By 
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Eswatini.
His remarks come in response to His Majesty King Mswati III’s Speech from the Throne, where the monarch highlighted the critical role of job creation and the need to empower the country’s youth.
In an exclusive interview, Nzima emphasized that the government is prioritizing initiatives that will provide meaningful opportunities for young people to thrive. “The King has expressed deep concern for the future of our youth, and we, in the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, are fully aligned with that vision,” Nzima said.
One of the central themes in the King’s address was the need to provide young people with skills that will enable them to secure stable employment. Minister Nzima echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of leveraging existing talents in areas such as the arts and sports.
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“Young people in Eswatini have a wealth of untapped potential, especially in the fields of arts, culture, and sports. These are areas that can serve as viable career paths for many,” he explained.
“Through the promotion of these industries, we are creating pathways that allow young people to not only express themselves creatively but also to generate income.”
Nzima highlighted the growing demand for locally produced content in music, dance, and visual arts as well as the increasing popularity of sports. “The market is there, both locally and internationally,” he said. “We need to ensure our youth are equipped with the necessary skills to tap into these industries and create sustainable careers.”
A significant part of the King’s Speech focused on the importance of embracing Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and expanding the country’s sporting achievements.
Minister Nzima was quick to underline the government’s commitment to supporting both these areas, recognizing their potential to create jobs and bring global attention to Eswatini.
“The King spoke highly of culture and sports, and we have received that message loud and clear. Our Ministry is already working on strategies to integrate culture and sports into the broader economic development plans,” he said.
“From a cultural standpoint, we will continue to promote local talent and ensure that emaSwati take pride in their heritage.”
As part of his Ministry’s ongoing efforts, Nzima confirmed that the ‘Nkwe’ movement – will continue to play a central role in addressing youth unemployment.
The ‘Nkwe’ movement has already shown positive results, and we are determined to ensure that it reaches even more young people across the country. We want to give them the tools to become self-sufficient and contribute to the nation’s development,” Nzima said.
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While the Minister was optimistic about the future, he also acknowledged the many challenges that lie ahead. “Creating jobs for the youth is no small feat,” Nzima said. “It requires collaboration across all sectors of society – government, private sector, and civil society.”
Nzima concluded by emphasizing the government’s dedication to ensuring that young emaSwati are allowed to shape their futures. “We will continue to work tirelessly to create the conditions for youth empowerment. The King’s vision is clear, and we are committed to realizing it.”
