Breaking Norms & Limitations

By Nonduduzo Ngcamphalala Asexual and Proud In a Eswatini, it’s still hard for LGBTQI+ people to be open and accepted. That why Pride is more than just a fun event with colors and music, it’s a way to tell the world:” This is who we are.” This year, under the theme Living Our Truth, gives the LGBTQI+ a chance to show their true selves, speak up for their right as the LGBTQI+ community to express who they are, demand equal rights, and reclaim their dignity in a society that continues to marginalize them.   Members of the LGBTQI+community and       allies proudly March during the Eswatini   pride celebration, holding a colorful banner with rainbow flags and raised fists symbolizing unity and equality. Across Eswatini, LGBTQI+ individuals especially transgender people still face discrimination in critical public services. In hospitals, trans people are regularly denied the respectful, gender-affirming care they deserve. Their needs are dismissed, their ...

By: Gcinile Msibi   Timbutini - In Eswatini, water is a fundamental resource for life, yet millions of people around the globe still lack access to clean drinking water. The Timbutini community, settle in the rich banks of the Umzimpofu River in Manzini, is no exception. The journey of water from its source in the river to the taps in Timbutini home’s illustrated the community struggles and successes in managing this vital resource. The Umzimpofu River, flowing from the surrounding mountains, serves as the primary water source for the community. Its clean water has historically provided drinking water and water for agriculture. However, with increasing population density and climate variability, the rivers capacity to meet the demands of the community has come under pressure. According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eswatini Water Service Corporation (ESWC) Jabulile Mashwama says “the demand for water in the Timbutini area has risen by 40% over the past decade due to populatio...

By: Seluleko Dludlu In the vibrant heart of Eswatini’s Lubombo region lies Siphofaneni, a town that has quietly nurtured many talents. Among them is Sikolwethu Hlatshwayo, known to the world as Ugesi Oshisako; an amapiano artist, DJ, and passionate photographer whose journey reflects resilience, humility, and a deep love for his craft. Choosing the Beat: A Passion Ignited Ugesi’s story begins in his hometown, where the rhythms of local music and the influence of neighboring South Africa’s booming amapiano scene ignited his passion. Inspired by South African DJ Maphorisa (Madumane), Ugesi found himself captivated by the genre’s sultry beats and infectious melodies. “Music chose me,” he recalls, “but it was amapiano that truly spoke to my soul.” He entered the Industry in 2018, a young man eager to carve his path. Starting as a DJ and photographer, he quickly realized that producing his own music was his true calling. “I wanted to tell my story through sound,” he says. His dedication pai...

By: Siyabonga Fakudze   Mbabane- In Eswatini where thousands of graduates compete for limited jobs, the youth are taking matters into their own hands. ‘Side hustling' which is defined as a job or occupation that brings in extra money as a source of income, includes photography, bracelet branding, baking, hair branding and forex trading which was once labeled as a way to be busy has now turned to be the main source of income for many young people in the Kingdom of Eswatini. With the youth of Eswatini, such ‘side hustles’ has propelled them into genius that ensured that they do not let limited unemployment opportunities defy their capabilities.  A country that has a staggering 40% youth unemployment rate, ‘hustling’ has made it important for small businesses to venture into creativity and innovation. What started as a hobby or a way to dive into creativity and innovation has now fully evolved into a striving business, a ‘grind’ capable of growing the economy of the country....