Swazi Observer

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CREATIVES LEAD BACK-TO- SCHOOL CAMPAIGN IN STYLE

By DEO GRATIAS MAGAGULA | 2025-01-29

YESTERDAY marked the first day of school for many institutions and Eswatini creatives joined hands with the community to show support for pupils by donning school uniforms in public spaces.

Among the standout figures embracing the initiative were comedians S’lwane and Dr Shakes as well as the Mbabane Municipality CEO Gciniwe Fakudze, who is one of the country’s trendsetters.

S’lwane shared his thoughts on the campaign stating: “Besides being entertainers, one of our pillars as a collective is to constantly serve as good role models to the youth of Eswatini, to which end, we are strong advocates for education as Eswatini youth’s true gateway out of the many issues we face daily, youth unemployment being one.

“On this image, I had staged a one-man show of activism in support of school, wherein my message for the day was ‘school will always be cool!’ So, as this year begins, I encourage all pupils to dedicate themselves to their books, not just for their parents but for themselves; they will be proud and thank themselves many years away from today!”

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Helping Hand Foundation partnered with establishments like The Xchange Lounge and Shisanyama, Mega Lounge, IF’s Lounge, and 23:28 Lounge to assist pupils in need.

These venues provided collection bins where patrons could donate back-to-school essentials. Helping Hand Foundation founder Ncamiso Mahlalela, , expressed his hope that the donations would ensure pupils looked presentable at school and focused on their education without worrying about essentials like sanitary pads or school shoes.

To amplify the initiative, Mega Lounge and Mdzimba View and Shisanyama are hosting themed events featuring prominent South African artists. Mega Lounge is organising the ‘First Assembly’ event, headlined by Romeo and Juliet hitmaker Mawelele, while Mdzimba View and Shisanyama will host amapiano sensation Scotts Maphuma. Event-goers are encouraged to wear school uniforms as part of the fun.

While applauding the campaign’s success, then Ministry of Education and Training acting Principal Secretary Naniki Mnisi urged parents to set good examples for their children and cautioned event organisers against serving alcohol to underage attendees. She reminded them that violating this law could lead to serious consequences, including the loss of liquor licenses

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