Local entrepreneurs turned out in numbers at the second Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, where a wide range of local products were on display yesterday.
From homemade preserves, sauces and natural oils to handcrafted wooden items and fashion accessories, the exhibition highlighted the creativity and resilience of small businesses across the country.
The fair continues to showcase the strength and creativity of locally produced goods and services, with the nation turning out in numbers to support local businesses.
It gave producers a valuable platform to market their goods, connect with customers and grow their brands, while also encouraging the public to support locally made products.
Patron Princess Sakhizwe, Inkhosikati LaMagwaza, Prince Majaha, Prince Bandzile, Ministers Manqoba Khumalo, Apollo Maphalala and Phila Buthelezi as well as those in the country’s high echelons also supported at the event.
Princess Sakhizwe toured the stalls and bought some items while engaging the exhibitors and showing interest in what they are selling.
Exhibitors said the event was not just about sales only, but also about building visibility and strengthening the buy local culture in the country.
A Peculiar People Chairman Melusi Dlamini said the event was a huge success with over 300 exhibiting along Dr Sishayi Road in Mbabane.
“As you can see the whole street is closed, the parking at Pick n Pay is also closed, which we did not plan for.
“Some of the exhibitors also had to share the stall spaces because more people showed interest in coming through,” said Dlamini.
Municipal Council of Mbabane (MCM) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gciniwe Fakudze said she was impressed with how the nation turned out, not only people from Mbabane, but from other towns as well.
In partnership with A Peculiar People, she said the smart city vision was brought to her table.
“You know when someone comes to you with a concept, which is what A Peculiar People talked about when we met, they had a grand vision and they wanted a city that they can partner with. We got into the vision because we believe that that is the function of cities. So cities must be the place where people can dream and fulfil it.
“So we are so excited when you stand here and you just look at all of this and it tells you that Emaswati are very vibrant, Emaswati are very creative. Given an opportunity, the nation can shine. So I am very excited,” said Fakudze.
On behalf of the city of Mbabane, she said the turnout proved even if there was ever a doubt, that the nation can hold their own space.
She recalled that His Majesty Mswati III spoke during the Ruby Jubilee and 58th birthday double celebration, stating that Emaswati were known for their identity, kindness, uniqueness and friendliness.
She said it meant that the more others are pulled, the more they make others succeed, especially local, therefore fulfilling the vision of His Majesty.
Fakudze said more importantly, she was overwhelmed with the traffic of people present.
She noted that as much as it was a second event of its kind, the huge turnout indicated that the fifth, sixth and the seventh editions will be bigger, better and huge.
She expressed her happiness, stating that as a capital city they were happy to host all the creative minds.
She said they trust that God will bless their businesses to grow beyond Mbabane, beyond the country and into the world.
“I am blown away. We are so excited, we congratulate all the people that came out to exhibit and we really appreciate them.
“One of the things that the consumer fair and Princess Sakhizwe spoke about as the patron is that there is a need to talk about rolling it out and having it in other cities because Mbabane is the capital.
“What we are seeing here are exhibitors from all over the country. So it would really be great if this could be born and then replicated because there are so many creative Emaswati on all corners of this country,” added Fakudze.
