The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Stanley Dlamini, has revealed that the ongoing controversy surrounding the undelivered grand prize for Miss Eswatini Temvelo Mtsetfwa is currently before the courts.
Dlamini provided clarity on the pageant’s organisational structure and the legal steps being taken to bring the matter to a close.
On the legal front, Dlamini stated:
“The matter is now handled by the council’s lawyers, and we believe the courts will help resolve the matter as soon as possible.”
He further highlighted that the pageant licence and policy clearly outline the licensee’s obligations to deliver prizes within the relevant timelines, as well as punitive measures for non-compliance.
Related: Miss Eswatini car controversy deepens
Dlamini appealed for patience and trust in the legal process, saying:
“The matter is now with the courts. Let’s allow due diligence to take its course and ensure justice is served.”
The CEO explained that the Miss Eswatini Pageant operates under a private licence granted by the Eswatini Beauty Pageants Association through the Arts and Culture Council.
“The licence is given to an individual or company, in this case, Kwanda Investment owned by Mr. Shongwe,” he said.
Upon receiving this licence, Dlamini said the company becomes responsible for mobilising sponsorships to help run the Miss Eswatini pageant.
He elaborated on the sponsorship agreements, noting:
“The sponsorship agreement is normally between the pageant organiser, Kwanda Investment, and the sponsors. We believe Stucky Motors and Shongwe had an agreement as partners in this project.”
Dlamini confirmed that the partnership included the car promised as the grand prize.
Addressing the specifics of the car prize, he said:
“The car stipulation in the contract matches the specifications of the car handed over on the said dates.”
However, despite the handover event, the vehicle has not yet physically reached Mtsetfwa, with the matter now awaiting judicial resolution.
