In a celebration of sporting excellence, Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has awarded recognition prizes totaling E27,000 to three Eswatini boxers who clinched medals at the recent Nelson Mandela African Boxing Cup held in South Africa. The ceremony, which highlighted the government’s commitment to nurturing and supporting local athletes, was a jubilant occasion for the nation’s sports community.

The honorees included Veliswa Magaya and Temalangeni Dlamini, each receiving E10,000 for their outstanding silver medals, and Nhlanhla Dlamini, who was awarded E7,000 for his commendable bronze finish. These awards reflect not only the athletes’ hard work and determination but also the significant strides Eswatini is making in the competitive arena of international boxing.

Minister Nzima lauded the athletes’ performances, noting, “For you to emerge from such a fiercely competitive field with podium finishes is a testament to your skill, painstaking preparation, and the commitment with which you approached this task. His Majesty’s Government is proud of your efforts.” He emphasized that such accomplishments underscore the government’s tradition of recognizing and rewarding athletes who achieve podium finishes at recognized international competitions.

The minister particularly praised Veliswa and Temalangeni for their roles in promoting women’s participation in sports within Eswatini. “In particular, I wish to congratulate Veliswa and Temalangeni for representing Eswatini’s women’s sport well. We are committed to expanding the participation of more women and girls in local sport and such achievements by you will help to accelerate this goal. Well done, ladies!” he expressed.

This recognition not only serves as a token of appreciation but also as a motivation for the athletes and their peers to strive for greater achievements, reassured by the government’s full support. The event was a significant moment for Eswatini’s sports landscape, highlighting the ongoing efforts to nurture talent and promote sports as a vital component of youth development and cultural expression.