Turning Science into Action: Temvelo Awards 2026 Officially Launched

The Kingdom of Eswatini has officially launched the 2026 Temvelo Awards, with Government calling on citizens, institutions and businesses to transform environmental knowledge into tangible action that delivers lasting benefits for people and the planet.

Mxolisi Maphanga, EEA's Director of Environment Assessment, Pollution Control, and Compliance.

Launched on Wednesday at Mountain View in Mbabane by the Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, this year's awards are themed "From Science to Action: Turning Knowledge into Change, Honouring Those Who Bridge Discovery & Impact." The awards seek to recognise environmental champions who are driving sustainable development through innovation, leadership and community action.

Addressing government officials, development partners, environmental stakeholders and members of the media, Mkhonta-Simelane described the Temvelo Awards as the country's premier platform for celebrating those who are protecting Eswatini's environment while translating knowledge into practical solutions.

Stakeholders in the Eswatini environmental sector.

"Today, we unveil Temvelo Awards 2026 theme; 'From Science to Action, Turning Knowledge into Change and Honouring Those Who Bridge Discovery and Impact.' By this theme, we challenge the nation to move from discussion to delivery, from research to implementation, from promises to measurable results," she said. The Minister said environmental sustainability could no longer be viewed as a choice, but as an essential pillar of national development.

"On a finite planet, sustainability is not optional. It is inevitable," she said, adding that the real question was whether societies would embrace the transition deliberately or wait until environmental pressures forced change at a much higher cost. She emphasised that Eswatini's environmental agenda is directly linked to food sovereignty, water security, public health, tourism, employment creation and community resilience. "Environmental protection is not an obstacle to development. It is a foundation for development. When we protect our natural assets, we protect the economy itself," Mkhonta-Simelane said. The Minister further noted that while the world possesses unprecedented scientific knowledge, meaningful transformation only occurs when research moves beyond laboratories, policy documents and classrooms into communities, farms, schools, businesses and municipalities where it can improve people's lives.

"Knowledge alone does not change society. Real transformation happens when knowledge leaves the laboratory, the classroom and the policy document and enters our farms, factories, schools, businesses, municipalities and communities," she said, explaining that the Temvelo Awards exist to recognise those who bridge the gap between discovery and real-world impact.

She warned that environmental challenges including droughts, floods, storms, wildfires and water stress continue to threaten livelihoods, agriculture and the country's economic resilience. While reaffirming Government's commitment to strengthening climate institutions, promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving early warning systems, implementing the National Adaptation Plan and expanding climate finance initiatives, she stressed that government action alone would not be enough.

"Government must lead, but the whole nation must act," she said.

The Minister also acknowledged the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in environmental management but cautioned against viewing innovation as a substitute for nature.

"Technology alone will not save us. Technology must work with our natural systems, not against it. A digital application cannot replace a functioning wetland," she said.

Expanded Award Categories In line with the 2026 theme, the Eswatini Environment Authority has introduced an expanded range of award categories to recognise excellence across environmental sustainability, green innovation, community leadership and environmental journalism. The categories include: Environmental Sustainability: Green Parastatal, Green Municipality, Ecosystem Restoration Leadership Award, Young EcoHero and Environmental Journalist. Green Economy and Innovation: Green Business SME Award, Climate Change Champion and Green Manufacturing Award. Community and Social Impact: Green Inkhundla, Green High School, Green Primary School and Green Inclusive Institution Award. National Recognition: Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award. Several categories- including Green Municipality, Young EcoHero, Environmental Journalist, Green Business SME Award and Green Inkhundla—will, for the first time, feature a public voting component. Under the new system, 70 percent of the final score will be determined by an independent technical judging panel, while 30 percent will come from public voting, a move aimed at increasing citizen participation and national awareness of environmental initiatives.

Mkhonta-Simelane urged organisations, researchers, journalists, businesses, schools and community groups not to underestimate the value of their environmental work.

"Do not underestimate your work. Do not assume your project is too local to deserve recognition. Local action is where national transformation begins," she said. She expressed hope that the Temvelo Awards would become a national marketplace for environmental solutions, where innovation is celebrated, partnerships are forged and environmental leadership is recognised across the Kingdom.

Acting Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Duduzila Nhlengethwa-Masina.

Before officially launching the awards, the Minister challenged every liSwati with a simple but powerful question: How can you turn knowledge into action? Nominations for the 2026 Temvelo Awards are now officially open and will close on 30 September 2026, with ground verification and public voting scheduled for October ahead of the awards gala in November. Eligible entrants include individuals, businesses, schools, NGOs, community organisations and government institutions whose initiatives have demonstrated measurable environmental impact during the 2024–2025 period.