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AFTER 5 YEARS, MEET MR ESWATINI 2023/24

18/12/2023 07:37:00 Dudu Dube

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EZULWINI - After a five-year hiatus, the country has crowned its new Mr Eswatini 2023/2024, Sive Mawelela, at the Happy Valley Hotel.

Taking after Rodney Landsberg, who was crowned Mr Eswatini 2018/2019, Sive Mawelela, a 23-year-old high school teacher from Ngculwini, stood out among nine other contestants, exuding confidence from the beginning. He expressed his belief that a true leader is bold, fearless, and dedicated to making a positive impact.

The pageant commenced with all ten contestants showcasing their traditional attires, with Mawelela and Msimisi Dlamini, who was crowned the first prince, capturing the audience’s favour. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, as the contestants paraded in their swimwear, much to the delight of the spectators. Following a display of their personalities through various outfits, the judges - Mlandvo Dlamini, Felicity Dlamini, Jose Chung, and renowned international model Nolwazi ‘Snowee’ Simelane posed their questions. Msimisi Dlamini, a crowd favourite, expressed pride in being a part of the beautiful kingdom of Eswatini, emphasising his connection to the royal lineage. “Our King is a Dlamini and I am just proud to be part of the beautiful kingdom of Eswatini,” said Dlamini.

Charmed

Baster Jnr Vilakati, crowned Mr. Congeniality, charmed the audience with his friendly demeanour. When asked what he would do with E100, he humorously remarked that he would treat himself to a nice item, perhaps sunglasses. The second prince, 19-year-old Gary Taruvingira, emphasised his passion for empowerment and spirituality. Although not part of the top five, contestants like Siphesihle Magongo, Linda Khumalo, and Stanford Dlamini made a strong impression. Ncedo Gumbi, one of the contestants, expressed pride in reaching the final stage, extending his best wishes to the chosen top three.

In an interview, Mr. Eswatini Sive Mawelela expressed his excitement, highlighting his commitment to youth empowerment, through education, leveraging his role as a qualified high school teacher. “Mr Eswatini gives a platform where you are positioned to model good character and inspire the youth. I have a burning passion for bettering Eswatini through the youth,” said Mawelela. Our education system as a country has produced employees, however, for a long time the job market has been saturated so as a country we now need an education system that aims at producing more employers.”
His sister, Siphilile Mawelela, expressed pride in her brother’s journey, emphasising his passion for helping others. “He deserves it; he is one person who is passionate about helping the next person. We are proud of him,” she added.

The second prince’s mother, Magaya Shinga, described Gary Taruvingira as a natural leader with a strong spiritual inclination and a love for fashion.
The Chief Executive Officer of Eswatini National Arts and Culture, Stanley Dlamini, commended the Director of the pageant, Mbonisi Ngcamphalala, for the successful revival of the pageant, extending congratulations to all supporters. The evening’s MCs, Mnqobi Tsabedze and comedian Mcola, kept the audience engaged throughout the event. The night concluded with great celebration and photo-taking, marking the end of a memorable occasion.