Our story must be told by us, says Maziya

Ezulwini – Eswatini’s historical film BakaNgwane is set to premiere on Eswatini TV following a media preview at Sharma House in Ezulwini on Thursday. The event offered journalists and invited guests a first look at the film and included a meet-and-greet with the cast and production team.

Cabinet Ministers Savannah Maziya, Senator Pholile Shakantu, and Bongani Nzima attended the preview alongside Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini and other notable figures. Senator Shakantu, who serves as the film’s executive producer, thanked Their Majesties for supporting the production and described BakaNgwane as an educational project designed to share the Kingdom’s history and correct misconceptions. The film portrays the challenges Eswatini’s Kings faced in protecting the nation’s land, culture, and identity.

ICT Minister Savannah Maziya delivered an extensive address, noting that African history has often been misrepresented by outsiders, becoming accepted as fact even when it is not. She described the film as commendable for preserving Eswatini’s narrative for generations, instilling pride, and demonstrating that Africans are leaders and the originators of protocol. She stated, “As Africans we are strong. As Africans, we actually are the beginners of protocol. We did not begin where people say it began.”

Maziya thanked the production team for ensuring that local and global audiences understand Eswatini’s story and appreciate the struggles endured to achieve the Kingdom’s present. She acknowledged the support of Their Majesties, the deputy prime minister, cabinet colleagues, traditional leadership, Eswatini TV, producers, cast and crew, and the people of Eswatini. She also praised Eswatini TV as a national broadcaster that brings pride to the country and recognised support, which she described as an “engine room” to help share the story of Eswatini’s people.

She lauded the production quality, noting that the film re-engineers the Kingdom’s history to a first-class global standard, showing both “before” and “after” perspectives. Maziya thanked the executive producer for including young people, stressing that the youth must know their history to carry traditions forward and walk with pride, aware of their heritage and the people who fought for the country.

Maziya suggested producing a companion book to complement the film and recommended that it be included in school curricula to safeguard Eswatini’s history. She called for the film to reach audiences beyond Eswatini, across Africa and the world, so that the Kingdom’s story is told by its own people, correcting misrepresentations and ensuring that its victories are recognized. She described the film as “the beginning of our winning story” and called it a long-term, true victory for the Kingdom.