MATSAPHA – The Kingdom has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 Southern Africa Inter Municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) Games.
This was revealed two days ago at Esibayeni Lodge during the official launch of the tournament which follows the successful hosting of the games by Lesotho last year. The Mayor of Maseru, Relebohile Sechacha, officially handed over the baton to the Eswatini Inter Municipal Games Association (ESIGA) President, Sithembile Dlamini.
The event was attended by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, while the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, was represented by Under Secretary (US) Mzwandile Mthethwa.
Minister Maphalala called for record attendance at the tournament, which is scheduled to run from September 20–26, 2026 at venues yet to be announced. The minister expressed confidence in the country’s readiness, stating that Eswatini possesses the up-to-standard infrastructure to host the event.
“As government, we reaffirm our full commitment to supporting Eswatini’s municipalities to ensure that the games are successfully delivered. As a ministry, we are confident in the capabilities, dedication and professionalism of ESIGA and the Local Organising Committee in planning and coordinating a memorable event,” Maphalala said.
Maphalala also urged Southern African municipalities to use these wellness games not only for competition, but also as a platform to network, exchange ideas and forge lasting partnerships, including sister-city relations.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
MATSAPHA – The Kingdom has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 Southern Africa Inter Municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) Games.
This was revealed two days ago at Esibayeni Lodge during the official launch of the tournament which follows the successful hosting of the games by Lesotho last year. The Mayor of Maseru, Relebohile Sechacha, officially handed over the baton to the Eswatini Inter Municipal Games Association (ESIGA) President, Sithembile Dlamini.
The event was attended by the Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Appolo Maphalala, while the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, was represented by Under Secretary (US) Mzwandile Mthethwa.
Minister Maphalala called for record attendance at the tournament, which is scheduled to run from September 20–26, 2026 at venues yet to be announced. The minister expressed confidence in the country’s readiness, stating that Eswatini possesses the up-to-standard infrastructure to host the event.
“As government, we reaffirm our full commitment to supporting Eswatini’s municipalities to ensure that the games are successfully delivered. As a ministry, we are confident in the capabilities, dedication and professionalism of ESIGA and the Local Organising Committee in planning and coordinating a memorable event,” Maphalala said.
Maphalala also urged Southern African municipalities to use these wellness games not only for competition, but also as a platform to network, exchange ideas and forge lasting partnerships, including sister-city relations.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
Maseru Mayor Relebohile Sechacha (L) looks on after officially handing over the SAIMSA hosting baton to Eswatini. Celebrating the milestone is Mbabane Mayor Thulani Mkhonto, while Matsapha Municipality Mayor Lindiwe Dlamini observes the proceedings during the launch at Esibayeni Lodge. (Pic: Nimrod Hlophe)