MTN Eswatini has injected E350,000 into the 12th edition of the Khemani Cycling Road Classic, strengthening its long-standing commitment to sports development while helping position the annual race as a major sporting and economic event on Eswatini’s calendar.
The sponsorship was announced on Thursday, during the official launch of the 12th edition of the Khemani Cycling Road Classic held at MTN Mahlalekhukhwini House, with the race scheduled for September 26, in Mankayane.
The latest investment further cements MTN Eswatini’s position as the title sponsor of a race that has grown from a local cycling initiative into one of the country’s established road cycling events.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture, Bongani Nzima, described the Khemani Classic as a significant platform for national development, highlighting its contribution to youth empowerment, health and wellness, sports tourism and community development.
“Sport is truly brought to life through action, consistency and partnership,” Nzima said, noting that the 12th edition represented more than a sporting competition.
He said the race demonstrated how sustained partnerships between the private sector, government and sporting organisations could create platforms that develop athletes while generating wider social and economic value.
The Minister also praised MTN Eswatini for its continued support of the event, saying its contribution demonstrated that corporate citizenship extends beyond commercial activities.
The E350,000 sponsorship is expected to contribute towards the continued development and execution of the race, which will once again take cyclists through the challenging terrain of Mankayane.
For Khemani Cycling Club President Dr Futhi Dlamini, the latest edition represents the fulfilment of a vision that began more than a decade ago.
Dlamini said the club initially set out to establish a premier cycling event capable of challenging athletes, bringing communities together and creating a platform where the sport could grow.
Twelve years later, the Khemani Classic has become a fixture on the national sporting calendar.
However, the event’s significance extends beyond the cyclists competing for honours.
Dlamini emphasised the economic contribution the race makes to Mankayane, with organisers deliberately sourcing services from local businesses and communities.
These include catering, logistics, tents, accommodation, food vendors, volunteers and other service providers required to host the event.
This approach effectively turns the cycling classic into an economic injection for the host area, as athletes, support teams, officials and spectators converge on Mankayane for race weekend.
The event also maintains a charity component, allowing the race to give back to the community hosting it and ensuring that its legacy extends beyond the sporting field.
MTN Eswatini CEO Jerry Soko and the company’s leadership were recognised for sustaining the partnership with Khemani Cycling Club over the years.
The racing team said the telecommunications company’s continued backing has been critical to the growth and longevity of the event.
The race is also expected to provide an important platform for local cyclists to test themselves against some of the country’s strongest riders, while encouraging participation in cycling as both a competitive sport and a healthy lifestyle.
Nzima encouraged cycling clubs across the country to mobilise their members and increase preparations ahead of the September race, with the Ministry viewing the event as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s sporting ecosystem.
He said cycling promotes discipline, resilience and focus among young people, while also supporting healthier lifestyles.
From a tourism perspective, the Khemani Classic is expected to bring athletes, support crews and spectators into Mankayane, creating opportunities for local hospitality and tourism businesses.
With MTN Eswatini’s E350,000 sponsorship now confirmed, the 12th edition enters its final countdown, with organisers calling on cyclists, clubs and supporters to prepare for September 26.
The Khemani Cycling Road Classic has, over its 12-year journey, evolved into more than a race. It has become a platform where sport, business, community development, tourism and corporate investment converge.
