By Mbono Mdluli
MBABANE – The Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) has introduced another mascot to be featured in this year’s edition of the trade exhibition,
In a statement issued by EITF, the mascot will be known as Jaha. “Mascot, Ngabisa, this year welcomes a new member to the Trade Fair family. Jaha, the new Trade Fair mascot is here and will now be seen alongside Ngabisa building up to the Trade Fair and during the ten-day event,” said part of the statement.
Like Ngabisa, Jaha symbolises the growth that the Trade Fair has seen over the years and the continued evolution and growth that the event continues to see. Together, the mascots are young with vibrant personalities. Their youth represents the importance of developing the young minds within our population to take up the baton and continue to grow Eswatini’s economy.
Their smiles and friendly disposition are representative of the bright future we have ahead of us as a country. Siphesihle Nkhabindze the official spokesperson of the Eswatini International Trade Fair comments, “We are excited to welcome Jaha to the Trade Fair family. We are always looking for ways to add some excitement to the Trade Fair for all who attend. A new mascot represents growth for the Trade Fair and continues to demonstrate our commitment to putting together an event that is exciting and beneficial for all those who attend whether for business or for social reasons.”
Nkhabindze went on to state that the mascots’ energetic characters symbolised the zeal with which the Trade Fair team and EIPA, the organisers of the Trade Fair, approach the mandate to enhance economic activity and trade during the EITF. The traditional nuances in their outfits including ligcebesha and the patterns on the trimming of their clothes are symbolic of influences taken from our traditional attire.
He said Jaha and Ngabisa were proudly from Eswatini and also represent the importance of being culturally grounded and being authentic in our roots as we adopt and participate in global business trends and practices.
The 2025 EITF will be held from August 29 to September 8. The theme for this year’s fair is “Digital Transformation 2.0: Creating Business Networks”. The launch of the fair was on May 16, 2025 at Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre in Manzini, where the fair will also be held. Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo is the one who launched the event.
(Courtesy Pic)
