THE Eswatini Events Managers and Promoters Association has called on Kota Festival organisers to complete all legal and regulatory requirements before hosting the much-anticipated event, warning that compliance remains essential for any festival operating in the country.
The festival, scheduled for October 24 at Malkerns Country Club, has already generated excitement after announcing a star-studded South African line-up featuring Ringo Madlingozi, Aymos, Emtee, Mlindo The Vocalist, Amanda Black and Morda.
The announcement sparked widespread interest on social media, with organisers claiming that 50% of tickets had already been sold. However, EEMPA’s intervention has shifted attention towards the processes that organisers must follow to ensure the event was formally recognised and operates within the country’s laws.
The association, which represents events managers and promoters in the country, exists to promote professionalism, accountability and sustainable development within the events sector. Its role includes encouraging industry players to follow proper procedures, comply with regulations and uphold standards that protect organisers, artists, sponsors and the public.
It was against this background that EEMPA urged the Kota Festival organisers to formally register with the association and apply through the relevant authorities before proceeding with the event.
EEMPA Chairperson Itallo Dlamini said compliance with the country’s regulatory framework was critical to the successful delivery of any event. Dlamini said following the required processes provides confidence to sponsors, artists, partners and members of the public, while also strengthening the credibility of the country’s events industry.
He stressed that EEMPA’s position was not aimed at discouraging new festivals, but rather at ensuring that the industry develops in a structured manner where organisers understand their obligations and operate responsibly.
The association further welcomed the Kota Festival organisers’ engagement with the deputy prime minister’s office on programmes aimed at promoting social inclusion and creating opportunities for vulnerable and marginalised groups, including artists with disabilities.
However, EEMPA cautioned that such partnerships must be based on transparency, accountability and genuine community benefit, rather than being used to promote personal or commercial interests. The association said it remained ready, together with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), to support initiatives that contribute to the growth of the country’s creative economy. It stressed that such support depended on organisers complying with existing policies, regulations and due process.
Meanwhile, the Kota Festival organisers have indicated that they were engaging with the relevant authorities. In a video shared on the festival’s official social media platforms, the organisers said they were looking forward to engaging the appropriate channels and confirmed that members of their team were in the country to discuss preparations for the event.
The organisers also confirmed that they had met Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla to explore a partnership aimed at promoting social inclusion and creating opportunities for vulnerable groups, including artists with disabilities.
Kota Festival sparks mixed reactions
THE Kota Festival has sparked online debate after organisers and stakeholders shared different views about the planned hosting of the event in the kingdom.
Following the statement, social media users expressed mixed reactions, with some questioning the festival while others defended the organisers and welcomed the initiative. The discussion continued as users shared the association’s statement and tagged the festival’s official Facebook page, creating a wider conversation among entertainment followers.
Some online users raised concerns about the event’s credibility, while others argued that local entertainment initiatives should be supported rather than criticised. The debate has since attracted different opinions from members of the public ahead of the festival.
On the Eswatini Kota Festival Facebook page, Bonginkosi BigKing Nkambule encouraged people to support the event. “We will be there to support. Don’t listen to naysayers,” he commented.
Another user, Sam Hlophe, questioned details surrounding the association’s statement, asking why the document did not carry an official stamp. “Why the document not stamped,” read his comment.
Meanwhile, Syamthanda Masuku suggested that criticism against the event was driven by jealousy, while Temlandvo Nana Skhulile Vilakati also described the negative reactions as jealousy.
Bongekile Nyamane raised questions about the reported ticket sales, asking how an event scheduled for October could already have sold 50% of its tickets. Sindile Dlamini also questioned why local artists were not included in promotional posts, saying their inclusion could help build confidence among supporters.
