The excitement is building across Eswatini as voting lines officially open for the Top 12 finalists of the Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini 2025/26 edition.
This event marks a pivotal moment in the celebration of the nation’s rich cultural heritage, inviting the public to participate actively in selecting the next cultural ambassador.
On October 17, 2025, the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) announced the finalists during a formal ceremony at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane.
The occasion was attended by the Honourable Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, who highlighted the importance of the pageant in fostering cultural pride and unity among Eswatini’s youth.
The finalists representing the Hhohho Region are Thubelihle Mnisi, Vuyile Dlamini, and Andile Kunene. From the Manzini Region, the finalists include Nobuhle Shabangu, Yoliswa Manana, and Ayanda Dlamini. Wethu Mavuso, Siphelele Dlamini, and Sinenkhosi Dlamini represent the Shiselweni Region.
Lastly, the Lubombo Region’s finalists are Takitsi Mamba, Zethu Magagula, and Siphesihle Gwebu.
Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini stands apart from typical beauty contests by focusing on cultural preservation and appreciation. Contestants are judged on their ability to embody and promote Eswatini’s traditions, including traditional attire, music, dance, and culinary arts.
This approach ensures that the pageant serves as a platform for cultural education and celebration, encouraging contestants and audiences alike to embrace the nation’s heritage.
The pageant’s emphasis on culture over mere aesthetics makes it a unique event that strengthens national identity and promotes the country’s diverse customs and practices.
The grand finale is scheduled for November 8, 2025, at The George Hotel, beginning at 5 pm. The event promises a spectacular evening filled with cultural performances, displays of traditional artistry, and the crowning of the new Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini.
It will be a gathering of families, cultural enthusiasts, dignitaries, and media, all united in celebrating Eswatini’s vibrant heritage.
Last year’s winner, Gcinizwi Tsikati, was crowned at the Mlawula Camp Fire Festival, a lively event that showcased the beauty and diversity of Eswatini’s cultural traditions.
Her reign was marked by active community involvement and efforts to raise cultural awareness, setting a high standard for this year’s contestants.
