REMEMBERING EBIS MOST CLASSIC SHOWS

Khala Mdumbadumbane ~ A Timeless Performance Cherished by Many!

By Anele Shabangu                  

In as much as digital technology in Eswatini has been improved, EBIS radio is also our window to the world. It doesn't just inform us—it entertains us, educates us and unites us. It is a trusted companion on long taxi rides, in busy market stalls and during quiet evenings in the homestead.

EBIS gives us more than content—it gives us connection. And at the heart of it all, were the legendary shows that shaped not just our mornings and afternoons, but the very fabric of our society.

In this blog, I take you back to those golden days—when radio ruled the kingdom, and EBIS shows weren’t just popular, they were a part of who we were.

So, lovers of the airwaves, this blog today is not just about old programs, it's about the moments they created. The voices that shaped us and the stories that stitched us as a nation. 

The Birth of a National Treasure!!

Khala Mdumbadumbane first graced the EBIS airwaves with the voice of Mkhumbi Ngcamphalala, the show's very first host. It was the presence of co-host Jim Gama, that gave the program its signature style and soul. Together, the duo laid the foundation of a show that many would come to love, trust, and depend on.

After some time, Jim Gama teamed up with Marwick Khumalo. Though their collaboration was brief, it was a steppingstone in the evolving legacy of the show.

Then came a dynamic pairing which was Jim Gama and Bongani Dlamini, popularly known as Sgcokosiyancinca. Their energy on-air was electric, compassionate and deeply in tune with the issues facing the Swazi public. They didn’t just talk about problems—they felt them, unpacked them and offered insight through humor, culture and truth.

You can also click here to watch the podcast.

The Heart of the Show: Love, Culture, and Conversation!!

The show focused heavily on Swazi people’s love lives and social challenges, diving into matters that were often considered as taboo in traditional settings such as infidelity, heartbreak, marriage troubles, family disputes, and the clash between modern love and traditional customs.

Mdumbadumbane helped people with similar problems which clearly show that indeed the show  was therapy, tradition, and connection all wrapped into one.

Cultural respect in the show was the show’s core! Swazi customs and values were honored, explained, and debated with care. In a society where emotions often go unspoken, Khala Mdumbadumbane became a microphone for the heart.

Wasn't that such a wonderful phenomenon?

How Was the Show Structured?

The program aired every Tuesday at 21:15, focusing specifically on love and relationship issues. It also played on Thursdays at 10:15 AM for those who missed it.

Then came the Sunday segment at 20:15, which ran for 45 minutes. This was the broader part of the show, blending both love stories and other societal issues. The repeat aired on Fridays at 10:15 AM.

Listeners wrote in via traditional mail (post office) and, later on,  through the advancement of tecnology, SMSes were used. This made the lives of the listeners much easier as they were able to write and send their concerns conviniently while listening to the show. 

New Voices, Same Spirit!

When Jim Gama sadly passed on, leaving behind a voice that once echoed across the kingdom, Moses Matsebula, also known as "Mthetho kaMose", took over and honored Jim’s legacy with grace and authority.

Later on, Sgcoko Siyancinca took the over, with Mgunda Tjani co-hosting the show in reading the listener's letters. Their chemistry was refreshing, and the show maintained its edge and emotional depth.

Together, they led the show for an impressive six-year run, which was a testament to the trust and love people had for Khala Mdumbadumbane.

Impact: Why This Show Mattered?

To the People:

The show became a mirror to the society—a place where people saw their struggles reflected and normalized. It offered comfort, advice, cultural grounding, and even laughter in times of pain. For some, it was the only space where they could “talk,” even if it was through SMSs. 

To EBIS:

It wasn’t just a program; it was a treasure. The audience loyalty, national relevance, and emotional pull of Khala Mdumbadumbane brought more ears to EBIS than many programs ever could. It proved that content rooted in culture and community never goes out of style.

But then... It Fell Silent

 So, like many great things, Khala Mdumbadumbane eventually came to an end. No formal farewell, no big announcement. It simply faded from the schedule—a quiet ending to a loud legacy.

Will It Ever Return?

In a world bursting with digital noise, there’s something sacred about the simplicity and sincerity that Khala Mdumbadumbane offered. Perhaps it’s time for EBIS to consider a revival. Not just for the old, but for people's needs. Because in every generation in Eswatini, people still need to be heard.

So, what was your favorite memory of the show? Did it ever help you through something tough?

Share your stories in the comments—or tag us on social media using #KhalaMdumbadumbaneLivesOn!

Let’s keep the legacy alive!

HOW EBIS SHAPES ESWATINI'S VOICE AS A WHOLE

Tuned In to Tradition, Powered by Purpose — EBIS!

