BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – In celebration of World Consumer Rights Day, A Peculiar People announced that they would be hosting the Consumer Choices Forum.
The event is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2025, at the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) auditorium in Ezulwini. It has been specially curated for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are part of the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair 2025.
These local entrepreneurs, whose products have been assessed and selected for their authenticity, environmental friendliness, uniqueness, health standards, safety, and overall quality, are seen as representing the future of Eswatini’s economy. They are central to a growing movement focused on responsible, sustainable entrepreneurship.
The aim of the Consumer Choices Forum is to foster valuable dialogue regarding the future of consumer trends, discussing how local businesses can adapt to the evolving expectations of today’s marketplace, connect with conscious consumers, and why they must embrace sustainable practices to drive growth. When asked for comments, Melusi Zox Dlamini, the Chairman of A Peculiar People and host of the event, expressed his excitement about engaging with a dynamic group of local business owners and innovators who have shown interest in participating in the first Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair.
He stated that they were looking forward to the forum, where Eswatini’s MSMEs would have open conversations about the challenges and opportunities they face in the marketplace. Dlamini remarked that the Consumer Choices Forum was not merely a dialogue but an opportunity for local businesses to learn, grow, and align their practices with the values of sustainability and consumer demand.
He added that through this forum, they aimed to foster a deeper understanding of how MSMEs can thrive in an ever-evolving market, especially as consumers become more conscientious about their product choices, emphasising the importance of creating a sustainable future for Eswatini’s businesses and the environment. A key focus of the forum is expected to be the growing need for tax education, particularly in the MSME sector.
Dlamini expressed his gratitude to ERS for providing an ideal space to host this vital conversation. He stated that they were grateful for the ERS’s ongoing support and for offering such a conducive environment for hosting the event. He noted that their involvement reinforces the importance of ensuring MSMEs are well educated about their tax obligations, which is crucial for long-term business success.
Ntobeko Dlamini, the Director of Marketing and Communication at ERS, highlighted the importance of educating MSMEs about their tax responsibilities. She pointed out that as the MSME sector continues to grow, there is an urgent need for tax education, as many small businesses are often unaware of the full scope of their tax obligations. This lack of awareness can lead to challenges in maintaining compliance.
She mentioned that the Consumer Choices Forum addresses this gap and expressed pride in being part of an initiative that not only educates but also empowers entrepreneurs in Eswatini. Dlamini added that through this partnership, they hope to create a more informed, sustainable, and compliant MSME sector. The forum will include a panel discussion and a series of presentations aimed at enhancing business practices and consumer experiences.
The presentations are designed to improve the consumer experience at the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair. Key topics will include curating memorable consumer experiences, navigating large and small-scale events as a trader, utilising AI-driven digital marketing tools for advertising, embracing a cashless economy, understanding tax obligations for micro-enterprises, and driving positive change through sustainable business practices.
The guest speaker for the Consumer Choices Forum will be Bongani Bhanyaza Mdluli, the Chairman of the Eswatini Consumer Association Counsel. Confirmed speakers include Claudia Castellanos, Co-Founder and CEO of Black Mamba, Sibusiso Mngadi, CEO of Stratcom Media, and Sara Vost, Head of Trade for MTN Bush Fire Festival and Luju Festival.
The forum will also feature a panel discussion focused on factors influencing modern consumer choices, addressing key topics such as how businesses can adapt to consumer demands, the rise of the “conscious consumer,” the influence of digital tools in consumer engagement, the importance of fair competition, quality, sustainability, and how businesses can tap into the growing demand for local products.
The panel will include Mancoba Mabuza, Advocacy & Communications Manager at the Eswatini Competition Commission, Zee Masuku, Marketing Trailblazer at A Peculiar People, and Ms. Mbali Smith-Dlamini, a Beauty, Food & Lifestyle Consultant, among others. The programme will be directed by the exceptionally talented Phila Dlamini, ensuring an engaging and dynamic experience for all attendees.
This event is deemed essential for small businesses looking to adapt to the modern consumer landscape and understand how to leverage new tools, technologies, and practices to thrive. All participants will be invited to pledge their support for locally produced and sustainable goods, promoting a sustainable future for Eswatini by encouraging environmentally conscious practices and supporting local businesses.
