MBABANE – The second production of BakaNgwane titled The Birth of a Nation will begin airing on Eswatini TV on Sunday February 22 at 6.30pm. The historical series seeks to document the origins of Emaswati through television by blending factual history with cinematic storytelling.

The production was officially launched on December 18 last year at Sharma House in Ezulwini, where a new poster for the series was unveiled. The storyline focuses on migration, power, sacrifice and the rise of King Matalatala I, tracing the identity and resilience of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Producer Sibusiso Dlamini confirmed the weekly broadcast schedule and outlined the scale of the project. “The series will start airing on Sunday February 22 at 6.30pm and will be broadcast on Eswatini TV,” he said, adding that the production is designed to reach families across the country.

Developed from research dating back to 2018, the docu drama features more than 1 000 actors. It includes well known local performers such as Samukelo Dlamini, Mandisa Mamba, Lawrence Mhlanga, Thembinkosi Mthethwa and Samkelo Motsa.

What began as a small creative initiative expanded significantly as the scope grew, requiring extensive sets, detailed costumes and a large cast to authentically depict historical events. Dlamini described BakaNgwane as the foundation of a broader cultural archive. “BakaNgwane is one of the most ambitious local screen projects and represents the first step in documenting and celebrating our heritage with more work planned in film, literature and theatre,” he said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, who also serves as the executive producer, explained why the project was restarted after the first production failed to meet expectations. “When we assessed the first production, we realised that it did not meet Ingwenyama’s first world standards, so we decided to start afresh,” she said.

She said the revamped edition improves technical quality and storytelling depth, positioning the series for possible distribution on international streaming platforms while retaining a distinctly local voice. “Now that this production meets high quality standards, it is our aim to see it featured on major platforms,” Shakantu said, adding that the project seeks to showcase local heritage to global audiences.

She noted that BakaNgwane has evolved into a cultural brand dedicated to preserving history through screen narratives, with the latest instalment expected to anchor Sunday evening viewing nationwide.