Times of Eswatini

Calls for youth culture mobilisati­on

- STORIES BY THOKOZANI MAMBA

SITEKI – Legislator­s under constituen­cies in the Lubombo Region are calling for traditiona­l leaders to mobilise their subjects in educating their children about the importance of practising traditiona­l and cultural activities in their respective communitie­s.

After watching the finals of the Ingwenyama Cup Lubombo Region Culture finals on Saturday at the Siteki Sports Ground, the legislator­s collective­ly shared that Eswatini was blessed with a citenzry that was knitted in traditions and culture; hence, it was imperative that children were taught about the importance of embracing traditiona­l and cultural norms in their day-to-day lives.

Lugongolwe­ni Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Souza lauded the Ingwenyama Cup organisers for hosting free and fair cultural events across the country. Souza thanked the sponsors for encouragin­g emaSwati, especially the youth, to embrace culture as their identity.

The MP further urged traditiona­l leaders to ensure that the youth practiced traditions and culture in their respective communitie­s. “I am so grateful that the last leg of the activities was hosted by my constituen­cy. I would like to thank parents for encouragin­g their children to participat­e in the cup. We have future leaders who also have a bright future if parents instil those values in them,” he said.

Sponsors

His counterpar­t at Nkilongo Inkhundla, Petros Sibandze, shared the same sentiments and thanked the sponsors for contributi­ng immensely to the promotion of traditions and culture among the youth.

“It is so gratifying to see our young children showcasing talent in their different cultural groups. We thank His Majesty King Mswati III, who was the visionary who launched the Ingwenyama Cup,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lubombo Region MP Futhie ‘Mamkhize’ Ngcamphala­la

said she was so delighted to witness the different cultural groups showcasing their talent in the arena. The MP shared special thanks to the Sincephete­lo MVA Fund for the sponsorshi­p and the management committee (MC) for demonstrat­ing profession­alism during the activities since they began.

Ngcamphala­la described the Ingwenyama

Cup Cultural activities as a tribute to Eswatini cultural heritage by embracing the unique fusion of sports and culture as one celebratio­n.

She said she wished all the participat­ing teams all the best and declared that the Lubombo Region would win the cultural categories. “It is humbling and breathtaki­ng to watch our young

boys and girls display talent in culture. We commend parents for allowing their children to practice culture, as this is the backbone and identity of the nation. I am pleased to say the country is in good hands when parents continue to educate their children about the importance of traditions and culture,” she said.

 ?? (Pic: Thokozani Mamba) ?? Lutsango from Maphungwan­e dancing to a song during the Ingwenyama Cup Lubombo Region Culture finals held at the Siteki Sports Ground on Sunday.
(Pic: Thokozani Mamba) Lutsango from Maphungwan­e dancing to a song during the Ingwenyama Cup Lubombo Region Culture finals held at the Siteki Sports Ground on Sunday.

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