FROM HERDING CATTLE TO WINNING ARMY RECRUITMENT

By Thokozani Mazibuko

Under the blistering Somntongo sun, 24-year-old Mfanfikile Gumbi sprinted past dozens of hopefuls, his worn-out shoes pounding the dusty ground as if chasing destiny itself. What made his victory sweeter wasn’t just the finish line it was the journey that led him there.

Mfanfikile, a humble cattle herder from the rolling hills of Somntongo, has spent most of his days watching over livestock, dreaming of wearing a uniform that represents more than survival one that symbolizes purpose.

After dropping out of Qomintaba High School in Form 2 back in 2021 due to financial challenges, life pushed him toward the fields. But even as he tended cattle, his spirit remained unbroken.

“I’ve been training since 2023,” he said, his voice carrying both exhaustion and pride. “Every morning, I would run before going to the cattle post. I knew that one day, this would matter.”

And matter it did. During the army recruitment fitness race at Somntongo Inkhundla, Mfanfikile outpaced everyone, his determination cutting through the scorching heat like a blade through grass.

For him, the victory was more than a win it was proof that dreams born in the dust can still shine bright.

“I didn’t have fancy running shoes or training equipment,” he added with a shy smile. “But I had faith, and I told myself I must make this count.”

Following closely behind was 23-year-old Banele Masilela, who finished second in the men’s category. A recent graduate from Florence Christian Academy, Banele is currently unemployed and lives with his mother. For him, this opportunity represents hope a chance to rewrite his story.

“I’m proud of how I performed today,” Banele said, catching his breath. “Things have been tough at home, and I’m praying this will open doors for me and my family.”

On the women’s side, 20-year-old Luyanda Msibi proved that resilience has no gender. After a week of intense training, she emerged the fastest among female competitors, earning her ticket to the next phase of the recruitment process.

“I’ve been preparing every day, and I’m so happy it paid off,” she said, grinning from ear to ear. “I want to make my family proud and serve my country.”

For many young people in rural Eswatini, the army recruitment race is more than just a fitness test it’s a lifeline. It’s a chance to step out of poverty, to trade herding sticks and household chores for boots and discipline.

As Mfanifikile caught his breath, the crowd cheered his name the herd boy who outran the odds. And for a brief, powerful moment, Somntongo wasn’t just a place of dust and cattle it was a place where dreams took flight.