EBIS MARKS 59 YEARS IN MADLANGEMPHISI.

Madlangemphisi Turns Up for EBIS 59th Birthday: A Celebration to Remember!

By: Anele Shabangu

Hey hey, wonderful listeners of the EBIS radio!

If you missed the EBIS’ 59th birthday celebration at Madlangemphisi, then you missed out on one of the most heartwarming, energetic, and unforgettable community events of the year! But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with all the juicy highlights from this epic day that brought together tradition, joy, and radio magic.

When EBIS announced that their 59th birthday celebration would be held at the beautiful and vibrant community of Madlangemphisi, excitement instantly began to build. And when the day finally arrived, the inkhundla was packed as early as 10 AM, the community showed up in numbers, dressed in smiles and wrapped in anticipation. The air was buzzing with anticipation and excitement as the EBIS team rolled into the community, transforming an ordinary day into a celebration of fresh vibes, laughter, poetry and dance.

You could see happiness written on every face as ululations filled the air, celebrating not just the 59 incredible years of EBIS, but also the birthday of the station’s Director, Sabelo Dlamini. Yes, it was a double celebration, and the vibes were unmatched! The event was nothing short of spectacular with a perfect blend of fun, games, dance, live performances and prizes that kept the multitudes of attendees on their feet and grinning from ear to ear.

One of the most exciting moments was when EBIS broadcasters introduced themselves to the crowd. For many, it was a dream come true to meet the voices they’ve grown to love from the radio. The crowd lit up as personalities like Gcebile “White Hippo” Mvubu, Sinethemba “Ntfombitebsika” Dlamini, Sandile “Sweet Banana” Dlamini, Siphesihle “Sihlabani Sebenguni” Nxumalo, and Bongani “Bobo” Dlamini took the stage as MCs and kept the energy flowing all day long.

The event was also graced by former EBIS Radio personalities who were proudly introduced to the masses of Madlangemphisi, making an emphasis on the significance of EBIS radio to the nation and also the birthday celebration.

Part of the former broadcasters who graced this beautiful event were; Sigayoyo ‘Sgi’ Magongo, a legendary broadcaster that left an impressive mark on the Eswatini broadcast media landscape and the ever so bubbly Lindiwe “Yellow Rose” Mavuso, who is also known for the famous country Music program aired on EBIS I. Nathi “Mdockies” Hlophe, a Member of Parliament for Mtfongwaneni Inkhundla, also a former EBIS broadcaster also made an appearance and addressed the crowd.

Madlangempisi MP Honourable Allen Vilane, and the Indvuna Yenkhundla of the area, Alex Tsabedze, were present to warmly welcome the EBIS team and join in the festivities. They expressed their gratitude to Sabelo Dlamini, the EBIS director and staff members for making this day memorable to the people of Madlangemphisi. It was also amazing to be joined by the National Director of The Voice of the Church (VOC), Rev. Zechariah Mthethwa, who informed the gathering that the formation of VOC was a project initiated by the late former EBIS Director, Abner Tembe.

And what’s a celebration without surprises? EBIS brought the fun with a quiz session where lucky winners walked away with goodies like stationery, cash prizes, and branded EBIS sports bags. Even better, in the spirit of winter, warm blankets were handed out to the elderly, a gesture that touched many hearts. The performances of the day were a marvel with many artists from around the area and across Eswatini showcasing their talent. To top it all, the celebration was graced by top South African amapiano artist Blaq Major of ‘Sidakiwe Sbali’ fame.

The people of Madlangemphisi brought the fire with vibrant ummiso, sibhaca, and ingadla dances, along with poetry and music performances that had the crowd cheering nonstop. And what made the event to be more interesting is that the 1pm news bulleting was read live to the audience—yes, right there at the event! That is precisely what we mean by bringing radio to the people.

It was a moment that reminded us of the power of community connection as Liphimbo Lesive Eswatini. 

Director Sabelo Dlamini closed off the day with heartfelt thanks, expressing deep appreciation to the people of Madlangemphisi for showing up in such large numbers and for their endless support over the years.

What a way to mark 59 years of broadcasting excellence! EBIS, you’ve not only entertained and informed the nation for nearly six decades, but you’ve also become a cherished part of our lives.

Here’s to many more birthdays, many more milestones, and many more unforgettable moments!

And if you are interested to see more of the videos that were captured from this beautiful event you can click here!