The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has classified ballet dancing as a sporting discipline, similar to ballroom, following questions raised in Parliament over its support for the art form.
The clarification was made by the ministry of sports culture and youth affairs during a meeting with the portfolio committee on the ministry’s second quarter budget performance report debate for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Responding to a question from Member of Parliament (MP) for Mbabane East Welcome Dlamini on why the ENCAC chief executive officer had declined to support ballet dancing, the ministry explained that the discipline falls under sport and is recognised competitively, including through World Cup competitions.
The committee debate, chaired by Sifiso Shabalala, also heard that the ministry provides various forms of assistance to artists, including accommodation, transport and meal allowances.
Responding to a question from Hhohho Regional MP Tanele Magagula, who sought clarification on the matter concerning Isitha, the ministry said the artists involved had received accommodation rental for two months, travelling costs and meal allowances. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to developing different arts disciplines and supporting artists through its development programmes.
Meanwhile, the Arts and Culture Department has confirmed that sound systems are available for use by tinkhundla, chiefdoms and festivals at a minimal fee. This was in response to a question by Ndzingeni MP Gcina ‘Singalwi’ Magagula, who wanted to know whether the department could provide sound systems for tinkhundla activities.
The ministry explained that the fee covers transportation, labour and sound engineering services. Magagula also raised concerns about the possible misuse and misrepresentation of chiefdoms and tinkhundla when organisers seek support for community activities and festivals.
In response, the ministry said relevant councils normally require official supporting letters from the respective tinkhundla or chiefdoms before providing assistance for community festivals.
The MP further sought guidance on how members of Parliament could secure invitations and support for programmes in their respective constituencies. The ministry advised MPs to formally write to the relevant councils when requesting programme support, adding that the councils also facilitate and support invitations from chiefdoms.
The portfolio committee debate was attended by acting Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Phila Buthelezi and senior ministry officials.
The committee’s report examined the ministry’s progress in implementing planned programmes, performance against approved targets and challenges encountered during the second quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year.
