By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
MBABANE– Heritage, health, and tourism blend in cultural culinary collaboration for the future.
In a landmark cultural initiative, the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) and Olive Country Lodge officially joined forces on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in a partnership dedicated to preserving and promoting Eswatini’s traditional cuisine as a national treasure and tourism magnet.
The launch ceremony, held at Olive Country Lodge, unveiled the lodge’s newly revitalized menu featuring authentic Eswatini dishes that tell stories of heritage, health, and community. Founder Gugulethu Dlamini described the initiative as more than a menu change: “We are proud to be identified as a partner with The Eswatini Arts & Culture for the Annual Traditional Arts Expo. This is about identity and empowerment.”
The partnership has a powerful economic dimension, supporting local farmers, creating employment, and ensuring the sustainability of indigenous food systems. Dlamini emphasized the deep-rooted cultural significance of dishes like Inyama yeMbuti, kwangekhatsi, Umcwembe, and Emasi emabele: “These are not just meals; they are stories on a plate. They connect us to our land, ancestors, and values.”
In reviving these traditional foods, Olive Country Lodge aims to appeal to health-conscious eaters and cultural tourists alike, while strengthening local food economies.
ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini echoed these sentiments, noting that traditional food is foundational to a people’s identity. “It forms part of the cultural pillars,” he said. “Our elders lived long, healthy lives because of these diets. That’s what inspired this partnership.”
The collaboration will play a central role in the upcoming Annual Traditional Arts Expo, where cuisine will take the stage alongside crafts, music, dance, and storytelling, offering artists and chefs new opportunities for exposure and growth.
Chunky Dlamini of the Eswatini Tourism Authority added that authentic food experiences are now central to global tourism trends. “Tourists don’t just want to see our mountains, they want to taste our roots. This partnership will elevate Eswatini’s culinary heritage as a key cultural attraction,” she said.
As preparations for future festivals and food-centered events continue, the partnership between ENCAC and Olive Country Lodge stands as a visionary model, one that uses the power of food to celebrate culture, empower communities, and attract the world.
“Let us savor the taste of Eswatini,” concluded Gugulethu Dlamini, “and ensure our culinary heritage thrives for generations.”
(Courtesy Pics)
