The Men behind Eswatini’s Timeline Feed


Social media is no longer just a place to catch up with friends, share photographs or follow celebrities. It has become a space where personalities build careers, businesses find customers and individuals turn their interests into professional opportunities. In Eswatini, men are increasingly finding their footing in this world, bringing their own perspectives to conversations around comedy, fashion, lifestyle, entertainment and business.

From making audiences laugh through everyday Swati experiences to influencing how young men approach fashion, these personalities are showing that content creation is not limited to one particular interest or profession. Some have built their names through years of entertainment and public engagement, while others are using their platforms to develop businesses and secure partnerships with established brands.

Among the men making their presence felt are comedy duo Gogo and S’lwane, Nurse Wekhantri, Sifiso Nxumalo, Bonkhe Shabangu and Kenny Dlamini. Their stories offer an interesting look at the growing number of male personalities shaping Eswatini's digital culture.

Gogo and S’lwane: Making Everyday Swati Life Entertaining

There is something familiar about the comedy of Gogo and S’lwane. Their sketches draw from situations that many emaSwati recognise, whether it is family disagreements, relationships, payday conversations or the everyday encounters that make up life in the kingdom.

Since entering the entertainment space in 2019, the duo has developed a following through comedy rooted in local experiences and the use of siSwati. Their characters have become recognisable, with Gogo bringing the proverbs, sharp observations and familiar wisdom of an older generation, while S’lwane complements the act with his expressions, improvisation and physical comedy.

Their popularity has also translated into opportunities beyond social media. The duo has performed live, secured brand endorsements and staged shows that have attracted substantial audiences. Their catchphrase, ‘Lugodvo Kimi’, has developed a life of its own, becoming a familiar expression among their followers and extending their reach beyond individual comedy sketches.

In September 2026, they announced the launch of their official website, creating another platform through which audiences can access exclusive content, purchase merchandise and secure tickets to their shows. The platform also introduces separate podcast-style programmes hosted by the two personalities, exploring subjects ranging from siSwati language and traditions to lifestyle and conversations with notable personalities.

According to their website, the duo has accumulated more than 1.3 million followers across four platforms and worked with over 25 organisations. Their appearance at the 2026 Content Creator Awards in Sandton further demonstrated their growing presence beyond Eswatini.

What makes their story particularly interesting is how they have built a recognisable entertainment property around local humour. They have taken familiar Swati conversations and turned them into a business that extends from digital content to live entertainment and merchandise.

Nurse Wekhantri: The Man With an Eye for Style

For Gcinisizwe Phathokuhle Buthelezi, popularly known as Nurse Wekhantri, fashion is more than putting together an outfit for the day. It is a form of personal expression, and one that has helped him establish a recognisable identity online.

His interest in presentation developed from an early age, influenced by a family environment where dressing well and taking pride in one's appearance were valued. Over time, that appreciation developed into a personal style that has attracted a considerable following, particularly among young people interested in fashion.

In August 2025, he celebrated surpassing 100,000 followers on TikTok, a significant milestone for a local fashion personality. His appeal comes not only from his clothing choices but also from the personality he brings to his content.

His approach to dressing has continued to evolve. In a September 2026 style feature, Wekhantri discussed his movement from maximalism, characterised by layering and accessories, towards a more minimalist approach. He still enjoys making an outfit interesting, but increasingly relies on structure, colour and carefully selected accessories.

Beyond his digital presence, Buthelezi has a background in healthcare, an aspect of his identity that distinguishes him from creators whose careers have developed exclusively around fashion and entertainment.

His journey illustrates how personal interests can exist alongside professional commitments. For young men who may be hesitant to explore fashion or express themselves through clothing, his platform offers a different perspective on how men can approach personal style.

Sifiso Nxumalo: Broadcasting Beyond the Studio

Influence does not always begin with a social media post. For Sifiso Nxumalo, much of his professional identity has been shaped through broadcasting, communication and his involvement in conversations about Eswatini's development.

Hailing from Nhlangano, Nxumalo has built his career around media and communication, using broadcasting as a platform to engage with issues affecting the country. His work includes hosting programmes that explore business, development and national affairs, creating opportunities for audiences to hear from people working across different sectors.

He has also been involved in projects combining media strategy and creative communication, particularly in connecting brands, people and ideas.

