BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
MLAWULA – The 7th Mlawula Campfire Festival has surpassed its conservative target of 1200 attendees, with Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) Chief Executive Officer Thulani Methula describing the numbers as a positive milestone for the growing festival.
Methula shared the attendance figures as the three-day festival, held from Friday to Sunday at Mlawula Nature Reserve, attracted festival-goers to a combination of music, camping, outdoor activities, food and local enterprise.
The festival provided visitors with an experience centred around camping and community, with attendees bringing their own food, preparing meals and spending time together around the campsite.
The event also featured a range of activities aimed at encouraging participation, including nail-punching, sack races, tug of war and sprints.
Bakkie Life added to the excitement with its competition programme, which included tug of war, a mud pit challenge and a Bakkie Show & Shine that allowed enthusiasts to display and admire their vehicles.
The festival also provided space for local businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase their products, with stalls featuring locally made bags, baskets, accessories, food, clothing and crafts.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane toured the festival during the weekend, accompanied by Methula, Eswatini Tourism Authority CEO Vusie Dlamini, ENTC Chief Financial Officer Mduduzi Ndzinisa and board member Phinda Manyatsi.
The Minister interacted with exhibitors and experienced the camping environment as the festival continued to grow its profile as an outdoor tourism event.
Music remained a major attraction throughout the festival, with South African singer Boohle headlining the entertainment programme, while Velemseni made a surprise appearance during the grand finale on Sunday. Local artist and Swazi Soul singer Bholoja also rendered an outstanding performance on the last day of the event.
Other performers and DJs kept festival-goers entertained throughout the three days, with the final day taking on a more relaxed atmosphere as visitors enjoyed music, food, beverages and the company of friends.
The organisers have positioned the event as more than a music gathering, highlighting its focus on nature, community, tourism and local economic participation.
The growing attendance, according to Methula, signals increasing interest in the Mlawula Campfire Festival, which continues to combine the outdoors with entertainment and opportunities for local businesses.
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