Eswatini hosted the King’s Baton Relay
- William Bolton
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Relay began with a welcome dinner hosted by H.E. Colin Wells, British High Commissioner. Hon. Bongani Nzima, Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, spoke about the Baton’s role in strengthening Eswatini’s international bonds through sport, while Commonwealth Games Association President Adam Mthethwa reflected on the nation’s proud history, recalling Richard Mabuza’s marathon bronze at the 1974 Christchurch Games, Eswatini’s first Commonwealth Games medal. Chief Executive Officer Maxwell Jele spoke of the Baton’s significance in promoting sports and cultural exchange. The evening set the tone for the journey ahead.
On 15 August, the Baton was carried through Mbabane in a lively march from the Engen Filling Station to the Prince of Wales Stadium. Adam Mthethwa began as the first Batonbearer before passing it to athletes representing athletics, cycling, biking, and wheelchair sports. Crowds of schoolchildren lined the streets, waving flags and singing as the Baton entered the stadium, creating a moment of national pride.
The Baton then travelled to Mantenga Cultural Village where heritage and tradition were celebrated through song, dance, and storytelling. On 16 August, the journey continued with a sports day that brought National Federations together with young athletes. Children delighted in trying new sports, encouraged by coaches and families who filled the grounds with energy and enthusiasm.
As the Relay progressed, environmental stewardship also took centre stage. Green Living Movement Eswatini, a key partner in the week’s activities, supported the celebrations by promoting sustainable practices and youth involvement in climate action. Through their ongoing work in environmental education, green skills training, and community
development, the organisation empowers young people to take an active role in protecting Eswatini’s natural resources. Their presence during the Relay underscored the shared commitment to a cleaner, greener future and highlighted the role of community organisations in driving positive environmental change.
Community action was also central to the Relay. In Mbabane, the Baton inspired a clean-up campaign led by the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association in partnership with the Mbabane Municipal Council, Green Living Movement Eswatini, and students from Ka-Schiele High School. The initiative formed part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, the first partnership between Commonwealth Sport and the Royal Commonwealth Society to tackle plastic pollution. It was a powerful demonstration of Eswatini’s commitment to a greener future and the values of unity and responsibility that underpin the Commonwealth.
The final leg on 19 August took the Baton to the Office of the Prime Minister, where the Right Honourable Russell Mmiso Dlamini welcomed the delegation and received a briefing on the Baton’s journey since its arrival from Ghana. He praised the achievements of the Relay in Eswatini and formally handed the Baton to Malawi, the next host nation.
The Relay highlighted Eswatini’s pride in its culture, its investment in sport, and its commitment to a greener future. As the Baton moved on to Malawi, it left behind a week of shared experiences and memories that connected communities across the country.
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN
The Royal Commonwealth Society’s Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign will prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways.
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The campaign will combine education and local action to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, highlight alternatives, and reduce pollution across the Commonwealth.
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For the action component of the campaign, the Royal Commonwealth Society has partnered with Commonwealth Sport to deliver the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign as a core component of The King’s Baton Relay. This newly envisioned King’s Baton Relay will focus on sustainability and environmentalism and was launched by His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day 2025, beginning a 500-day journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.
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Journeying through every Commonwealth nation and territory, this partnership will bring together young people, athletes, conservation groups, and the local community for a week of activities, including a plastic clean-up.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.