Nyathi, whose novel The Polygamist was adapted into a Netflix series that reached number one in 16 countries, will lead a fireside conversation titled From Page to Screen at the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) seminar, 'The Business of Creativity', on September 1,
Her appearance places the spotlight on a question increasingly relevant to Eswatini’s creative sector: how can writers, musicians, filmmakers and other creators turn the work they produce into intellectual property that continues generating value beyond its first release?
The seminar will take place from 13:00 to 15:30 at the Green Chamber of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre as part of the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair.
For Nyathi, the journey of The Polygamist provides a practical example of how a creative work can move beyond its original form and reach entirely new audiences and markets.
The novel’s adaptation into a Netflix series demonstrates the commercial possibilities that can emerge when literary intellectual property is developed for the screen. Nyathi’s participation is therefore expected to go beyond storytelling, with the conversation examining the processes and opportunities involved in taking a story from a book into film and television.
During the fireside conversation, Nyathi will draw from her experience as both an author and screenwriter to discuss storytelling, screen adaptation and how writers can position their intellectual property for wider commercial exploitation.
The discussion will also consider the broader creative value chain created through adaptation. A successful transition from page to screen can create opportunities for authors and publishers, while also involving screenwriters, producers, actors, directors, investors and other industry professionals.
For Eswatini’s writers and other creative practitioners, the session offers a local opportunity to examine what happens when creative work is treated not only as art, but also as an asset with commercial potential.
This is at the heart of the “The Business of Creativity” seminar, which seeks to shift conversations around the creative sector from viewing creativity primarily as entertainment or cultural expression towards recognising it as an industry capable of generating revenue, jobs, intellectual property, exports and investment.
The seminar will focus on music, literature and film, with discussions centred on copyright protection, licensing, publishing, digital platforms, adaptation rights, market access and creative financing.
Joining Nyathi on the programme will be Nikilitha Mantungwa, a music supervisor, music publisher and creative entrepreneur and founder of Kopton Music.
Mantungwa will present on music licensing and publishing, providing insight into the business structures behind music creation. Her session will explore ownership, licensing and publishing, as well as the different commercial pathways through which music can generate income.
The inclusion of both Nyathi and Mantungwa places intellectual property at the centre of the seminar, albeit from two different creative disciplines. While Nyathi’s session will explore the movement of stories from literature into screen productions, Mantungwa will examine how music rights can be managed and commercialised.
ESWACOS said the seminar is intended to strengthen understanding among creative practitioners of rights management, licensing, accurate administration and access to wider markets, while creating stronger links between the creative community and the business and investment sectors.
The event is expected to attract creators, creative industry practitioners, business leaders, investors, policymakers, development partners, young entrepreneurs, students and members of the public interested in the creative economy.
For young creatives in particular, Nyathi’s appearance offers a real-world example of how a creative idea can evolve into intellectual property, cross mediums and ultimately reach international audiences.
Her story also reinforces the commercial importance of protecting creative works. A book, song, film, performance or sound recording can have value beyond its initial audience when its rights are properly managed and opportunities for licensing, adaptation and distribution are pursued.
“The Business of Creativity” will therefore use Nyathi’s experience and the expertise of other industry professionals to encourage creatives to look beyond producing work and consider what happens to that work after it has been created.
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