Eswatini National Council of Arts & Culture

The Eswatini National Council of Arts & Culture (ENCAC) serves as the kingdom’s principal administrative body dedicated to preserving, promoting, and coordinating the national arts and cultural landscape. Operating under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, the council acts as a bridge between government and the creative community, ensuring that the rich heritage of Eswatini is protected while fostering modern artistic expression. From regulating industry standards to advocating for artists’ socio-economic empowerment, ENCAC provides a structured framework for cultural development that touches every corner of the nation. Its work spans visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, and cultural heritage, making it the central hub for arts administration in Eswatini.

Strategically headquartered in Manzini with satellite art centres across all four regions—Manzini, Hhohho, Lubombo, and Shiselweni—the council demonstrates a commitment to decentralized service delivery. By maintaining these regional hubs, ENCAC ensures that artists, cultural practitioners, and community groups throughout the kingdom have access to resources, guidance, and a platform for their work. Whether you are a traditional craftsperson, a contemporary filmmaker, a musician, or a theatre director, the council’s programmes and associations provide pathways for growth, collaboration, and national recognition.

Mission, Vision & Core Values

The driving purpose of the Eswatini National Council of Arts & Culture is clearly articulated through its mission to promote and develop arts and culture. This is achieved through four primary functions: regulating the creative industry to maintain quality and ethical standards; coordinating arts and culture activities across the country to avoid duplication and encourage synergy; advocating for the sector and building collaborations with key stakeholders, including government ministries, private sponsors, and international cultural bodies; and sensitizing the public on cultural values to nurture national pride. A vital component of the mission is the socio-economic empowerment of artists, recognizing their role not only as cultural custodians but also as contributors to the national economy.

The council’s vision is to be a recognized authority in arts and culture that strives to develop and promote the preservation of arts and cultural pride while enriching the livelihood of the Swazi Nation. This forward-looking statement is anchored by a set of core values that guide daily operations and long-term strategy. Integrity ensures all dealings are ethical and transparent, accessibility guarantees that services reach all artists regardless of location, transparency builds trust with affiliates and the public, accountability reinforces responsible stewardship of resources, and promoting unity and diversity celebrates both the common heritage and the varied expressions that make up the Swazi cultural tapestry.

Art Codes & Affiliated Associations

ENCAC structures its engagement through defined art codes that categorize the different sectors of the creative industry. These codes ensure that specialized needs are met and that practitioners within each field have a tailored support system.

Performing Arts

The performing arts code encompasses music, theatre, dance, and beauty pageants. This is one of the most dynamic sectors under the council’s purview, with active affiliate associations including the Eswatini Music Association, the Gospel Association, the Eswatini National Dance Association, the Theatre Group Association, and the Choral Association. Through these bodies, performers access training, performance platforms, and advocacy representation.

Visual Arts

Visual arts cover fine arts, craft, film, and television. ENCAC supports bodies such as the Visual Arts Association, the National Film and Eswatini Television Producers Association, and the Eswatini Fashion Houses. This code is critical for blending traditional Swazi handicrafts—renowned for their quality—with modern visual storytelling and design, providing a pipeline from grassroots craft producers to professional film and television enterprises.

Literary Arts

The literary arts sector focuses on book writing and publication, encouraging a culture of reading and authorship within the kingdom. While specific literary associations are developing under the council’s umbrella, ENCAC actively provides documentation, policy guidance, and platforms like its magazine and upcoming events to showcase literary talent.

Services & Facilities

The council delivers a wide range of services designed to build a robust arts and culture ecosystem. These are not merely administrative functions but active, hands-on programmes that benefit artists, associations, and the broader community.

• Affiliate Membership & Coordination: ENCAC provides a formal structure for creative associations to register, access funding guidance, and align their activities with national cultural policy. This coordination prevents fragmentation and amplifies the collective voice of the sector.
• Policy Development & Documentation: Key documents such as the National Arts and Culture Council Bill, the Arts and Culture Policy (2023-2028), Human Resource Policies, and the Board Charter are developed and maintained by the council. These provide the legal and operational backbone for arts governance in Eswatini.
• Event Organization & Promotion: ENCAC is behind major national cultural events including the NACA Awards, Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini, and supports large-scale gatherings like the MTN BushFire Festival. The council’s “Coming Attractions” platform keeps the public informed about significant cultural dates.
• Regional Art Centres: With physical locations in Manzini (Head Office and Manzini Art Centre), Hhohho, Lubombo (Lubombo Art Centre), and Shiselweni (Shiselweni Art Centre), the council offers accessible spaces for rehearsals, exhibitions, meetings, and administrative support.
• Eswatini Arts TV & Publications: Through the Eswatini Arts TV YouTube channel and its magazine, ENCAC documents, broadcasts, and showcases creative works, providing artists with media exposure and the public with cultural content.

