by Ncaba Ntshakala
Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, praised Inyatsi Group Holdings for their generous sponsorship of the 2024 Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture Association.
Speaking at the prize presentation event for the Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competitions held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, Nxumalo emphasized the rarity and significance of such substantial community support from private companies.
Nxumalo highlighted the invaluable contribution of Inyatsi, particularly commending the leadership of Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu. The Inyatsi Foundation, through its corporate social initiative,
committed an impressive E500,000 to the Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture competitions, securing the title sponsor position.
“Such acts of patriotism and community support are not common,” Nxumalo noted. “Inyatsi has set a commendable example by investing in the future of our children and the cultural heritage of our nation.”
In addition to Inyatsi’s substantial sponsorship, Nxumalo acknowledged other key contributors which are the Eswatini Network of Women which donated E150,000,
Macmillan Education contributed E100,000, and Imisebe Printing and Publishers added E50,000. He said these contributions collectively express a growing trend of corporate support for educational and cultural initiatives in Eswatini.
Nxumalo stressed the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Children need to be taken care of and as a Ministry, we commend companies that come forward to support our young people.”
Eswatini National Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini echoed Nxumalo’s sentiments, when he celebrated the unprecedented level of sponsorship and support.
Dlamini emphasized the economic potential of the arts, highlighting how children can leverage their artistic talents to build livelihoods.
He remarked on the widespread impact of the competitions, noting that the skills and talents displayed by students extend beyond the school environment into their communities and chiefdoms.
“Umntfwana logidza Sibhaca esikolweni uyaye kube nguye futsi lomtfola asagidza emiphakatsini nakunemisebenti.
ALSO READ: E700 000 for Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competitions
Loko kuyakhomba ke kutsi le art iyengca bese isita imimango nelive.” Dlamini said. He said such demonstrates how the arts can thrive and support both communities and the nation.”
The Minister of Education further made the presentation of cash prizes totalling E176,000 to the top-performing schools in the Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competition.
Inyatsi pledges continued support towards King’s vision
Inyatsi Group Holdings has emphasized its commitment to supporting Eswatini’s growth and contributing to His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision of attaining first-world status.
This was said by Inyatsi Group Chief People and Culture, Phindile Matsebula who was representing the Inyatsi Foundation
Matsebula emphasized Inyatsi’s dedication to initiatives that enhance national development. “As a company, we are committed to supporting efforts that will help Eswatini achieve the goal of becoming a first-world country,” she stated.
“We believe in the potential of our young people and invest in their future.”
When highlighting the company’s focus on youth empowerment, Matsebula noted that Inyatsi regularly recruits fresh university graduates, many of whom have risen to executive positions within the company, including herself.
ALSO READ: Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competitions ends on a high note
She said that this practice not only provides valuable career opportunities for young professionals but also ensures that the company is infused with new ideas and perspectives.
Matsebula also praised the Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competitions for their role in nurturing artistic talent and cultural heritage among the youth.
“These competitions are crucial in helping young people realize their artistic dreams and grow in their cultural identity,” she said.
“We are proud to support such initiatives and pledge our continued support to help young people achieve their full potential.”
