Nhlangano – The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala officially launched the first edition of the Nhlangano Town Council Marathon 2026 yesterday evening at Shingili Plaas Restaurant.
The event aims to encourage emaSwati to adopt healthier lifestyles, strengthen community bonds, and take pride in their local spaces through sport and unity. Minister Maphalala praised the Nhlangano Town Council for its leadership and acknowledged Montigny Company for contributing E60,000 to support the marathon.
“Today, we are launching a movement. A movement that calls upon emaSwati to embrace healthier lifestyles, to strengthen community bonds, and to take pride in the spaces we live in,” Maphalala said. 
He added: “This marathon represents discipline, resilience, and determination values that define not only sport, but nation-building itself. Let it be said that from this day forward, Nhlangano did not just host an event, it ignited a legacy.”
The marathon will bring citizens and stakeholders together to celebrate health, unity, and community pride. Representatives from Eswatini Athletics, speaking for the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, voiced strong support and encouraged other municipalities to follow Nhlangano’s example.
