Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) is encouraging the youth to write, act, direct and produce their stories.
This was said by ESCCOM Chief Executive Mvilawemphi Dlamini yesterday morning during the official launch of the ESCCOM High School Film Competition, held at ESCCOM’s Head Offices.
High school pupils from all four regions with a passion for acting, storytelling or filmmaking are called upon to enter the competition by submitting a one-minute short film written by them.
The film should represent the schools’ creativity and talent, with submissions accepted until February 20 at broadcasting@esccom.org.sz.
“Today marks a special moment, where we are not merely launching a competition, but we are opening a platform for young voices, igniting creative dreams, and unlocking new possibilities for the future of our country,” he said.
He explained that the competition was not just about winning but was an investment in youth, local storytelling and the future of local broadcasting and creative industries.
“As the national regulator of the broadcasting sector, ESCCOM has a mandate not only to regulate, but to also support the growth and development of the sector. One of the most critical pillars of a strong broadcasting industry is the availability of high-quality local content that reflects our realities, cultures, languages, and lived experiences as Emaswati,” added Dlamini.
He stated that the competition was designed to discover and develop talent early, introducing pupils to broadcasting-related careers including filmmaking, scriptwriting, acting, directing, sound production and production management.
He said it also fostered collaboration between secondary and higher education through partnerships with the University of Eswatini and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, allowing for mentorship and practical skills transfer.
“To many of our pupils, I wish to share that this may be the first time you discover a talent you never knew you had. For others, it may confirm a passion you already feel deep inside. Either way, this experience could shape the direction of your future,” Dlamini added.
He further noted the broader impact creative industries had on employment, innovation and economic diversification. The competition could be the starting point for future entrepreneurs, production company owners, scriptwriters, directors or digital innovators.
He noted that the initiative had been made possible through generous contributions from First National Bank of Eswatini and UNESCO as well as approval and support from the Ministry of Education and Training.
Dlamini urged schools, educators and pupils to embrace the opportunity.
“This competition is for you. It is an opportunity to tell your stories, sharpen your skills, discover your talents and open doors to future possibilities you may not yet have imagined,” he said.
ESCCOM Broadcasting Specialist Mandisa Nkambule explained that the film competition would take place over a period of five months.
She stated that after receiving submissions, four teams would be selected from four high schools, one in each region.
“The four high school teams will collaborate with four film crews, made up of former and current students of Limkokwing University’s Film and TV Production Faculty as well as UNESWA’s Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication,” said Nkambule.
She added that the pupils would be paired with industry-based mentors who would help them conceptualise and write an original short story based on a central theme, to be announced.
Nkambule said each team would be given a budget of E10 000 for their productions.
“Design, plan, choreograph and budget for the whole production. Filming (shooting) will be done at a location that is at the school and surrounding areas. The pupils will then be awarded in different categories,” she explained.