Key Programmes & National Events

ENCAC’s calendar reflects its role as the nation’s cultural engine. The council orchestrates or partners in events that galvanize the creative sector and attract international attention.

MTN BushFire Festival Support

As a major stakeholder, ENCAC aligns its objectives with Africa’s premier multicultural gathering, the MTN BushFire Festival, typically held in May. The council’s involvement ensures that the festival includes strong representation of traditional Swazi arts and emerging local talent alongside global performers.

NACA Awards

The National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA Awards) are the council’s flagship recognition platform. These awards celebrate excellence across all art codes—from best visual artist to outstanding theatre production—motivating practitioners and setting benchmarks for quality and innovation.

Miss Cultural Heritage Eswatini

This pageant, organized under the performing arts code, goes beyond conventional beauty contests. It is a vehicle for promoting cultural values, traditional attire, and heritage awareness among young women, aligning with the council’s mandate to preserve and sensitize on cultural pride.

Ingwenyama Cup Culture Competition

An event that merges sports and culture, the Ingwenyama Cup Culture Competition demonstrates ENCAC’s innovative approach to collaboration. By integrating cultural performances into a major sporting framework, the council reaches wider audiences and reinforces the connection between sporting excellence and cultural identity.

Serving Manzini & Manzini District

While ENCAC operates nationally, its head office location in Manzini places it at the heart of Eswatini’s commercial and cultural hub. Situated at the Woodmasters Grand Valley, Northrise Township, Plot 01, Mentjies Street, the council is easily accessible to artists, government officials, and international delegations. The Manzini Art Centre, with its dedicated phone line (+268 2505 4533), serves as a local focal point for workshops, performances, and administrative inquiries specific to the Manzini District.

For those traveling to the head office from the G95G+MRX address marker, the premises are equipped to host meetings, document reviews, and registration sessions. The council’s accessible operating hours support face-to-face interactions, while its digital presence—via the sncac.org.sz website and email—accommodates those in rural areas or the regional art centres.

Why Choose ENCAC?

Choosing to work with the Eswatini National Council of Arts & Culture means partnering with the only nationally mandated body dedicated to the complete arts and culture value chain. Affiliates benefit from a structured policy environment that protects their interests, a coordinated calendar that maximizes exposure, and a unified voice in advocacy discussions with government and funders.

The council’s transparent operational model, outlined in its audited financial statements and governed by a clear board charter, reassures stakeholders that resources are managed prudently. Its commitment to integrity and accessibility means that even the smallest community group in Shiselweni can find a pathway to national platforms. Furthermore, ENCAC’s extensive network of associations—from DJs and fashion houses to book writers and music producers—creates a diverse, collaborative ecosystem where cross-disciplinary projects can thrive.

How to Engage & Contact the Council

Engagement with ENCAC is straightforward and designed to be inclusive. Artists and associations can begin by visiting the official website to download registration forms and review the affiliate workplan. The website also hosts key governance documents that outline the council’s strategic direction and operational policies. Prospective affiliates or event partners are encouraged to contact the head office directly.

• Head Office Address: Woodmasters Grand Valley, Northrise Township, Plot 01, Mentjies Street, Manzini, Eswatini
• Phone: +268 2505 4437 / +268 2404 5214
• Email: info@sncac.org.sz
• Regional Contacts: Lubombo Art Centre +268 2343 4183, Shiselweni Art Centre +268 2207 7557, Hhohho Art Centre +268 2555 9120, Manzini Art Centre +268 2505 4533

Follow ENCAC on Facebook and YouTube to stay updated on upcoming events, artist spotlights, and cultural news. Whether you seek funding guidance, want to register a new association, or plan to attend a major event like the NACA Awards or BushFire Festival, the council’s doors are open to advance the arts and culture of the Kingdom of Eswatini.