By Ncaba Ntshakala
Inyatsi Foundation is making significant strides in Eswatini, working towards a brighter future by investing
in the nation’s youth, culture, and educational development.
The Foundation aligns its initiatives with His Majesty King Mswati III’s vision to elevate Eswatini to first-
world status, positioning itself as a key player in fostering growth, developing young minds, and
cultivating the future leaders of the country.
As the corporate social arm of Inyatsi Group Holdings, led by the esteemed business leader and
Executive Chairman,
Michelo Shakantu, Inyatsi Foundation has shown unwavering commitment tosupporting the aspirations of emaSwati. Through targeted initiatives, the Foundation has prioritized
education, culture, health, sports, and infrastructure—essential pillars for achieving a prosperous
Eswatini.
One of its standout contributions has been its investment of nearly a million Emalangeni in the Eswatini
Schools Arts and Culture Competitions, enabling the Inyatsi Foundation to become the title sponsor of
the “Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture Competitions.”
These competitions play a crucial role in promoting arts and culture among the youth, encouraging them
to celebrate their heritage while providing a platform to showcase their talents.
The impact is clear: over 5,000 learners benefited, and more than 200 schools participated in
competitions that took place across all four regions of the Kingdom.
Inyatsi Foundation has been praised for creating opportunities for young learners to engage in cultural
activities while also stimulating local economies.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)flourished during these events, benefiting from the influx of participants and spectators.
Moreover, Inyatsi Foundation’s commitment to the future of Eswatini’s youth reaches beyond its borders.
Recently,
the Foundation supported five learners selected to participate in the Robben Island Spring
Festival in Cape Town, South Africa.
This initiative provided a unique learning experience, exposing
students to global opportunities and broadening their horizons.
RELATED: Inyatsi Foundation unveiled as title sponsor of Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture competitions
Gcinekile Nxumalo, Head of Corporate Affairs for Inyatsi Group Holdings and a representative of Inyatsi
Foundation emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering youth.
During a send-offevent for the learners at the Ministry of Education and Training, Nxumalo underscored the importance of
investing in young people as the nation’s future. The Foundation contributed E20,000 to cover the
learners’ allowances, tracksuits, t-shirts, and toiletries, ensuring they had everything they needed for their
journey.
Since its inception in 2021, Inyatsi Foundation has consistently shown its dedication to enhancing the
lives of emaSwati.
In its first year, the Foundation articulated its mission to bring hope and assistance to
the Kingdom, focusing on key areas such as education, sports, health, and infrastructure development.
This vision has translated into tangible impacts on communities throughout Eswatini, improving lives in
ways that contribute to the nation’s overall growth and development.
The Foundation’s charitable endeavours are extensive. In 2021, it distributed over E652,144 among four
beneficiaries, a testament to its commitment to various causes within the country. Recipients included
Business Eswatini, which received E400,000 to support its initiatives, as well as the Ministry of Education
and Training and UNICEF, which were jointly awarded E90,000.
The Eswatini Cricket Association received E100,000, and Friends of Sipho, a charity supporting the
family of a deceased cancer victim, was given E62,144 to complete a two-bedroom house for Sipho’s
family, highlighting the Foundation’s focus on health and welfare.
Regarding the Inyatsi Schools Arts and Culture competitions, the Foundation invested over E650,000.00.
As a leader in corporate social investment, Inyatsi Foundation has set a high standard for impactful
philanthropy in Eswatini. Its efforts to uplift communities extend beyond financial contributions; the
Foundation actively advocates for education, sports, and cultural development.
Through sponsorships of arts and culture competitions and direct support for youth engagement in
international events,
Inyatsi Foundation consistently works to ensure that emaSwati have access to
opportunities that foster growth and development.
Additionally, the Foundation has made significant contributions to the sporting arena, particularly in
Eswatini Cricket.
RELATED: Inyatsi Foundation gives out E20 000 to support five learners headed to Robin Island
By supporting this and other sports initiatives, Inyatsi Foundation promotes not only physical well-being but also values of teamwork, leadership, and discipline that are essential for personaldevelopment.
These investments in sports contribute to a holistic education for Eswatini’s youth, helping them grow into
capable and confident individuals.
In keeping with its broad mission, Inyatsi Foundation also prioritizes infrastructure development.
The Foundation acknowledges the importance of establishing the physical structures that allow communities
The vision articulated by His Majesty King Mswati III for Eswatini to attain first-world status can only be
realized through collective efforts.
By investing in youth, supporting educational and cultural initiatives,
and empowering communities, Inyatsi Foundation plays a crucial role in this transformative journey.
The Foundation’s work aligns seamlessly with the King’s aspirations for the nation, reinforcing the belief
that the future of Eswatini rests in the hands of its young people.
Inyatsi Foundation has proven to be more than just a charitable organization; it serves as a catalyst for
change, a beacon of hope for communities, and a pillar of support for young emaSwati.
ongoing efforts in education, culture, sports, and infrastructure, the Foundation is making a significant
impact, moving the Kingdom of Eswatini closer to its goal of achieving first-world status.What others have said about Inyatsi Foundation:
Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo“I want to praise Inyatsi Foundation for the generous sponsorship of the 2024 Eswatini Schools Arts and
Culture Association. And I will emphasize the rarity and significance of such substantial community
support from private companies.
I thank the foundation for its invaluable contribution, and particularly Iwant to commend the leadership of Executive Chairman Michelo Shakantu. Such acts of patriotism and
community support are not common. Inyatsi has set a commendable example by investing in the future
of our children and the cultural heritage of our nation.”
Ministry of Education and Training Acting Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi
“We extend gratitude to the Inyatsi Foundation for its generosity in everything and calling on other
companies to follow suit.
We thank them for the vital role of the private sector in nurturing talent and supporting education. Inyatsi Foundation’s support is truly remarkable. We invite other companies to join
them in promoting culture and education.”
Eswatini National Council Arts and Culture (ENCAC) CEO Stanley Dlamini
“The support of Inyatsi Foundation is more than just local support but it’s a global investment.
Let me highlight that Inyatsi is investing in showcasing Eswatini’s homegrown art to the world. Inyatsi is not only
investing in the country but also investing globally since the art that is home-brewed in Eswatini is then
exported for the world to see.
Inyatsi, as a local and international operator, has committed to promoting Eswatini’s cultural heritage on a global stage. I will encourage other companies to follow Inyatsi’s
example and support the arts and culture sector.
By investing in our arts and culture, businesses are
contributing to a global showcase of Eswatini’s rich heritage and creativity”
Eswatini Schools Arts and Culture Association (ESACA) President Nimrod Gamedze
“Inyatsi Foundation has truly become a beacon of hope for our young people, offering them opportunities
to grow, excel, and embrace their culture. We are deeply grateful for every contribution they have made
toward supporting our schools, the Association and the competitions. Whether through arts, education, or
infrastructure.
Their devotion to shaping the future of Eswatini by investing in the youth is inspiring, and
we can’t thank them enough for standing by our side in this journey of empowering the next generation”