Mbabane – The Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO) has allocated approximately E600,000 to promote freedom of expression through its new initiative, titled “Liberty, Ethics and Truth: Advancing Freedom of Expression in Eswatini.” This project will run for 12 months.

The announcement was made during a two-day workshop hosted by the Media Consortium and CANGO at the Mbabane Club. The event brought together representatives from various media houses, including Independent News, Times of Eswatini, Rubicon Media Group, and Inhlase Centre for Investigative Journalism, as well as journalism students from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

Funded at a total of £30,000 (about E600,000), the project aims to strengthen media freedom and civic participation in Eswatini by enhancing the capacity of the media consortium. This consortium comprises ten media arts organisations that support community radio and creative arts as platforms for public engagement.

CANGO Communications and Advocacy Officer, Ndimphiwe Shabangu, outlined the project’s key objectives: promoting ethical community reporting, amplifying grassroots stories, and increasing the participation of women, LGBTQI+ individuals, and people with disabilities in media spaces.

The initiative will also provide training for media members in legislative engagement, operationalize at least two community radio stations, and offer mentorship and funding for artistic projects.

Shabangu emphasized that the 12-month period, having commenced in September 2025, is crucial as Eswatini faces challenges with a shrinking civic space and outdated media laws.

Through collaborative efforts, CANGO and the media networks aim to promote ethics, inclusivity, and access to information as fundamental pillars of democratic expression in the country

Section of the participants following the proceedings.