By Anele Shabangu

Warm greetings to all our vibrant readers, changemakers, and curious minds!🙂

Welcome to a space where voices matter, stories come alive, and the pulse of our nation beats loud and clear. Whether you’re a loyal listener of EBIS, a media enthusiast, or simply passionate about Eswatini’s growth — you’re in the right place. Today, we dive into a story that isn’t always told, but one that deserves the spotlight: how the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) continues to shape, inform, and unite the Kingdom of Eswatini in extraordinary ways.!

When you switch on your radio in the morning and hear a familiar voice greeting the nation, you’re not just listening to any station — you’re tuning into the heart of Eswatini: the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS).

 So, since its establishment, EBIS has grown into more than just a state-run broadcaster. It has become a mirror that reflects the heartbeat of the nation  and platform that amplifies the voices of ordinary Swazis. But how exactly does EBIS impact the country? The answer lies in its power to inform, educate, entertain, and unite. 

So lets dive in and see how EBIS has created a wonderful impact to the nation as a whole!

•  A Trusted Source of Information

In a time when misinformation spreads at the speed of a click, EBIS remains a trusted source of news for many. Its daily news bulletins, current affairs programs, and public service announcements are crucial in keeping citizens informed about government policies, national emergencies, health campaigns, and social development initiatives. Whether it's COVID-19 updates or agricultural tips for rural farmers, EBIS brings verified information directly to the people.

•  Cultural Preservation and Promotion

Eswatini’s rich culture and heritage are not only celebrated during national events but also echoed through the airwaves of EBIS. Traditional music, folklore, siSwati storytelling, and community discussions are all part of the station’s content. This not only fosters national pride but also plays a critical role in preserving the Swazi identity for future generations!!!

• Educational Empowerment📚

EBIS also  supports the nation’s education system by airing programs that are both informative and enlightening. From health education to youth empowerment series, the broadcasters ensure that knowledge is accessible even in the remotest corners of the country. For many students in rural areas, EBIS is not just a station — it's a classroom without walls.

• A Platform for Voices Often Unheard💯
  

What makes EBIS stand out is its commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless. Community-based programs allow citizens from various backgrounds — farmers, youth leaders, small business owners, and activists — to share their stories, struggles, and solutions. This inclusivity strengthens democratic dialogue and community participation.

• Disaster and Crisis Communication🗣

During national emergencies  EBIS plays a frontline role in crisis communication. Whether it’s a natural disaster, health outbreak, or national announcement, the broadcaster becomes a lifeline, delivering real-time updates that can save lives. Its wide reach ensures that no Swazi is left in the dark when it matters most.

• Job Creation and Media Development✔️

Behind every broadcast is a team of producers, journalists, content creators, technicians, and presenters — many of whom are young professionals trained in local institutions like  Limkokwing University of Creative and Technology, Eswatini College of Technology and University of Eswatini just to mention a few! EBIS provides a vital platform for practical learning, internships, and employment, thus contributing to the development of Eswatini’s media landscape.

EBIS is more than a broadcaster — it’s a national asset. It tells our stories, challenges our thinking, uplifts our spirits, and brings us together. In a rapidly evolving media world, its commitment to public service broadcasting remains a cornerstone of Eswatini’s growth and unity.

As the country continues to embrace digital innovation, EBIS must adapt and evolve — but its core mission remains the same: to be the voice of the nation, for the nation.

So, the next time you tune in to EBIS, remember — you’re not just listening. You’re connecting with the soul of Eswatini.

• EBIS ~ The heart of entertainment in Eswatini

EBIS is not just about news and education — it’s also a vibrant source of entertainment that brings joy and energy into the daily lives of Swazis! From lively music programs featuring traditional and modern sounds, to interactive talk shows, dramas, poetry sessions, and live event broadcasts, EBIS keeps its audience engaged and entertained.

Listeners, young and old,  enjoy local storytelling, comedy sketches, and interviews with artists, which not only showcase Swazi talent but also provide a platform for creativity and cultural pride. Through entertainment, EBIS fosters a sense of happiness, belonging, and national pride — proving that laughter, music, and shared stories are powerful tools in building community spirit.

Whether you’re dancing to the beat of a traditional song or laughing along with a popular radio character, EBIS ensures that entertainment is accessible, authentic, and always connected to the people it serves.!!

Don’t go too far — the best of EBIS is still ahead!🙂🙂

To keep the conversation going, leave a comment and share how EBIS has helped you as a citizen of Esawtini!!

