Minister announces E200,000 sponsorship for Trade Fair 2025 Culture, Dance Competitions

By Siphesihle Dlamini

Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima has officially announced the sponsorship details for the upcoming Trade Fair 2025 Culture Competition, highlighting significant support from Mulasport and the Kunotsa Foundation.

The sponsorship package allocates E150,000 for the Culture Competition and an additional E50,000 for the Dance Competition, signalling a strong commitment to fostering cultural expression and talent development in Eswatini.

Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Minister Nzima emphasised the government’s unwavering dedication to integrating culture into the country’s broader development agenda.

“As a ministry, we remain resolute in our pledge to place culture at the centre of our national development plan,” he stated.

This declaration underscores the strategic importance the ministry assigns to culture not merely as a form of entertainment but as a vital component of economic growth and social cohesion.

Minister Nzima further elaborated on the ministry’s collaborative vision, particularly its partnership with other government bodies and the Eswatini Institute of Public Administration (EIPA).

He explained that the shared goal is to elevate culture to a professional and business-oriented platform accessible to all citizens.

“Our continuous shared vision with our ministries and with EIPA in particular is to present culture as a business and professional option for everyone,” he said.

This approach aims to transform cultural activities into sustainable careers and viable economic ventures, thereby empowering artists and cultural practitioners nationwide.

The minister also acknowledged the pivotal role of His Majesty’s Government in prioritising culture through consistent budget allocations and policy support. “Once again, our achievement as a country in the global space is there for everyone to see.

Thanks to His Majesty’s Government for continuously putting value and budgets in the culture sector,” Nzima remarked.

Looking ahead to the Trade Fair 2025, Minister Nzima expressed enthusiasm about the event’s potential to engage and inspire the nation.

e conveyed the ministry’s aspiration to create an uplifting experience for all participants, from exhibitors to visitors and especially the youth.

“As we go to the Trade Fair, we want to put smiles on everyone, from exhibitors to visitors and youth in the country, to uplift the experiences for 2025 as an individual and group landmark,” he said.

In closing, Minister Nzima extended a warm invitation to all Eswatini citizens to attend the Trade Fair and immerse themselves in the diverse cultural offerings.

“We therefore invite the Nation in their numbers to visit the Trade Fair daily to consume our cultural experiences,” he urged.