A South African company has expressed interest in sponsoring the Miss Teen Eswatini pageant.
This was revealed by the Director of Miss Teen Eswatini, Penelope Maziya, during the official launch of the pageant held at the Manzini Arts and Culture offices on Friday.
Maziya said she could not reveal the name of the company yet, as the sponsorship process had not been finalised. However, she disclosed that HBC Company had already pledged to contribute E10 000 towards the event.
She further highlighted ongoing engagements with another company, which is expected to sponsor 30 emahiya (traditional cloths) to be used during the Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Ceremony.
Additionally, Maziya has approached the Maphungwane Royal Kraal, which has expressed willingness to support the initiative in any way possible.
Official Launch by ENCAC
The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) officially launched the Miss Teen Eswatini pageant, with Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini officiating the event.
Dlamini emphasised the importance of selecting a national beauty queen before the Umhlanga ceremony, stating that the winner would represent Eswatini and uphold the country’s values and cultural heritage.
Empowering the Girl Child
Maziya expressed her excitement about the upcoming competition, describing it as an empowering journey for young girls.
“The competition aims to foster personal growth and community involvement among participants. To enter Miss Teen Eswatini, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being between 13 and 18 years old and demonstrating good conduct,” she said.
The application window is officially open, with forms available at local arts centres. The deadline for applications is July 12.
Maziya encouraged eligible teenagers to seize the opportunity for self-discovery and development. “The competition is more than a showcase of beauty; it is a catalyst for change, encouraging young women to take pride in their abilities and inspire others,” she added.
According to Maziya, approximately 15 girls from the Lubombo region have already expressed interest in joining the Miss Teen Eswatini pageant.
