Durban July Debut: Nothando Hlophe and DJ !Sooks made their first appearance at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, hoisting Eswatini’s flag and using the big stage to push the message that local talent can travel beyond borders. Luju Festival Grows: The Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival was officially launched at Malandelas, with last year’s E2.5m impact for SMEs highlighted and this year expanding into a full two-day event, adding more local and regional acts. EU Culture Funding: Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club won EU support under the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme, backing new heritage stories through animation, film and visual art in both Siswati and English. Safety in Higher Education: Eswatini is stepping up collaboration to prevent sexual harassment and gender-based violence in colleges and universities, sharing findings from the Litsemba Rising initiative. Church Leaders Under Scrutiny: Public calls are growing for mandatory background checks for religious leaders after the arrest of pastor Nkosingiphile Zwane on rape and murder charges. Sports Spotlight (World Cup): Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run and the “1%” story are driving global attention, with match coverage and viewing guides circulating widely. Tech for Learning: Studycat donated 2,000 sets of children’s language-learning software to Eswatini, with distribution planned through government offices and schools. Local Court Matters: Three brothers in Eswatini were charged with murder over an alleged attack on their mother’s boyfriend, and the case is set for further court proceedings.