A of Health, Tourism, and Community Impact
MBULUZI, ESWATINI – Stratcom Group proudly joined over 4,500 participants on Sunday for the 2025 Sibebe Survivor Challenge, one of the country’s most anticipated annual wellness and fundraising events. Organised by the Rotary Club of Mbuluzi Mbabane and sponsored by NEDBANK Eswatini, the event celebrated a powerful convergence of health, domestic tourism, and social impact.
Held under clear winter skies, the challenge took walkers on a scenic 10-kilometre trek across the iconic Sibebe Rock— the world’s second-largest granite monolith. Now firmly cemented as a national movement, the event continues to draw thousands of Emaswati and visitors, united in support of meaningful community development initiatives.
Promoting Wellness, Pride, and Purpose
“As a communications and marketing firm committed to nation-building, Stratcom was honoured to walk in solidarity with thousands of participants,” said Sibusiso Mngadi, CEO of Stratcom Media. “This event goes beyond physical endurance — it’s a symbol of unity, community pride, and what strategic partnerships can achieve.”
Tourism Minister Jane Simelane echoed these sentiments, stating that events like Sibebe Survivor promote domestic tourism and deepen appreciation of Eswatini’s natural assets.
“When locals embrace experiences like this, they become ambassadors — helping us attract international visitors while contributing to grassroots development,” she said.
Corporate Sponsorship Driving Social Impact
NEDBANK Eswatini, the headline sponsor of this year’s challenge, committed E500,000 towards the event. The sponsorship, however, went far beyond logistics and branding. It contributed directly to tangible development initiatives implemented through the Sibebe Community Trust, including:
- Payment of school fees for 500 children
- Construction of bridges in underserved rural areas
- Provision of water tanks to improve access to clean water
- Support for women’s empowerment programmes
“This is part of our broader commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities,” said Fikile Nkosi, Managing Director of Nedbank.
Rotary Club Applauds Growing Support
Andrew Muwonge, President of the Rotary Club of Mbuluzi Mbabane, expressed gratitude for the continued support the event enjoys. “With over 4,500 walkers this year, it’s clear that Sibebe Survivor has become more than a fundraiser — it’s a shared tradition of giving back.”
Funds raised from the event support a wide range of long-term projects managed by the Sibebe Community Trust, including bursaries for orphaned and vulnerable children, rural electrification initiatives, and youth empowerment programmes.
Corporate Wellness and Community Engagement
Among the many corporate participants was Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RES), which fielded over 500 employees as part of its corporate wellness and social responsibility programmes — reinforcing the growing role of private sector stakeholders in national development efforts.
For Stratcom Media, the event reinforced its brand values of collaboration, excellence, community engagement, and intentional impact.
“The Sibebe Survivor Challenge perfectly reflects the kind of initiatives we’re proud to support — those that unite people, promote national pride, and deliver real change,” added Mngadi.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded on a celebratory note, with participants sharing stories of personal accomplishment and collective purpose. Many pledged to return next year — not just to conquer Sibebe Rock again, but to continue contributing to the cause it represents.
As Eswatini leans into a future driven by wellness, sustainability, and shared prosperity, Stratcom Media remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote inclusive growth, civic participation, and national transformation.