Culture is what defines us as Africans and without it we are incomplete. As Swazis, and part of the African community, we have one of the most colourful cultures, not only in the continent but worldwide. Our culture is what defines us as a Swazi people; it makes us stand out among the crowd. It is characterised by a colourful traditional dress code and entertaining song and dance.

When the University of Botswana hosted the Cultural Diversity day, Swaziland was certainly represented by virtue of having students pursuing their under-graduate and post-graduate studies there. Even though I am not a student there, I had the pleasure of being part of that Swazi crew as a means to support my fellow countrymen and women.

We prepared and displayed Swazi traditional dishes, were clad in our traditional regalia, sang and danced to our own traditional music as well as displaying Swazi handicraft. To prove that Swazis really rock, our stall was the busiest on both days of the event. When we paraded, sang and danced, the audience went wild until we exited the stage. I am sure most people in the audience silently wished they were Swazis.

At the end of the last day our stall was packed with people eager to learn more about Swaziland and its culture- others were competing to take pictures with us in our traditional regalia. It was clear to all and sundry that emaSwati really rock. Siyinqaba!!!

Miss Cultural Heritage is a renewed cultural pageant celebrated to propagate responsive of Cultural Heritage World Tourism and also create opportunities through art, literature, love, peace and unity amongst the various ethnic groups around the world.

"Miss Cultural Heritage World involves around beauty and uniqueness constantly with the future generation that’s competing as this shall serve as the world’s diverse culture, artistic and linguistic heritage"- Sifiso Xaba.

The search for Miss Cultural Heritage Swaziland has begun & it will strictly be a Cultural Pageant with its entire objectives set to achieve the Country’s cultural tourism aspect and anything attached to it. Girls aged between 17-25 are eligible to join & forms are available on www.swazisrock.com , @ a Galp Energia Filling Station near u, Cafe De Flore' & Mbabane theatre Club from the 1st April 2009.

To download application form click here.