Author: Nkosivile Mamba

In only just four weeks, The Spotlight Season 2 has racked up a whopping 150 000 votes!

Though this number of votes is still nowhere near the record of about half a million votes registered during the first season of the competition, these figures recorded in only just four weeks this season, accentuate that The Spotlight is without a doubt the biggest music talent platform in the country.

It is also worth noting that due to changes that were made in The Spotlight Season 2 to adapt to the new normal, this year’s nomination rounds and voting period was reduced by almost  half compared to the previous season’s series.

Just last week alone, The Spotlight registered an amazing 42 334 votes!

MTN Senior Manager Consumer Meshack Maseko said this is yet again another astounding achievement for the show.

“This is really amazing! We thank Emaswati for supporting these talented young people and the competition from last year. We are cognizant of the fact that this year is a difficult time for all of us and it caught us unaware, nonetheless the support from Emaswati for this competition and participating young people is unbelievable,” he said.

Over the past weekend, the ladies’ dominated top eight was whittled down to the top five. Only one male contestants Sihle Fakudze made it to the top five-he is the only thorn amongst four roses.   

The Spotlight top five is made up of Sihle Fakudze, Thembumenzi Mkhonta, Naledi Masuku, Tselile Dlamini and Sethu Magagula, as Irven Msibi, Lisa Mavuso and Zanoxolo Maseko crashed out of the competition.  

With only five contestants left, the competition continues to heat up on The Spotlight. Maseko encouraged Emaswati to carry on with the excitement and keep the votes coming until the very end of the competition.  

“To keep your favorite contestant on The Spotlight, dial *7768# and then select the contestant’s number. You can also vote by visiting Y’elloHub: https://www.yellohub.co.sz/thespotlight/contestants/, click Vote 4 Me on the contestant you wish to vote for and follow the prompts,” said Maseko. The Top 5 voting window will close on Friday at 3:00pm.     

The Spotlight host Thamsanqa ‘KrTC’ Sibandze said votes by Emaswati go hand-in-hand with the tallies of the competition judges who have kept their fingers on the pulse of the competition.    

On this past weekend’s episode of The Spotlight, 20 became 15…and then 16, as this episode was the first chance for the judges to use their ‘save’ authority to keep an eliminated contestant in the competition.  

Unluckily, it was the end of the road for Tumelo Vilakati, Nokukhanya Mkhonta, Glory Johnson and Sipheleliselwe Hlatshwayo. Whereas Siyanda Dlamini was saved to go through to the next round of the competition by the judges.

The rules of the competition allows judges to have three saves for the duration of the competition. Siyanda Dlamini was the first lucky beneficiary for this arrangement. Judge Khulekani “Karly B” Mamba delivered the exciting news to Dlamini that left him dumbfounded on stage. The only words he managed to mumble were “I am relieved” and “thank you.”  

Asked why the judges felt that Siyanda Dlamini was worth saving, Karly B said he is one of the best voices in the competition this year, “we believe that given a chance, he could definitely be a great contender for the next superstar.”

Mamba reminded contestants that in such a competition, a great performance alone would not make them winners. “You need to push people to vote for you in order to make it.”

The save of Siyanda Dlamini by the judges means that next week, instead of eliminating five contestants, six contestants will be eliminated to land to the Top 10.  

The Spotlight host Thamsanqa Sibandze said votes reached just over 23 000 last week and further challenged Emaswati to break last week’s voting record this week.

“Thank you Eswatini for your support, because the contestants time on The Spotlight depends on your vote,” he said.  

During the past week, contestants were given a selection of songs to choose from and were called in for rehearsals with a two-piece band to help them sing on time and in tune. The remaining Top 16 moved on to compete for their chance to be the next Eswatini’s superstar.  

MTN Senior Manager Consumer Meshack Maseko encouraged Emaswati who missed the Top 16 performance on Eswatini TV to stream it on the MTN Eswatini YouTube channel or on Y’ello Hub-‘Eswatini’s Premium Digital Content.’ 

“We further encourage Emaswati to vote for their favorite contestants because it is their votes that will crown the winner of the competition. Voting has been made easier through bulk voting. To vote, dial *7768# and follow the prompts. You can also vote by sending your favorite contestant’s code to 7768. Each vote costs E0.50,” he said.

Maseko further announced that Emaswati could now also vote via Y’ello Hub by:

• Going to https://www.yellohub.co.sz/thespotlight/contestants/
• Click Vote 4 me on the Contestant you wish to vote for
• Enter your 8 Digit MTN Eswatini Number
• Enter Number of votes (1 vote = E0.50)      
• Click “SUBMIT VOTE” to submit your vote to MTN MoMo.    
• Confirm your vote(s) by approving the MTN MoMo transaction on SMS popup or your MTN MoMo approvals list.    
• Once you have confirmed the MTN MoMo transaction, your vote(s) will be added to the selected Contestant’s votes.

“Please note that the money will only be deducted from you MTN MoMo account if you have a sufficient balance and have confirmed the transaction via your mobile phone,” explained Maseko.  

