22/09/2026
Eswatini Observer 21 September 2026:
BY WONDERBOY DLAMINI
Unity is the cornerstone of development - Senator Tony
SENATOR Tony Sibandze has urged residents of Mpolonjeni Inkhundla to prioritise unity and sharing experiences to develop their communities.
Five chiefdoms under Mpolonjeni Inkhundla came together on Saturday to participate on the final day of sporting and cultural competitions which were sponsored by Scalisa Foundation, and supported by other companies such as MulaSport, MTN Eswatini and Spar, amongst others.
The competitions, which comprised football, netball and cultural activities have been running over the past two months.
The participating teams came from five chiefdoms namely, KaShoba, Ngcina, Mpolonjeni, Ndzangu and Etjeni (Sigcaweni East).
Founder and Director of Scalisa Foundation, Senator Tony Sibandze, said the competitions were more about promoting unity amongst the communities and exposing talent amongst the youth.
Sibandze noted that the competitions also brought together traditional leaders from the five chiefdoms, which led to the huge success of the event.
He therefore urged the residents to use the experience which was gained through the competitions in implementing community projects.
He noted that the kind of unity which was displayed by the residents became the main factor which led to the success of the charity initiative. "The competitions grew into something bigger than what we had initially planned, and this was because of the input we received from the traditional leaders and all other stakeholders," he said. Indvuna of KaShoba Zachious Motsa said the was happy to participate in an initiative which brought the communities together.
"We have noted the positive impact of the initiative as we saw residents from the different chiefdoms participating with commitment," he said.
Motsa noted that one of the factors which normally delayed development in communities was the never ending disputes between chiefdoms.
"If we could use this spirit of unity in more other projects, we can achieve more as the
he said.
Bucopho of Mpolonjeni Gcina Gwebu, who is also a member of
inner council, echoed Motsa, adding that the competitions contributed immensely to the fight against crime and substance abuse amongst the youth.
Gwebu noted that the youth found themselves busy with their sporting activities as opposed to idling at home.
A member of Lutsango from Etjeni Bonsile Dlamini said the initiative was more than just competitions but a promotion of culture and sharing of experiences. Dlamini's team was placed fourth in the competitions, and walked away with E1 500.
"We have actually gained more than just the prize money in the competitions as we were happy to come together as lutsango of the Inkhundla," she said. The event was attended by Senate Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima, Senator Stukie Motsa, Senator Sicelo Dlamini and PLE Chairman Polycarp Dlamini, amongst other dignitaries.
