Macmillan Education Eswatini has announced the first two winners in its vibrant Macmillan Bags to School competition, an interactive back‑to‑school campaign designed to bring fun, excitement, and motivation to learners across the country.

The competition, as advertised on the official campaign poster, invited learners to participate by taking a picture in their school uniform, posting it on the Macmillan social media page, and sharing it on their timelines with the hashtag #MacmillanBagsToSchool. Posts that received 20 or more engagements qualified for the weekly draw, with winners announced every Friday.

Hlelo Nyandzeni announced as the first winner

The first weekly draw yielded its inaugural winner, Hlelo Nyandzeni, a Form 5 learner from Swazi National High School, whose entry stood out among the many eligible entries received.

Hlelo was officially presented with her prize during a celebratory moment at Macmillan's premises to revive the spirit of the campaign. Upon receiving her prize, Hlelo said “I would like to thank Macmillan for the wonderful prize and my friends and followers for voting for me”. She further encouraged other learners to participate in the campaign. The campaign continues to run for the next two weeks, with more winners to be announced. In an exciting twist, Macmillan invited Hlelo to take part in the next phase of the competition by drawing the second winner alongside the Macmillan sales team of Mcebo Magagula and Nomcebo Mngomezulu.  

After dipping into the box with names of participants, Hlelo picked up Cotsa Lindz’s name with a cheerful smile. Cotsa was confirmed by the Macmillan team as the second winner, her award still to be made.

A Campaign That Connects Learning With Fun

The Macmillan Bags to School campaign was officially launched at Swazi National High School during the first Macmillan Motivation Tour. During the launch, Mbuso Sacolo, Sales and Marketing Manager, delivered an address to both teachers and learners present. Through the Bags to School campaign, he described Macmillan’s mission as bringing the joy of learning to students and helping teachers fulfil their duties effectively. Sacolo added by saying “When learners are motivated, education wins and the society gains quality leaders and citizens.”

The Macmillan Bags to School competition continues to build momentum, with weekly prizes worth up to E5,000 being awarded to learners who participate by posting their pictures in school uniform.

Beyond the prizes, the campaign is a symbol of Macmillan’s love for learners and the communities they live in. The desired endgame is to unify all stakeholders in a celebration of education, pride, and readiness for the academic year.

As the competition rolls on, more learners stand a chance to win, connect, and shine. Macmillan encourages all eligible learners to join in, have fun, and show how they are preparing to make the most of their school experience.