Mbabane – Education and Training Minister Owen Nxumalo has congratulated learners who excelled in the national essay writing competition organised by the Bible Society of Eswatini in partnership with his ministry.
The minister was speaking during the award ceremony where he also commended the Norwegian Bible Society, teachers, the Religious Education Inspectorate and faith-based organisations for supporting the initiative.
This year’s overall winner is Hlelolwenkhosi Kunene from St Francis High School in Mbabane. She received an all-expenses-paid trip to Norway, accompanied by her Religious Education teacher. 
In the primary schools category, Sibusisekile Gamedze from Manzini Central took the top spot.
The competition ran under the theme “Biblical Perception of Stewardship and Dominion in the Context of Climate Change.”
Acting Senior Inspector for Religious Education, Sipho Xaba, said discussions were underway with the Bible Society on the future of the competition, which had initially been scheduled for three years and has now reached the end of its cycle.
High school category winners
- Hlelolwenkhosi Kunene – St Francis
- Lindsay Dlamini – St Theresa
- Sakhelwe Mndzebele – St Francis
- Temaphephetse Vilakati – Mhubhe
- Thabisa Mngoma – Mhlume
Primary school category winners
Siphiwo Xaba – Lozitha
Sibusisekile Gamedze – Manzini Central
Florinda Pedro – Manzini Central
Nkosingivile Chicoco – Manzini Central
Mukelwe Kunene – Manzini Central
