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Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, recently lauded the Eswatini Arts Summit as a pivotal event for the nation’s artistic community.
The summit, attended by a diverse audience of artists, filmmakers, musicians, and cultural leaders, served as an essential interactive space designed to prepare the sector for the year ahead and to foster collaboration among stakeholders.
Reflecting on the success of the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) held in December 2024, Minister Nzima described the event as a testament to the untapped potential within Eswatini’s creative sector.
“The awards showcased the incredible talent that exists in our nation, and they are a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating our artists,” he stated.
Nzima revealed that the government has signed multiple Cultural Resolutions, Protocols, and International Declarations aimed at transforming the arts sector. “This transformation influences a holistic change towards promoting the professional development of the industry.
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The people of Eswatini must start realizing that we can make a better living through our art and culture,” he stressed.
The Minister characterized the summit as more than just a gathering; it was a catalyst for empowerment, economic independence, and cultural identity. “The creative industries play a crucial role in economic growth and social cohesion,” he asserted.
“The National Arts Summit is more than just an event—it is a platform, a movement, and a catalyst for the empowerment of artists in our nation,” Nzima declared. He underscored the importance of addressing critical topics such as intellectual property (IP), royalties, and other pressing issues that artists face.
“By tackling these challenges head-on, we are taking bold steps toward empowering our artists to not only thrive but also sustain themselves economically in this ever-evolving landscape.”
One of the significant elements of the summit was the reflection on the National Arts and Culture Awards. Minister Nzima emphasized the importance of assessing past successes and identifying areas for improvement.
“As a Ministry, we recognize the importance of self-assessment and continuous improvement. This summit provides an invaluable opportunity for us to conduct a post-mortem of the awards, explore ways to enhance their quality, and craft a roadmap for their future success”.
Minister Nzima also highlighted that the summit aims to position Eswatini’s creative economy on the global stage.
“This summit, therefore, is not only about empowering artists but also about creating an enabling environment where their works can attract both local and international revenue streams,” he explained.
To achieve this goal, the Minister encouraged stakeholders to forge strong partnerships and embrace innovative ways of storytelling, film production, and cultural preservation.
He noted that the convergence of seasoned professionals and industry experts would be instrumental in unlocking immense potential within Eswatini’s creative industries.
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Nzima assured attendees that the government remains committed to ensuring that the outcomes of the summit translate into actionable strategies.
“Your ideas, input, and recommendations will shape the Ministry’s agenda and strategy for the coming financial year. This is a call to action for every participant; take ownership of this process. Your voice matters,” he urged.
He further called upon creatives to recognize the power they wield as storytellers of the nation. “To our artists; you are the storytellers of our nation. Through your work, you hold the power to inspire, to heal, and to unite. Let this summit be a turning point in your journey—a time to rise above challenges and claim your rightful place as the architects of our cultural and creative heritage.”
