Swaziland

House On Fire was founded by brothers Jiggs and Sholto Thorne in 2000. Both possessing a passionate love of art and music, the Thornes decided to create a space to grow and develop the arts in Swaziland. Thus began the initial conceptualisation of House on Fire. Inspired by unique outsider creation environments, the likes of the Owl House in Neiu Bethesda and the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, House On Fire is embellished with symbols and icons from around the world highlighting the ideology of harmony in contrast. The initial theatre space was designed in collaboration with architect Sarah Calburn. Since then it has evolved into a multi-functional and expanding creative space. Many talented artisans and crafters from across the Kingdom have added their magic and contributed to the continuous evolution that have become House On Fire, Malandela’s and the surrounding gardens and outside areas. Artist of note, Noah Mduli, has been a significant contributor to the soap stone sculptures inside the theatre and beyond into the gardens. The brothers’ combined business talents have seen the venue evolve and thrive. Visionary art and programme direction combined with outstanding technical and logistical planning has been the key to House On Fire’s running success. House […]

History of the University of Eswatini The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) developed from the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini (UBLS), formerly known as the University of Basutoland, Bechuanaland and Eswatini (UBBS), which had its headquarters in Lesotho between 1964 and 1975. The UBBS had developed from the Pius XII Catholic University College at Roma – itself the product of a long-held desire for an institution of higher learning for Africans, of the Catholic hierarchy in Southern Africa. From its foundation, Pius XII was a college of the more liberal University of South Africa (UNISA), to prepare students for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Following a special agreement reached with UNISA in 1954, under which courses were taught and examined, Pius XII was allowed to expand its academic horizons to include courses leading to UNISA’s degrees of Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, and a post-graduate Diploma in Education. By 1963 there were 180 students, both men and women, and substantial buildings including a science block, refectory, administrative building and workshops. However, even by the late 1950s the College had begun to experience hardships that threatened its future – principally shortage of income, and deteriorating ties with UNISA, including restrictions […]

The Inception of Ngwenya Glass Started in 1979 by Swedish Aid.  They built the factory, imported all the machinery and equipment and employed and trained Swazi’s in the age old art of glassblowing.  Two of the most talented were sent over to Sweden to be trained by some of the leading glassblowers in the world.  From 1981 to its closure in 1985, the factory was run entirely by Swazi’s. In June 1987, the factory was re-opened by Richard, Alix and Chas Prettejohn.  Richard a farmer, Alix an ex-librarian and Chas a marine engineer.  Further removed from  glassblowing one could hardly imagine!  You may ask “What prompted them to pack up everything in East London and to move to Swaziland/Eswatini to make glass animals?”! Well, the Prettejohn’s used to collect glass elephants from Swazi Glass Craft (Ngwenya Glass) until suddenly – NO MORE!  After a couple of years they decided to pop up to Swaziland/Eswatini whilst in Northern Natal and to “investigate”!  The outcome – Proud owners of the only glassblowing factory in Africa.  But now what?!  They know nothing about this business!!  Through sheer determination, hard work and common sense – and of course, invaluable assistance from Consol Glass, Talana […]

Swazi Candles was started in an old cowshed of a former dairy in 1982 by 2 South African art graduates. In those days The Kingdom of Swaziland was a haven of peace amidst troubled countries and proved to be an excellent place for setting up a Cottage Craft industry. The mountainous countryside was beautiful, the Swazi people were warm and friendly and proved to be ideal partners for our industry. The little workshop soon gained a reputation for producing unique candles and started attracting visitors. The vibrancy of the workshop, uniqueness of the product and the skill of the artisans resulted in Swazi Candles becoming one of Swaziland’s premier tourist attractions. By the mid nineties the humble cowshed workshop had burgeoned into an industry that employed over 200 local people and exported candles all over the world. The past few years we have developed some new product ranges including 100% organic soya candles, wax glow lamps (which illuminate for ±100 hours on 2 AA batteries) and handmade balms and soaps. Our range of products have grown into an astonishing array of patterns, shapes and designs. Following current trends and seasonal colour ways, we are continuously updating our styles and welcome […]

The Swaziland Nazarene Health Institution (SNHI) comprises of the 350 bed Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital located in the densely populated region of Manzini, and the twenty (20) Nazarene Community Clinics operating in the four regions of Swaziland serving an aggregate population of 350 000 for RFM Hospital and 250 000 for all the clinics. This makes SNHI a major player in the Health Sector in Swaziland and SNHI is a mission organisation which also leads in patient volumes in Swaziland with a coverage of 40-50% of the country’s population. The Swaziland Nazarene Health Institution (SNHI) The Swaziland Nazarene Health Institution (SNHI) comprises the 350 bed Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital located in the densely populated area of Manzini, and the eighteen (18) Nazarene Community Clinics operating in the four regions of the Swaziland serving an aggregate poputation of 350,000 for RFM Hospital and 250 000 for all the clinics. Vision, Goals, Mission and Values Vision: By 2020 SNHI will be providing high quality physical, spiritual, emotional, psycho-social care in a friendly environment through partnership with our patients, staff and other organizaions Goals: A realization of optimum health and disciples among individuals, groups, families and communities attended to by SNHI personnel. […]

FACILITIES AT THE ROYAL VILLAS The Royal Villas Swaziland offers award winning accommodation, conference facilities and fine cuisine all year round. Set in a beautiful secure estate with stunning views of the Royal Mdzimba Mountains, the gold and browns of the African Savannah are echoed throughout the Villas with each room designed to make the most of the African sunlight and views. The signature Lihawu restaurant provides a fine dining experience with exquisite pan-African cuisine. Furnished in elegant African style, the warmth and gentle lighting are greatly conducive to ordering something special from Sivunu, our premier wine cellar. Guests have a choice of lounges and outdoor venues in which to relax and soak up the best of Africa. Whether you prefer the welcoming pool terrace or the more formal lounge, you may be forgiven for being reluctant to ever leave this haven of elegance. Located just 10 minutes from the capital Mbabane, the Villas are well positioned close to a range of attractions and activities. ACTIVITIES SURROUNDING THE ROYAL VILLAS The prestigious Royal Villas rest in the shadow of the Ezulwini mountains and welcome you with five star elegance to unspoilt Swaziland. Just ten minutes from Mbabane, and twenty-five minutes from […]