in future, while making clear that this year’s cultural and entertainment performances were also of high standard.
He said it would be uplifting to see football and culture fused further into a theatrical production that demonstrates growth and forward thinking of this one of the national events.
“That is the challenge I leave with you ladies and gentlemen. I know you are experts; you shall work on it and definitely next year we shall watch top performances compared to what we have seen today,” the King said.
His Majesty also believes the show he envisions will educate audiences even beyond the country’s borders on the Swati culture and way of life. He envisions something that should archive Swati heritage, illustrate how emaSwati grow from birth to old age and showcase indigenous foods within the elegant setting of the Palazzo.
“Similarly, in our cultural competitions, we continue to see increasing participation from our imiphakatsi. We commend all those who have taken part and look forward to a future where every chiefdom in Eswatini is represented in this national celebration of culture,” he said.
He added that traditional leaders are the custodians of Eswatini culture and expressed pleasure that the tournament draws participants from the grassroots across all four corners of the kingdom.
“It has proven that soccer and tradition are not opposing forces, but complementary pathways towards building a stronger, healthier nation,” His Majesty added.
The King also noted the economic spin-offs of the competition, with some participants producing and selling traditional attire. Among them is FNB Entrepreneur of the Year Wandile Dlamini, whose business focuses on traditional clothing.
Precisely, Dlamini’s Notsa Eswatini has built its business around producing authentic Swati traditional attire and fabrics on a commercial scale, combining contemporary manufacturing methods with designs rooted in the country’s cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the five cultural competition champions were officially presented with their cheques. His Majesty explained that the prizes had been paid in advance because other commitments had forced the Gala Dinner to be held a little days after the tournament concluded.
