Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister, Thulisile Dladla, praised the creative efforts of local filmmakers for addressing social welfare issues through the upcoming film Mahlaba: The Street Kid. The film’s unveiling took place at Julios Cinema in Manzini, with a planned release set for May 2025.
Attending the event were several high-profile figures, including Minister of Education Owen Nxumalo, Minister for Tourism Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Muzi Bongani Nzima, former Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku, and other distinguished guests.
Mahlaba: The Street Kid tells the gripping story of a young man abandoned by his mother at birth and raised by his grandmother. In search of his biological mother, he drops out of school and falls into the dangerous world of street gangs. Directed by Zakhele Mabuza, the film features both local talent and notable South African actors such as Muzi Mathabela, Hamilton Dhlamini, Sello Maake kaNcube, Lindelwa Mafa, Nxobile Mavuso, Setsabile Masina, and Nhlanhla Shelembe. It is produced by Shelembe Aphiwe Production and Brotherwood Studios. 
