TEMVELO AWARDS 2026 LAUNCHED TO CELEBRATE ESWATINI’S ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS

By Tlalane Dlamini

MBABANE – The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, through the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), has officially launched the 2026 Temvelo Awards, inviting individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, researchers, journalists and community organisations to showcase innovative environmental initiatives that are driving sustainable development across the Kingdom.

The awards were unveiled under the theme, “From Science to Action: Turning Knowledge into Change, Honouring Those Who Bridge Discovery and Impact,” highlighting the importance of transforming research, innovation and scientific knowledge into practical environmental solutions that benefit communities and protect Eswatini’s natural heritage.

Speaking during the media launch, the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Hon. Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, said the Temvelo Awards remain the country’s flagship platform for recognising individuals and organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

She said environmental sustainability is inseparable from Eswatini’s national development agenda, noting that protecting the country’s natural resources is directly linked to food security, water security, public health, tourism growth, employment creation and resilient communities.

“Environmental protection is not an obstacle to development. It is the foundation for development,” she said, adding that while scientific knowledge continues to grow, meaningful transformation only occurs when that knowledge is translated into practical action in communities, schools, businesses, municipalities and government institutions.

The Minister further noted that Eswatini continues to experience the effects of climate change through droughts, seasonal floods, wildfires and water stress, all of which threaten livelihoods, agriculture, infrastructure and economic resilience.

While Government continues implementing programmes that strengthen climate resilience, climate-smart agriculture, environmental management and adaptation planning, she emphasised that environmental protection requires collective action.

“Government must lead, but the whole nation must act,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA) Management Board, Mlungisi Simelane, described the Temvelo Awards as a national platform that has evolved far beyond an annual awards ceremony.

He said since their introduction in 2011, the awards have expanded significantly from recognising environmental awareness among schools and communities to celebrating excellence across municipalities, government institutions, businesses, researchers, innovators, journalists, youth and environmental champions from every sector of society.

Simelane said the Board envisions the awards becoming a pipeline for environmental leadership by connecting outstanding projects with mentorship, technical support, partnerships, investment opportunities and greater public visibility.

“The Temvelo Awards are no longer merely an annual ceremony. They are becoming a national platform for identifying solutions,” he said.

To reflect Eswatini’s evolving environmental priorities, this year’s awards introduce an expanded range of categories that recognise leadership across multiple sectors.

The categories include Green Parastatal, Green Municipality, Ecosystem Restoration Leadership Award, Young EcoHero, Environmental Journalist, Green Business SME Award, Climate Change Championuu, Green Manufacturing Award, Green Inkhundla, Green High School, Green Primary School, Green Inclusive Institution Award and the prestigious Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award.

One of the major highlights of the 2026 edition is the introduction of public voting in selected categories. Under the new system, shortlisted nominees will first be assessed by a technical judging panel before public voting contributes 30 percent of the final score, while technical assessment accounts for the remaining 70 percent.

The hybrid approach is expected to strengthen transparency, broaden public participation and increase national awareness of environmental initiatives taking place across the country.

The Minister encouraged all eligible organisations, institutions, businesses, schools, municipalities, researchers, journalists and community groups to submit nominations, reminding emaSwati that local initiatives often become catalysts for national transformation.

She urged citizens not to underestimate the impact of their work, saying every environmental action—no matter how small—contributes towards building a cleaner, greener and more climate-resilient Eswatini.

Nominations for the 2026 Temvelo Awards close on 30 September 2026, after which shortlisted projects will undergo field verification during October before selected categories proceed to public voting ahead of the awards gala scheduled for later this year.

The 2026 Temvelo Awards are expected to continue inspiring innovation, recognising environmental excellence and encouraging greater collaboration among government, businesses, educational institutions, communities and development partners in protecting Eswatini’s environment for future generations.

This version is written in a professional news style suitable for Eswatini Travel News, with a stronger tourism and sustainability angle while remaining faithful to the information contained in the launch documents.