The Top 16 voting window will close on Friday at 3:00pm.  

“Have your say by voting and decide who makes the Top 10. You can vote as many times as you like. By voting, you also stand a chance to win exciting rewards from weekly prizes up to grand finale prizes. There are about E50 000 worth of prizes up for grabs courtesy of MTN Eswatini and prize giveaways will be done weekly,” he said.

The competition voters’ weekly prizes are Mobicell and Smart T handsets. Grand finale prizes are a smart TV, laptop and five smartphones. The Spotlight is powered by MTN Eswatini in partnership with Eswatini TV, Huawei, Destiny Group, TBWA\Yati and Nandos.  

The Spotlight Top 16 and their voting codes

1. 002-David Mpungose
2. 003-Siyanda Dlamini
3. 004-Zanoxolo Maseko
4. 006-Sethu Magagula
5. 007-Siphesihle Qwabe
6. 008-Mfanawenkhosi Dlamini
7. 009-Irven Msibi
8. 010-Lungelotom Magongo
9. 011-Lisa Mavuso
10. 012-Naledi Masuku
11. 013-Thembumenzi Mkhonta
12. 014-Tselile Dlamini
13. 016-Londiwe Kunene
14. 017-Sihle Fakudze
15. 19-Lucy-Kate Smith
16. 020-Thabani Mngometulu

MTN Foundation has added E100 000 more in the MTN-Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF) Khula Natsi Loan Program.

This brings the total of the MTN-YERF Khula Natsi revolving fund to E200 000.  

The aim of the fund is to provide working capital for business startups as well as business expansion to young people.

YERF Chief Executive Officer Bhekizwe Maziya deeply thanked MTN for extending the sponsorship of the program.   

“The continued sponsorship by MTN Foundation will go a long way to increase our capacity to provide entrepreneurship amongst the youth and ultimately create employment opportunities for other young people,” he said.    

Maziya said the initial sponsorship by MTN Foundation has begun to yield the positive fruits desired not only by the Foundation and Youth Fund, but by Government as well.

From the initial sponsorship of E100 000 by MTN Foundation, he said four businesses were funded up to the tune of E52 000 in total. They are already running their businesses and have created nine employment opportunities.  

Though the COVID-19 pandemic has affected beneficiaries under the MTN-YERF Khula Natsi program, Maziya said it is encouraging that the beneficiaries have started repaying their loans.

“We have hope that eventually, the businesses will be able to repay their loans in full, because they are now starting to show potential for growth and expansion,” he said.

MTN Foundation Board Chairperson Busisiwe Simelane further announced that they have increased the MTN-YERF Khula Natsi funding threshold from E14 000 to E20 000.   

She said this was in response to a recommendation by the YERF to increase the loan limit to encourage more business lines that require high capital amounts than the previous E14 0000 threshold to apply for the MTN-YERF funding. 

Simelane said they are cognizant of the fact that, start-ups play a key role in the economy, but the COVID-19 crisis is reducing their creation, challenging their survival, and limiting their growth, because they are more vulnerable than older incumbents are to the shock brought by the pandemic. 

“Therefore, this is our contribution to ensure that start-ups continue to emerge as key drivers of economic growth and job creation, and often a catalyst for radical innovation.  The youth is the future of this country, by investing in them; we are contributing to the country’s development and creating a self-sufficient society,” she said.  

The call for loan applications under the MTN-YERF Khula Natsi program opened yesterday and will close on November 30, 2020. 

Application forms will be available at the YERF offices, YERF website and social media platforms, MTN Eswatini social media platforms, and Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC).

MTN Eswatini has completed and activated 30 new 4G or LTE network sites.

MTN has 215 active LTE sites against a total of 430 network sites. This means that half of MTN sites use 4G, the latest technology since Eswatini is yet to adopt the new 5G technology.

The MTN 4G network was soft launched in 2016 and piloted in few sites within the business corridor which runs from Oshoek, Mbabane, Ezulwini, Matsapha and Manzini.

Later, MTN stretched the 4G technology to cover the King Mswati III International Airport, Siteki and Nhlangano corridor before implementing a national rollout of the 4G network.

The recent activation of 4G technology means MTN customers with 4G capable devices can expect higher download speeds and improved network coverage across the four regions. In a nutshell, MTN customers can expect an improved experience on the MTN network.

MTN believes that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life as the country aspires to attain First World status, with a private sector-driven economy, which requires fast internet speeds, which could make doing business in Eswatini easy.

MTN Chief Executive Officer Wandile Mtshali said, “In the age of digital transformation, a theme for a recent virtual seminar hosted by MTN Eswatini, it is important for the country’s leading network to adopt the latest technologies.”

The CEO said the improving internet speeds, due to upgrade to 4G, means innovators and developers can simplify trade, education, health and entertainment by coming with applications and solutions on a solid and reliable network service provider.

