With grace, confidence, and an undeniable passion for her roots, Yoliswa Manana was crowned Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini 2025/26 at a dazzling ceremony held at The George Hotel on Saturday.
The event marked not only her personal triumph but also a powerful celebration of Eswatini’s identity and cultural pride.
Radiating elegance in traditional attire, Manana stood out among twelve finalists with her articulate advocacy for heritage-based tourism and her heartfelt vision to safeguard the nation’s traditions for future generations.
Her poise and deep understanding of Eswatini’s customs earned her the crown, succeeding outgoing queen Gcinizwi Tsikati (2024/25).
Overwhelmed with emotion, the new queen described her victory as both an honour and a calling. “Culture is not just who we are — it’s what draws the world to Eswatini,” said Manana.
“During my reign, I want to work with the Eswatini Tourism Authority and cultural custodians to spotlight our festivals, attire, and rural heritage trails as unique attractions that tell the story of our people.”
Manana’s reign begins at a pivotal time when Eswatini is positioning itself as a leading cultural tourism destination in Southern Africa. Her advocacy will focus on promoting Eswatini’s cultural expressions from traditional dances and local craftsmanship to community tourism projects that empower rural women and youth.
Themed “Celebrating Heritage, Inspiring Tourism,” this year’s Miss Cultural Heritage pageant transformed The George Hotel into a vibrant reflection of the Kingdom’s diversity.
The evening featured rhythmic dances, melodic poetry, and colorful attire symbolizing all four regions of the country as a living tapestry of Swati heritage.
Miss Cultural Heritage is more than a crown; it’s a national statement of pride and identity,
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Hon. Bongani Nzima, commended the initiative for uniting cultural preservation and tourism promotion.
“Miss Cultural Heritage is more than a crown; it’s a national statement of pride and identity,” said Nzima.
“Through queens like Yoliswa, we are reminded that our traditions are not relics of the past but treasures that can shape our economic future.”
He also announced government plans to strengthen cultural education through cultural clubs in tertiary institutions and community-based initiatives linking tradition with tourism growth.
As the night closed with jubilant performances of dance and song, the atmosphere echoed with unity and pride. For Yoliswa Manana, this is just the beginning, a journey to embody Eswatini’s living heritage and share its timeless beauty with the world.
