THE Ingwenyama Culture Cup finals electrified Somhlolo Stadium on Sunday as teams celebrated their culture and showcased talent for a grand prize of E355 000.
The atmosphere was vibrant as participants arrived in stunning traditional regalia, a beautiful gift from their Majesties.
This year’s finals highlighted the unity, cultural pride, and competitive spirit that defines the event. Teams from four regions battled fiercely, showcasing not just their skills but also the rich heritage of their communities.
The winners were celebrated for their outstanding performances across various categories: Ingadla: Mbelebeleni emerged as champions, followed closely by Luvinjelweni, Ka-Mkhweli, and Mashobeni South.
Sibhaca: Ezulwini took the top spot, with Ka-Mkhweli, Mbelebeleni, and Buseleni rounding up the winners. Emajaha: Mkhuzweni triumphed, followed by Buseleni, ka-Phunga, and Zombodze.
Timbongi: The spotlight shone on Siphelele Maseko, Sandile Khumalo, Sukoluhle Dlamini, and Thulani Mkhatshwa for their impressive performances. But it was Maseko who had the last laugh. Lutsango: The champions were Macetjeni from the Lubombo region, who expressed their excitement and gratitude for their first-time victory.
Speaking on behalf of the Ingadla team, Mandla Tshawuka, the Minister of Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate and the importance of preserving the nation’s rich culture.
Fortune Ndwandwe from the Lutsango champions, Macetjeni, shared her joy stating “We are extremely excited! I have been getting congratulatory calls since yesterday.
“We will be forever grateful to God, our team, and the support from the chiefdom and the community. Being close to the king and taking pictures was an honour. Siyabonga emaKhosini for valuing our culture!” All winners had the special opportunity to take a picture with His Majesty King Mswati III, creating unforgettable memories of this vibrant occasion.
Culture Cup Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sandile ‘Msandi Kababa’ Nxumalo thanked all participants for adhering to the protocol that ensured the competition ran smoothly. As the sun set on this remarkable event, everyone left with cherished memories, eagerly anticipating next year’s celebration of their rich heritage. This year, the competition saw an increase in prizes, reflecting the event’s growth and increasing significance.
Nxumalo said the E85 000 increment would be shared across the five categories. Last year, the prizes tallied to E270 000 and this year they shared E355 000.
Established in 2016, the Ingwenyama Culture Cup has rapidly become a cornerstone of Eswatini’s cultural landscape
It serves as a vibrant platform for cultural expression, community engagement, and the preservation of traditional practices. The event’s ability to seamlessly blend cultural heritage with the excitement of competition has made it a beloved national celebration.
