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.
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.