The recent data price reduction effected by MTN Eswatini last month means that its valued customers can now spend more time online doing what they like, or what adds value to their lives. With prospects of higher download speeds in areas previously covered by 2G and 3G, the public is spoilt for choice on what they would be able to do online.

List of the new upgraded 4G sites across the country

1. Hlatikulu  Hill
2. Matata Stores
3. Gege Hill
4. Ngomane Village
5. Mdlunkhulu
6. Forbes Reef
7. Mnyokane
8. Shewula
9. Sigangeni
10. Mbabala
11. Dzabe
12. Sithobela
13. Hlobane Hill
14. Mkhulamini
15. Ngonini
16. Lavumisa
17. Bulembu Hills
18. Ngowane
19. Ngwemphisi
20. Sidzakeni
21. Mpofu
22. Edoropeni
23. Ndlalambi
24. Malkerns Farms
25. Nkhanini
26. Malandzela
27. Mbelebeleni-KaGodloza
28. Maqobolwane
29. Mayaluka Stadium
30. Timbutini

Celebrating the 15 winners of the MTN Educare promo who participated in the portals promo powered by the MTN Foundation in partnership with Huawei.

•   Kwanele khayelihle Mkhwanazi  
•   PHILANI SIBANDZE  
•   Sihle Mtsetfwa  
•   Phangela Sibandze  
•   Fundile Sikhosana  
•   Mangaliso Mabuza  
•   Hlelelwe Ginindza  
•   freedom NXUMALO  
•   Celumusa Ndlangamandla  
•   Sandile Simelane  
•   Phathisizwe Mkhatshwa  
•   Nontokozo Lukhele  
•   Sthande Dlamini  
•   Temalangeni Dlamini  
•   Sheron Nango  

MTN Eswatini is supporting a group of 45 young people to acquire vocational training at the Mpaka Vocational Education Training Centre Eswatini through a project valued at E100, 000. MTN Foundation runs this program as a calculated attempt to equip young people with vocational skills that would enable them to either find or create jobs for themselves and others. Junior Achievement is the implementing partner for this project.

Last year, MTN invested E100 000 in the same project, benefitting 54 young people who are equipped with vocational skills. 

“We are excited to launch the second phase of the same project valued at E100 000, which will benefit 45 young people to be trained in a range of modules that will empower them to be entrepreneurs,” said MTN Board Chairperson, Busisiwe Simelane during the official cheque handover. 

Simelane encouraged young people who are part of the program to “give it their best shot because they have an opportunity that others only wish they had.”

Some of the modules they will go through during the training include, but not limited to the following: entrepreneurship, traits of an entrepreneur, ideation, brainstorming, innovation, creativity, product selection, how to finance a business, market research and mentoring.  

Simelane commended Junior Achievement and Mpaka Vocational Education Training Centre for the partnership.

“As a Foundation, this investment contributes towards addressing unemployment in the Kingdom of Eswatini, which Government has set out to address in the measured steps, in the next five years,” she said. 

Junior Achievement Executive Director Phetsile Masilela said the new batch of young people had already started their training. 

“Beneficiaries in this project are in the third month of their training now. The project launch was delayed due to challenges related to the COVID-19. In about four weeks, the participants will start going through their mentorship phase,” she explained.   

Masilela said they appreciate the support from MTN Eswatini in this project which is on its second phase. She said the contribution by MTN demonstrates, in practical terms, how the company is investing in youth enterprise development in line with its corporate social investment strategy. 

Junior Achievement Executive Director said one key lesson learnt from the first year of the project was that combining vocational skills and entrepreneurship is a brilliant and viable idea that effectively provides holistic empowerment to young people.

“Not only does it make them technically competent, and equipped to run successful companies with guidance on entrepreneurship – in the event they do not secure jobs,” she clarified.

The MTN Foundation has prioritized support for vocational education and training since 2017. This project seeks to address youth unemployment in Eswatini, which remains one of the key socio-economic challenges.

The MTN Foundation broke into vocational training support in 2016. On a two-year, the MTN Foundation partnered with Young Heroes and Skills Training Centers to scale up support to young people to acquire vocational education

The spotlight is back within the new normal and going digital! A call out to all aspiring artists to grab this one by the horns for a chance to bring their talent to the world.

How to apply

• Option 1: Visit the Yello Hub by clicking here: https://bit.ly/TheSpotlightS2App to fill in the form online
• Option 2: WhatsApp your audition to 7602 7768
  Include your:
  – Name:
  – ID Number:
  – Age:
  – Region:
  – Profile picture
  – 1 Minute Video

What your application needs to entail to ensure you’re eligible for the auditions:

1. An introduction mentioning your name, surname and your hometown
2. It must be shot in landscape on a clear, light and plain background
3. No selfie videos allowed
4. The rendition of your song must be in acapella without backing vocals or instruments
5. Here’s an example of an introduction you can use:
   “My name is…..I am…..years old. I am from …..Then you sing your song.”
6. Make sure to download the Ayoba app and Music Time app as well!

Regional Audition dates: