…Chief Inspector of Primary Schools, Dr Thamsanqa Dlamini to chair committee
BY THEMBA ZWANE
MBABANE– Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Owen Nxumalo, has unveiled a Joint Steering Committee that will oversee the implementation, monitoring and expansion of the Schools Cultural Villages initiative, describing it as a critical step towards preserving Eswatini’s cultural heritage while strengthening learners’ identity.
The committee was announced during the official launch of the Schools Cultural Villages (Culture Hubs) initiative at a press briefing held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in the Ministry of Education and Training boardroom.
Nxumalo said the committee, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), would provide governance and strategic oversight to ensure the programme delivers its intended impact in schools across the country.
He said the committee would monitor implementation, regularly review progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative, with positive outcomes paving the way for the programme to be expanded to more schools nationwide.
“The Joint Steering Committee will ensure smooth governance and the long-term success of this initiative. Through continuous monitoring and evaluation, we will assess its impact and use the findings to guide future expansion,” said the minister.
Nxumalo also announced the members of the steering committee, which will be chaired by Chief Inspector of Primary Schools, Dr Thamsanqa Dlamini. ENCAC Chief Executive Officer Stanley Mthunzi Dlamini will serve as the vice-chairperson.
Other members are renowned cultural practitioners Sabelo Sydwell Matsebula (Did’umbutfo), Amos Magagula (Nsimyenkhosi), Njabulo Dlamini (Gcumgcum), Mathokoza Sibiya (Ngcwenga), Nimrod Mdluli, Thembekile Dlamini (LaMalindane) and Mandl’endoda Shongwe.
The minister described the Schools Cultural Villages as more than an addition to the education curriculum, saying they would become “living classrooms” where learners experience Eswatini’s culture first-hand rather than simply reading about it.
He said the initiative supports the ministry’s mandate to provide relevant, high-quality education by ensuring learners remain grounded in the country’s traditions, values and indigenous knowledge.
“Education is not merely about academic achievement within four classroom walls. It is about holistic development, personal identity and preparing our young people to navigate the world without losing touch with who they are,” he said.
Through the Culture Hubs, learners will participate in indigenous crafts and visual arts, traditional dances, oral traditions and storytelling, traditional food preparation demonstrations, heritage workshops and educational simulations of traditional ceremonies. The programme will also feature inter-school cultural showcases and festivals aimed at promoting appreciation of Eswatini’s customs.
Nxumalo said the initiative would also serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing artistic talent from an early age while encouraging learners to blend traditional heritage with modern creativity.
He said preserving indigenous knowledge systems remained central to the programme, ensuring the wisdom of previous generations is passed on through practical learning experiences.
The minister expressed confidence that the initiative would produce well-rounded learners who excel academically while remaining proud of their cultural identity.
He thanked ENCAC, led by Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini, Principal Secretary Nanikie Mnisi and education officials for bringing the vision to life.
In officially launching the Schools Cultural Villages Project, Nxumalo said safeguarding Eswatini’s heritage was an investment in the country’s future.
“A nation that forgets its roots loses its future. By founding these school Cultural Villages today, we ensure that as our learners step into a globalised world, they remain firmly rooted in their identity as emaSwati,” he said.
The Committee:
1. Dr. Thamsanqa Dlamini – Chairperson
2. Stanley Mthunzi Dlamini – Vice Chaierperson
3. Sabelo Sydwell Matsebula (Did’umbutfo)
4. Amos Magagula (Nsimyenkhosi)
5. Njabulo Dlamini (Gcumgcum)
6. Mathokoza Sibiya (Ngcwenga)
7. Nimrod Mdluli
8. Thembekile Dlamini (LaMalindane)
9. Mandl’endoda Shongwe
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