ECHOES OF A NATION: THE LEGACY AND EVOLUTION OF EBIS

Did You Know This Is Where Eswatini's Media Journey Began?

By Anele Shabangu 

Have you ever paused to think about where our news, stories, and national updates really come from?

Not just the WhatsApp forwards or Facebook posts — but the official, trusted voice that’s been with Eswatini since day one?

Well, let me take you back to a powerful moment in history — February 1978. That’s when Eswatini tuned in to something entirely new: its very own   first radio broadcast. No filters. No social media. Just a voice, clear and confident, speaking to the nation for the first time.

That voice? It belonged to EBIS — Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services. It was officially founded by the King Sobhuza II, with the aim to connect with the nation as a whole!

   

Whether you’ve grown up hearing EBIS in the background or you’re just discovering its story now, this journey will show you how a small broadcast grew into the Kingdom’s most trusted media powerhouse.

THE BEGINNING: A NATION FINDS ITS VOICE

EBIS began its journey with a single goal: to inform and educate the nation through the power of the voice. Back then, radio was the most accessible platform, bringing news and government messages to communities across the country!

So, EBIS began in a small, government operated radio service, originally established to connect the government of Eswatini with its people in the early years.  The service focused primarily on official government communication and community information. The radio quickly became a vital tool for passing information to all corners of the country as it was somehow the only guaranteed way to inform the public about important governmental matters. 

EBIS played a crucial role in closing the gap that lied between rural and urban areas because it connected rural areas and urban areas with reliable updates, public health campaigns and civic education. At a time when print media was inaccessible to many,  EBIS radio station emerged as a vital tool to getting news updates and trending issues of the early days.

FROM SBIS TO EBIS: MORE THAN JUST A NAME CHANGE 

Fast forward to 2018. The country reclaims its historic name—Eswatini—and SBIS officially becomes EBIS. But this change wasn’t just symbolic. It marked a turning point for a broadcaster evolving with the times, yet deeply rooted in tradition.

EBIS became more than a station. It became an archive of Swazi memory—recording culture, conflict, celebrations, and conversations for generations.

TWO STATIONS. ONE SOUL!

Though EBIS operates on two frequencies, it moves with one purpose—and one powerful heartbeat. The magic lies in how EBIS 1 and EBIS 2 complement each other, each carrying the voice of the nation in its own unique rhythm.

EBIS 1 is where tradition lives and breathes. Broadcasting entirely in SiSwati, it speaks to the roots of Eswatini’s identity. This is the station where elders hear proverbs that echo their childhood, where young people absorb stories that remind them who they are. From traditional music and cultural discussions to local news and community programs, EBIS 1 isn't just a radio station—it’s a preservation of heritage. It celebrates the language, honours the customs, and keeps the flame of culture burning in every corner of the Kingdom.

Then there’s EBIS 2, the modern twin with a global mindset. Broadcasting in English, it opens up a broader dialogue. It’s where international affairs meet local relevance, where current events, interviews, and music intersect to create a station that’s as informative as it is engaging. EBIS 2 bridges generations and communities, allowing listeners to tap into national issues while staying connected to what’s happening beyond Eswatini’s borders.

Together, these two stations create a beautiful balance—SiSwati and English, local and global, cultural and contemporary. Whether you're tuning in for a morning prayer, a fiery debate, breaking news, or a midday music fix, EBIS delivers it with authenticity and purpose.

Two channels, two languages, two perspectives—but one unwavering mission: to inform, uplift, and give every Swazi a voice that’s heard, respected, and remembered!!

EBIS ~ A station that has values!

For EBIS to  always function and  present truthful and legit information, it abides by certain principles that makes it to be indeed trusted by the nation at large with the service it brings to  the table. Ever since its existence, the station had always relied on information that is verified and cross checked before the actual dissemination of the information. And that is the absolute reason why the station still stands today!   

So, dear reader, its  crystal clear that EBIS is concerned with the nation acquiring information that is impactful yet credible and legit.!!! Isn't that such a wonderful phenomenon?

 Old Challenges, New Energy!!!

Let’s be honest: EBIS has seen some tough days. Limited resources, aging infrastructure, and the delicate dance of being government-owned while serving the public honestly—it’s a heavy mic to carry.

But here’s what’s beautiful: EBIS is still standing. And more than that, it’s adapting. From analog to digital. From radio-only to online streams. From state messaging to a more public-centered mission.

So, Why Does EBIS Still Matter?

Because in a world full of noise, EBIS still listens to the people. It speaks our language—literally and culturally. It’s a bridge between generations. A platform for talent. A stage for the stories no one else tells.

It’s not just a broadcaster. It’s part of the national heartbeat.!!!

Also read: PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions