Mbabane – The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in Eswatini has confirmed that Music and Arts Festival overall winner Sabelo Matse will soon travel to Zimbabwe following a wave of support from government leaders and private partners.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla during a handover ceremony held at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in Mbabane.
Matse, who rose to national recognition after winning the festival, received E16,500 in cash along with travel arrangements and clothing support ahead of his international trip. He is scheduled to take part in a tour hosted by Edd Branson Publishers from March 27 to 29, 2026, where he will engage in studio recordings, radio interviews and television appearances. 
Among the contributions, Eswatini Air provided an air ticket, while Indonesia’s Honorary Consul Kareem Ashraff donated two tailor made suits, toiletries and additional cash support. Further financial contributions came from several Cabinet Ministers including ICT Minister Savannah Maziya, Commerce Minister Mancoba Khumalo, Tinkhundla Administration Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula, Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela, alongside the Deputy Prime Minister and an anonymous donor.
Speaking at the event, Dladla described the occasion as a moment of national pride, noting the importance of recognising talent and ensuring that local artists are given opportunities beyond the country’s borders.
“It is with immense pride and profound joy that the community gathered to recognize his achievement and the support that made it possible, applauding his talent, perseverance, and the spirit of inclusion. The sponsorship highlights a collective effort by the government and private partners to champion artistic excellence and ensure that Eswatini’s talent reaches international stages,” she said.
Dladla also acknowledged the role played by Edd Branson Publishers for coordinating logistics and studio arrangements, as well as the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture for its continued work in promoting cultural development and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Matse will be accompanied on the trip by Bahlalisile Tsabedze, an officer from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, as he represents Eswatini on the regional stage.
