The spirit of radio came alive as Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) turned its World Radio Day 2026 celebration into a lively, jam-packed broadcast fiesta.
From the crack of dawn, audiences were treated to something special as presenters and guest personalities took over studios across EBIS 1 and EBIS 2, making it a memorable day for listeners nationwide.
One of the early highlights was Member of Parliament Alec Lushaba, who swapped the political podium for the microphone, delivering the 6am news bulletin with flair and fresh energy.
Another standout moment featured Mbongeni Mbingo, Acting Managing Director of the Eswatini Observer, who stepped into the studio to read the news live on air, bringing seasoned journalistic authority to the broadcast.
His presence reinforced radio’s enduring role in delivering credible and timely information.
Other notable guests included veteran presenter Sgayoyo Magongo, media personality Thandiswa Ginindza, and broadcaster Joy Ndwandwe, among others.
Throughout the day, EBIS presenters led vibrant discussions, cultural showcases and explorations of technology under this year’s theme, “Radio and AI.”
Social media platforms buzzed as listeners interacted in real time, transforming the celebration into a participatory experience that extended beyond traditional airwaves.
The 2026 festivities built on the momentum of World Radio Day 2025, when EBIS hosted a cross-border broadcast exchange with Ligwalagwala FM in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Local host Siphesihle Sebenguni, affectionately known as Sihlabani, broadcast live from South African studios, while Dumisani Dominic Simelane, known as Madumane, joined EBIS in Mbabane — blending music, culture and live audience interaction across borders.
UNESCO Urges Youth to Feed AI in Siswati
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has encouraged young people in Eswatini to contribute more Siswati digital content to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) systems in local languages.
Secretary-General Lwandle Simelane urged youth to write, post and create more content in Siswati so AI platforms can learn and respond accurately in the mother tongue.
“AI does not innately know our languages,” she explained.
“It learns from the content people post. If we want AI to respond in Siswati, we must give it Siswati data.”
Simelane emphasised UNESCO’s mandate to preserve mother languages, noting that digital platforms are now critical for cultural survival.
“For our culture and heritage to thrive, Siswati must be present where the world is now — online,” she said.
She also called on radio stations to strengthen local content production to attract younger audiences, stressing that youth engagement is essential for both linguistic diversity and broadcasting relevance.
Fast-rising local artist Senchiezy, known for his hit song Sawbona Gogo, welcomed the initiative.
Singing primarily in Siswati, Senchiezy said the call aligns with his mission to preserve culture through music.
“This is a great move. Our music, stories and words matter. If young people keep creating in Siswati, we help AI learn our language and preserve our culture at the same time.”
He added that the younger generation carries the responsibility to ensure Siswati thrives not only in homes and communities, but also in the digital world where future conversations will take place.
