By Gcwalisile Mhlabane (Intern)
MBABANE — Atibuye Emasisweni! Let Us Return to Our Roots!
On May 24, 2025, the Mbabane Theatre Club will burst into colour, sound, and cultural pride as Eswatini celebrates Africa Day 2025 with a bold and vibrant festival. Hosted by the African Women Peace and Development Foundation (AWPDF), this year’s celebration carries a powerful theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”
Africa Day, observed annually on May 25, commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. Falling on a Sunday this year, Eswatini’s festivities have been moved to Saturday, May 24, to ensure full community participation in a Pan-African Food & Cultural Festival like no other.
The event promises a rich celebration of African identity — from traditional cuisine and fashion to music and hands-on cultural workshops. The event is slated to kick off at 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Entry Fee: E100. Vendor Stalls: E300 (small), E500 (large).
Attendees can indulge in a diverse array of traditional dishes prepared by African diplomats, offering an edible journey through the continent. More than just food, each dish tells a story — a celebration of African heritage, flavors, and resilience.
The festival’s fashion showcase will highlight local designers who infuse their collections with heritage-inspired elements. Expect bold prints, ancestral patterns, and storytelling through fabric — a tribute to Africa’s rich textile traditions and modern creativity.
Eswatini’s own Kholekile (Kholè Tshabalala) will headline the live performances, delivering her signature blend of Jazz rooted in African rhythms. Her music captures the spirit of the continent — rich, soulful, and unifying.
Interactive workshops will allow the attendees to engage directly with African artisans. From beadwork to weaving, these sessions are designed to educate and inspire — preserving traditions by passing them on to new generations.
Africa Day 2025 isn’t just a celebration — it’s a movement. It’s a call to embrace identity, honor our ancestors, and move forward with unity and purpose. Whether you’re coming for the food, the fashion, or the message — this is a day to connect, reflect, and celebrate all that it means to be African.
