BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MALKERNS – The 2026 Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival has once again proved that its impact stretches far beyond music, fashion and food. At the official launch held at House on Fire on Thursday evening, the festival reaffirmed its commitment to community development by investing in sustainable livelihoods for the people of Lobamba Lomdzala.
Living up to its name, Luju – the siSwati word for honey – the festival sweetened the occasion by presenting World Vision Eswatini with a cheque worth E52 990.00 The donation forms part of the festival’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme and will support a community beekeeping project in the Lobamba Lomdzala Inkhundla, the area that proudly hosts the annual event.
The initiative is expected to strengthen four existing beekeeping groups made up of more than 50 members who produce honey from apiaries located on neighbouring macadamia farms in and around Malkerns. Beyond producing honey, the project is helping families generate sustainable incomes while promoting environmental conservation and supporting local economic growth.
Adding even greater meaning to the initiative, Standard bank CE Mvuselelo Fakudze announced that E10 from every ticket sold for this year’s festival will go directly towards supporting the Lobamba Lomdzala bee farmers, ensuring festivalgoers become part of a lasting community legacy.
The launch itself was a vibrant showcase of Eswatini’s thriving creative industry, blending culture, cuisine, music and fashion. It attracted members of the diplomatic corps, Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, the Prime Minister’s Representative and Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Muzi Bongani Ndzima, Standard Bank Eswatini Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze, House on Fire Director Jiggs Thorne, senior government officials, arts enthusiasts, food lovers and other distinguished guests.
World Vision Eswatini National Director Amos Zaindi and Board Member and National Resource Development Chairperson Nelisiwe De Sousa received the donation on behalf of the organisation.
Speaking during the launch, the Prime Minister’s representative minister of Sports and youth affairs Bongani Nzima described the partnership as a “visionary partnership that demonstrates what it means to host a festival with a purpose.”
As anticipation builds for the 8th Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, scheduled for 1–2 August 2026, the event continues to distinguish itself not only as one of Eswatini’s premier lifestyle festivals but also as a platform that creates meaningful opportunities for the communities that make it possible.
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