BY PHESHEYA KUNENE
EZULWINI – Swazi Fest Writer’s Awards at the weekend honored the outstanding work showcased by authors in the country. The first edition awards ceremony took place at Sibane Hotel on Saturday afternoon.
More than 70 literary stars and media personalities attended the red carpet event. The awards featured celebrated influencers such as Gciniwe Fakudze and author Nathi Gule.
The successful event was organized by author Clement Thando Dlamini, who is known for showcasing his writing skills in one of the leading newspapers in the country.
Vibrant MCs Nana Sambo and radio personality Crowd puller served as masters of the ceremony as they kept the audience entertained throughout the afternoon.
The highlight of the day was the naming of the 10 winners in categories such as Best Blogger, Best Scriptwriter, Best young writer, and Best Informative author.
Tenele Dlamini walked away with the best blogger award while Nerville Johnson was presented with two awards for his contribution on Best scriptwriter and Best poem book compilation author. Other winners included the likes of Bandiswa Vilane, Matron Mntshali, Tandzile Zwane, and Nonhlanhla Mkhabela.
Entertainment was dished out by RnB artist Fezzo and talented poet Anthonimass.
Respected author and MC, Nathi Gule, praised Dlamini for introducing such a concept.
“I thank Clement for coming up with this concept which will motivate and encourage writers in the country,” he said.
On the other hand, Dlamini thanked everyone who made the event possible. He said the event was not only a platform to celebrate writers but it was an opportunity for him and his team to learn from the best.
He further promised a bigger and better awards ceremony next year.
On the different categories, here are the writer’s awards winners;
1. Best Blogger – Tenele Dlamini
2. Best scriptwriter – Nerville Johnson
3. Favorite Newspaper Columnist – Bandiswa Vilane
4. Best poem book compilation author – Nerville Johnson
5. Best Informative Author – Matron Mntshali
6. Best Siswati Author – Gcina Mhlanga
7. Best young writer – Nonhlanhla Mkhabela
8. Best online arts and entertainment magazine – The Sparks
9. Best Fictional Author – Mbali Dlamini
10. Best Selling Author – Tandzile Zwane
