One thing I used to enjoy in the UK was "getting lost". This was a term I used to describe my random forays into unknown places in the great city of London. Whenever, I was bored I used to go into the city and board a bus or a train and go to a place I had never been to before. This was thrilling because there was always something new to see or do. The museums and exhibitions were always particularly fascinating. Tate Modern was my favourite. Coming back home, I always knew that things would change a lot!

I was, however, intrigued a couple of months back when the public library in Mbabane was abuzz with activity. There were a lot of security force in and around the area and apparently the Prime Minister and certain members of his Cabinet plus other dignitaries were at the National Library Headquarters in Mbabane to officially open an exhibition titled "A SWAZI STORY OF HOPE". This is an exhibition of images depicting the state of affairs in the rural areas where HIV/AIDS, abuse, drought and many other challenges have left many children and families impoverished and without hope.

A couple of weeks back, I decided to visit and see the exhibition and was quite impressed by the images, the quality and the powerful story the picture told. You can visit the Mbabane public library and view the pictures exhibitions. They are in the exhibition room (basement), which is open from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Admission is free.

From the literature I could read at the exhibition hall, this exhibition was to highlight the plight of society in Swaziland and a pledge from the Swazi Government, UNICEF and other stakeholders to address these issues. I now hope that the government and the whole nation may collectively honour this course and work towards making Swaziland a better place for us today and the future generations.

I was also fortunate enough to witness some amazing creativity form the youth at my church Evangelical Church Mbabane, yesterday. There was some amazing poetry and music rendered and some of those talents are nurtured at Yanza Music by Swaziland’s talented producer Mluleki Dlamini, who also produces for Bholoja. It reminded me of the great potential that is in Swaziland that needs to be harnesses and nurtured.

Then there is my company’s own story. Onswaziline Investments has grown tremendously over the last couple of months. After our exhibition at the 2009 Swaziland International Trade Fair, where our stand was visited by His Majesty King Mswati III, we have grown and things are looking very good. I am full of hope. My team made up of my brother, Sikhumbuzo Mohammed, Nhlanhla Maduna and myself is on course to do some amazing things in Swaziland. We are working on some big projects and we look forward to improving Onswaziline Investments’ profile in the coming years. This is our own Swazi story of hope!

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