BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS – While music set the rhythm across the festival grounds, it was fashion that commanded attention at the 5th Makoti Festival held on May 2, 2026. Under the open skies of Malkerns, the venue was transformed into an unplanned yet powerful outdoor runway, where creativity, identity, and cultural pride walked side by side.
This year’s theme, “Eswatini Culture Attire,” was fully embraced by attendees, who arrived dressed in bold interpretations of traditional wear blended with modern design. The result was a vibrant showcase of heritage reimagined through contemporary style.
The festival turned into a living exhibition of African cultural expression, where fashion became a statement of identity, pride, and creativity.
The fashion display extended beyond Eswatini’s borders, with attendees from neighbouring countries also making a strong visual impact. Traditional and modern attire from Lesotho, South Africa, and Mozambique shone prominently throughout the festival grounds, adding a rich layer of regional unity and diversity.
Lesotho-inspired blankets and elegant Basotho designs, South African traditional ensembles, and vibrant Mozambican prints all contributed to a colourful mix that elevated the runway atmosphere. This reinforced the festival’s growing role as a Southern African cultural exchange platform.
Women in attendance set the tone with expressive, detail-rich outfits that reflected both personal artistry and cultural storytelling. Each look contributed to a broader narrative of empowerment through fashion.
Among the standout appearances was Ntsiki Dlamini, who drew admiration in a self-designed blue and black lace creation valued at E2000. Her outfit combined elegance with precision craftsmanship.
Nocolo Gamedze brought a fresh contemporary edge in cream white trousers paired with a vibrant kente-inspired top she crafted for E800, blending African influence with modern structure.
Thembelihle Sangweni turned heads in a royal blue beaded gown valued at E2500, reflecting regal confidence and meticulous detail.
Gugulethu Phiri made a bold cultural statement in striking Xhosa-inspired attire valued at E500, celebrating heritage through modern interpretation.
Hlengiwe Nyamane stood out in a vibrant orange ensemble with intricate lattice-work, designed by Beketele Dlamini and valued at E1000.
Sonia captivated attention in a deep red off-the-shoulder designer gown, embodying elegance and confidence.
Beyond aesthetics, the Makoti Festival continues to position itself as a meaningful platform for local creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural exchange. Many attendees arrived in self-made designs, reinforcing the message that Eswatini’s fashion talent is both widespread and evolving.
“Our culture is truly beautiful, and this event is all about showcasing that beauty,” said Festival Director Thembinkhosi Mthethwa. His remarks captured the spirit of the day, where fashion became a shared language of identity, pride, and innovation.
He further emphasized that the festival is designed to reflect “the beauty of our culture and the unison that we are one people at the end of the day.”
This year’s celebration also carried national significance, coinciding with commemorations marking His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40 years on the throne. Against this backdrop, the fashion displays became more than style. They became a statement of cultural pride, unity, and continuity.
As the music faded and the lights dimmed over Malkerns, one message remained clear. The Makoti Festival has evolved into a powerful cultural runway where Eswatini and the wider region proudly showcase heritage through fashion, creativity, and unity.
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