......First royalty payouts in 2026
Beyond discussions around monetisation and platform features, some of Eswatini's leading content creators used the TikTok Content Creators Masterclass to share lessons from their own journeys, encouraging aspiring creators to focus on consistency, quality and long-term growth.
The event, held at the ERS Auditorium in Ezulwini, on Wednesday, brought together content creators, government officials, TikTok representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss opportunities within the digital economy.
Among the speakers was content creator Umbutfo, Luke Vanderwal who described content creation as one of the most valuable assets young people can build in today's digital landscape.
"Content creation is your social capital," he said, encouraging creators to view their online presence as more than a source of entertainment.
His remarks highlighted the growing role content creation plays in building personal brands, creating opportunities and connecting people to audiences beyond their immediate communities.
Describing content creation as social capital, Umbutfo explained that a creator's online presence can become a valuable asset that opens doors beyond social media.
Through consistent content, creators build audiences, credibility, influence and professional networks that can lead to business opportunities, brand partnerships, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship.
"As digital platforms continue to shape how people communicate and consume information, a strong personal brand and engaged audience can hold significant value, making content creation an investment in one's future opportunities and visibility," he said.
Meanwhile, Christian Dude echoed similar sentiments, expressing optimism about the official launch of TikTok monetisation in Eswatini.
He said creators have long invested significant time, effort and resources into producing content and welcomed the move as an opportunity for creators to begin earning from their work.
Christian Dude encouraged aspiring creators to remain committed to the process and avoid becoming discouraged by statistics and engagement figures.
He urged creators to focus on producing quality content and putting in the necessary work, noting that success often comes as a result of consistency and dedication.
Fellow creator Zindzi Thwala also challenged creators to stop overthinking and start creating.
She encouraged aspiring influencers and digital creators to take advantage of available opportunities by posting content consistently and improving their skills over time.
According to Thwala, creators should focus on perfecting their craft rather than becoming consumed by follower counts, likes and views.
She further used the platform to highlight the need for greater access to technology and affordable internet services, saying more emaSwati could participate in content creation if barriers relating to devices and connectivity were addressed.
Thwala suggested that telecommunications companies could play a greater role in supporting creators through partnerships and initiatives aimed at making digital participation more accessible.
Popular content creator Gcinizwi Buthelezi Wekhantri focused on the importance of consistency and responsible content creation.
He encouraged creators to remain committed to producing content regularly while ensuring they understand and respect TikTok's community guidelines.
According to Wekhantri, creators who build sustainable brands are often those who maintain consistency while operating within the rules of the platform.
His comments aligned with broader discussions throughout the day regarding professionalism and accountability within the creator economy.
Lindokuhle also shared words of encouragement, urging creators to continue pushing boundaries and striving for greater heights.
The creator encouraged attendees to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the digital space and position themselves for future growth.
Several other creators who participated in discussions echoed similar messages, stressing the importance of discipline, originality and persistence.
A recurring theme throughout the masterclass was the need for creators to focus less on viral moments and more on developing sustainable careers through quality content and audience engagement.
Many speakers agreed that while monetisation presents exciting opportunities, long-term success will depend on a creator's ability to build trust, maintain consistency and continuously improve their work.
The discussions also reflected growing confidence within Eswatini's content creation industry following the announcement that local creators can now access monetisation opportunities on TikTok.
For many attendees, the launch marked more than just a new revenue stream.
It signalled the continued growth of content creation as a recognised industry capable of creating employment, entrepreneurship opportunities and new pathways within the country's digital economy.
When creators left the masterclass, they promised to start creating, stay consistent, respect the platform, and focus on building a craft that can stand the test of time.
......Eswatini creators set to receive first royalty payouts in 2026
For years, many emaSwati artists and creators have produced music, books, films and other creative works without ever receiving royalties from the use of their content. That could soon change.
The Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) has announced that the country's first copyright royalty distribution is expected to take place during the 2026/27 financial year.
The development means creators whose works are properly registered and tracked could soon begin receiving payments when their content is used commercially.
The announcement comes as ESWACOS continues expanding its copyright registration, licensing and monitoring systems.
According to the organisation, more than 350 copyright works have already been formally registered, while over 120 rights holders have joined the system.
ESWACOS Executive Director Mmeli Hlanze recently revealed that the organisation has moved beyond awareness campaigns and is now focused on implementing systems designed to ensure creators benefit financially from their intellectual property.
The organisation has also commenced licensing activities following the approval of music tariffs by the Copyright Office.
For creators, royalties represent income earned when copyrighted work is used by businesses, broadcasters, event organisers, digital platforms and other users who require permission to use protected content.
The planned distribution is expected to benefit a wide range of creatives, including musicians, authors, producers, performers, filmmakers and other rights holders whose works are registered with ESWACOS.
The organisation has also introduced an online registration platform known as Bhalisa, allowing creators from across the country to register their works without having to travel to its offices.
The platform was designed to make copyright registration more accessible and ensure creators from all four regions can participate in the system.
The announcement comes at a time when conversations around monetisation are gaining momentum within Eswatini's creative sector.
Recent developments such as TikTok monetisation, creator economy initiatives and digital content platforms have highlighted growing opportunities for creators to generate income from their work.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that creators should not only receive recognition for their work but also earn sustainable income from it.
The anticipated royalty distribution represents another step towards building a more structured creative economy where intellectual property can generate long-term value.
While the exact amounts that individual creators may receive will depend on usage data, licensing collections and distribution rules, the planned rollout is expected to be the first time many local creators experience a formal royalty payment system.
For an industry that has spent years advocating for stronger copyright protection and fair compensation, the upcoming distribution could signal the beginning of a new chapter for Eswatini's creative sector.
