Entertainment

MBABANE – The Culture Committee of the Ingwenyama Cup has released the prize breakdown for the 2025/26 cultural competitions.

The announcement, confirmed by Public Relations Officer Sandile ‘MsandiKaBaba’Nxumalo, details the financial rewards for both national and regional winners across various traditional categories.These prizes show a strong commitment to promoting culture, encouraging participation, and recognising talent across all regions of the kingdom.

The national championships feature the highest stakes, with significant increases in prize money compared to previous editions. The categories and their respective top prizes for national level winners are as follows:

Position one

Category                     Prize

• Imbongi               E25 000
• Ummiso               E65 000
• Sibhaca                E65 000
• Lutsango             E110 00
• Emajaha              E110 000

Position two

Category                     Prize

• Imbongi               E15 000
• Ummiso               E35 000
• Sibhaca                E35 000
• Lutsango             E40 000
• Emajaha              E40 000

Each region is automatically represented in the finals, and all positions from position one to four  in every category receive prizes, though only positions one  and two national prizes are listed above.

In addition to the national accolades, teams and individuals will compete at the regional level to qualify for the grand finals. The regional draws and competition dates have been scheduled throughout March 2026 across the four regions of Eswatini:

• Shiselweni: March 7 at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium.

• Lubombo: March 8, next to the bus rank

• Hhohho: March 21 at Buhleni Stadium

• Manzini: March 22 at Mavuso Trade Centre.

The committee has introduced specific technical changes to the competition format this year. Notably, the Imbali regiment will no longer compete in the Ingadla category; they have instead been transitioned to the Ummiso category.

Equally impressive are the regional prizes, which are awarded from position one to four in each category. All position one regional winners receive E1 000, as they proceed to compete at national level for the major national prizes.

Position two

Category                     Price

• Imbongi               E2 000
• Ummiso               E4 000
• Sibhaca                E4 000
• Lutsango             E5 000
• Emajaha              E5 000

Position three

Category                     Price

• Imbongi               E1 500
• Ummiso               E2 500
• Sibhaca                E2 500
• Lutsango             E3 000
• Emajaha              E3 000

Lutsango from Macetjeni during their performance in the arena at last year's finals. (Courtesy pic)

Buseleni sibhaca team.