By: Noncedo Shabangu
Awarding E15 000 to top drama groups at the conclusion of its October investor education campaign, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority mobilized youth to combat rising digital financial fraud. Aligning with the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ World Investor Week, Chief Executive Officer Ncamiso Ntshalintshali highlighted how youth-led skits, combined with a Capital Market Roundtable Indaba for UNESWA commerce students, are equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to spot scams, navigate digital markets, and build national economic resilience.
Three youth drama groups walked away with E15 000 in cash prizes as the Financial Services Regulatory Authority wrapped up its national investor education and protection campaign during an official awards ceremony in Mbabane.
Targeting the surge in digital deception and illegal investment schemes operating across online platforms, the competition challenged young creators to translate technical regulatory warnings into clear, memorable theatrical skits suitable for widespread digital distribution. Team Abundance secured the first-place prize of E6 000, while Spear Drama Group and Three Girls, One Mess earned E5 000 and E4 000 for second and third places, respectively.
The nationwide contest formed a central pillar of Eswatini’s participation in the International Organization of Securities Commissions World Investor Week, held from October 5 to 11, 2026. The initiative generated 52 unique submissions from young people across the country, requiring teams to collaborate, write original scripts, rehearse, and record complete video performances focused on financial risk awareness.
Addressing participants, regulatory partners, and media representatives during the ceremony, Financial Services Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Officer Ncamiso Ntshalintshali stressed that the 52 entries represented far more than a simple headcount. Ntshalintshali noted that each video reflected significant time, disciplined teamwork, and creative energy poured into developing solutions to a pressing national problem.
Reframing how public regulators communicate with citizens, Ntshalintshali explained that leveraging artistic performance breaks down traditional communication barriers, transforming dry financial guidelines into engaging, relatable stories. When young people take ownership of these messages, the resulting digital content spreads organically through peer networks, family groups, and social channels, helping ordinary households spot red flags of fraud before falling victim to financial loss.
Beyond the skit competition, the October investor protection campaign extended directly into tertiary education to foster long-term career interest in local financial infrastructure. Partnering with the University of Eswatini, the regulator hosted a Capital Market Roundtable Indaba specifically designed for final-year commerce students. The interactive forum exposed students to the inner workings of Eswatini’s capital markets, exploring practical wealth creation, emerging investment instruments, and professional career paths within the non-bank financial sector.
By pairing grassroots youth storytelling with high-level academic dialogue, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority is establishing a comprehensive, forward-looking financial literacy framework. Training the younger generation to expose digital deception while simultaneously opening doors to legitimate investment avenues ensures that citizens can safely participate in the digital economy and contribute to a resilient, financially secure nation.
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