Melisizwe Zwane named best conductor
His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir conductor Melisizwe Zwane received E5 000 from Eswatini Med for his award.
Melisizwe Zwane, conductor for His Majesty’s Correctional Services Choir, was awarded E5 000 by Eswatini Med as the Best Conductor at the 2026 Ntjilo-Ntjilo Choral Competition. The prize was presented on Friday, October 23, at the Manzini Arts and Culture offices by Eswatini Med’s Principal Officer, Sicelo Mkhonta.
Zwane expressed gratitude, calling the award a reflection of the choir's collective effort and his leadership. The award came as a surprise, as his name was not announced during the main competition held late last month. Eswatini Med commended local conductors for raising artistic standards and cultivating homegrown talent.
The Ntjilo-Ntjilo competition, founded by Mathokoza Sibiya, received over E500 000 in total sponsorship from corporate sponsors, including Tibiyo Insurance group. Stanley Dlamini, CEO of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, congratulated the choirs representing Eswatini in regional eliminations this weekend.
Why it mattersMelisizwe Zwane and other local choral groups are preparing for upcoming trips to South Africa for regional competitions.