The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) says it is in the final stages of preparations for the relaunch of the Miss Eswatini pageant, with an interim committee already interviewed and expected to be announced soon.
ENCAC Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini said the organisation had completed interviews for individuals who will serve on the newly appointed interim committee, which will oversee the planning and organisation of the next national beauty competition.
Dlamini said the council was now concluding internal processes before making an official announcement.
“We have already interviewed the people who will serve on the interim committee. We are now finalising the process and will soon make an announcement before officially launching Miss Eswatini,” he said.
Dlamini explained that the committee will be tasked with rebuilding and managing the national pageant, which has been under ENCAC’s stewardship.
Among its key responsibilities will be identifying and preparing the country’s next representative for international competitions, including Miss Universe.
He added that the council was committed to ensuring that the pageant maintained high standards and provided a credible platform for young women to showcase leadership, talent and advocacy.
“We want a process that is transparent, professional and beneficial to the contestants. Miss Eswatini is an important national platform and we want to ensure that it continues to empower young women while promoting the country internationally,” he said.
The upcoming launch is expected to generate excitement among pageant enthusiasts who have been waiting for updates on the future of the competition following the crowning of Temvelo Nicole Mtsetfwa in 2024.
The renewed focus on Miss Eswatini comes as preparations for major international pageants continue across the globe.
In neighbouring South Africa, the Miss South Africa organisation recently announced its Top 30 contestants for the 2026 competition following a nationwide search that attracted thousands of entries. The finalists are currently participating in various stages of the competition as the organisation moves closer to selecting the woman who will wear the Miss South Africa crown and represent the country on international platforms.
Model and pageantry enthusiast Noncedo Mamba said the progress being made by other national pageants has increased anticipation for the country’s own competition, particularly as countries begin preparing representatives for upcoming global events.
Dlamini said ENCAC wanted the country to remain competitive on the international stage and believed the appointment of the interim committee would lay a solid foundation for future success.
“We are excited about the future of the pageant and the opportunities it presents for young women. Once the committee is announced, the public will receive more information about the launch and the road ahead,” he said.
Asked about the ongoing Miss Eswatini prize vehicle dispute, Dlamini maintained that the matter remained before the courts and would be allowed to follow the legal process.
“We respect the legal process and will allow it to take its course,” he said.
174 DAYS LATER STILL NO ARREST
WANDO Lifestyle Brands Managing Director Mduduzi Shongwe remains at large 174 days after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The warrant was issued after Shongwe failed to appear in court during contempt of court proceedings linked to the Miss Eswatini prize vehicle dispute. Despite the court order, police have not yet arrested him.
This was confirmed by Hlomla Mdladla, the attorney representing Miss Eswatini 2024, Temvelo Nicole Mtsetfwa.
He said they were still waiting for the police to carry out the order.
“The order of arrest was granted by Judge Ticheme Dlamini. We are still waiting for the police to execute it when Shongwe returns to the country,” said Mdladla.
The warrant was issued on March 4 after Shongwe failed to appear before the High Court despite being found in contempt of court for failing to comply with previous orders directing him to deliver the promised vehicle.
During the proceedings, Shongwe’s attorney, Martin Dlamini, told the court that his client was in South Africa trying to secure the vehicle, which had reportedly been placed under embargo.
He requested more time and said updates would be provided. However, Judge Ticheme Dlamini ruled that Shongwe’s absence was unacceptable and issued a warrant for his arrest. The court ordered that once arrested, he must be brought before court on the next business day.
The dispute started after Mtsetfwa was crowned Miss Eswatini 2024 on November 30, 2024. As part of her prize package, she was promised a Jaecoo J7 vehicle expected to be delivered on December 19, 2024.
After months of waiting, Mtsetfwa approached the High Court, which issued orders directing that the vehicle be delivered. When the orders were not followed, contempt proceedings were started.
The matter has also attracted public attention, with Members of Parliament calling for urgent action, saying delays could affect confidence in national programmes.
More than five months after the arrest warrant was issued, Mtsetfwa remains without her vehicle, while Shongwe is still not arrested.