His relationship with culture is another important part of his public identity. He has spoken about the influence of his upbringing, particularly the values of respect, humility and remaining connected to one's origins. His appreciation of Eswatini's cultural heritage is also reflected in his participation in cultural ceremonies.

As a broadcaster, his influence is different from that of a conventional lifestyle creator. Rather than focusing primarily on fashion, travel or entertainment, his work involves shaping conversations and bringing different voices into the public space.

His presence demonstrates that the idea of influence can extend beyond entertainment. Communication professionals, presenters and broadcasters also have an important place in the changing media environment, particularly as audiences increasingly move between television and digital platforms.

Bonkhe Shabangu: Building a Brand Beyond the Screen

Bonkhe Shabangu, also known as Tadm, is among the personalities who have approached content creation with a clear interest in entrepreneurship.

A qualified teacher, published author, public speaker and brand influencer, Shabangu has built a professional identity that extends into several areas. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Eswatini and began his teaching career in 2016.

His entrepreneurial journey includes Cotton Sway, a streetwear clothing brand he established in June 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdowns. What began as an opportunity to explore an interest in fashion and business developed into a clothing label with its own identity and customer base.

Shabangu has explained that his earlier experience selling branded T-shirts at university helped him recognise the commercial possibilities of clothing. He also taught himself graphic design, allowing him to develop designs and translate his ideas into products.

His work as a brand influencer has seen him collaborate with organisations including MTN Eswatini, United Holdings Eswatini and Unilever through a Knorr campaign. He was also among the local creators selected for the Eswatini Tourism Authority's Choose Eswatini Festive Season Campaign.

His published book, A Journey to a Definite Place of Purpose, adds another dimension to his work, reflecting his interest in personal development, entrepreneurship and engaging young people.

Shabangu's story is an example of how a professional career does not necessarily limit other ambitions. He has maintained his identity as an educator while developing businesses and using his online presence to create commercial opportunities.

Kenny Dlamini: Dressing With His Own Identity

At just 22 when profiled in August 2025, Sisekelo Kenny Dlamini had already begun establishing a name for himself in Eswatini's fashion scene.

For Kenny, clothing is a form of self-expression. His approach to fashion is centred on individuality and the belief that personal style should reflect the person wearing it rather than simply follow what is popular.

His journey began in the quieter surroundings of his aunt's work accommodation at St Theresa's High School, where he spent time while growing up. He also lived at Macembe and attended several schools before completing his secondary education at Enjabulweni Independent School.

His style preferences have developed over time, with blazers and leather jackets among his favourite wardrobe choices. He pays attention to the relationship between individual pieces, particularly how a jacket complements footwear and the overall look.

His colour preferences also change with the seasons, although he has previously expressed an appreciation for autumnal shades such as brown, orange, white and black.

Social media, particularly Instagram, provides much of his fashion inspiration. He saves looks that catch his eye and revisits them when putting together outfits of his own. However, he is equally interested in developing a style that feels personal rather than simply reproducing what he sees online.

Kenny also values the relationship he has established with his followers, making a point of interacting with them both online and in person. For him, allowing people to experience the person behind the photographs is an important part of building a lasting connection.

His presence represents the growing interest in men's fashion among younger audiences in Eswatini, where personal grooming, clothing and individual expression are increasingly part of lifestyle conversations.

A Growing Space for Men

The stories of these five personalities point to a changing creative and commercial landscape in Eswatini. Male content creators are finding opportunities in areas that extend well beyond entertainment, with fashion, tourism, entrepreneurship and professional communication all becoming part of the conversation.

There is also a growing recognition among businesses that audiences connect with people, not just products. The Eswatini Tourism Authority's Choose Eswatini campaigns offer a practical example. Its 2025 Easter campaign generated more than 1.5 million views from 54 influencer posts, while the subsequent festive campaign recorded over 2.5 million Facebook post views.

For male creators, this presents opportunities to develop partnerships, promote local businesses and introduce audiences to experiences within and beyond the kingdom.

More importantly, their different backgrounds show that there is no single route into influence. A comedian can build an entertainment business, a fashion enthusiast can inspire a new approach to personal style, an educator can become an entrepreneur, and a broadcaster can shape conversations beyond the television studio.

Behind the profiles and posts are men finding ways to turn their interests into something more substantial. And as the local creator economy continues to develop, their presence suggests that Eswatini's digital space has room for many more voices.

Post a Comment

1 Comments

Kendrick Dlamini said…
Loved this!! Thank you once again page6!!