BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – If you haven’t yet applied to be a vendor at the fourth edition of the Makoti Festival, hurry now as the deadline is fast approaching.
The application deadline for vendor registration is this Saturday, March 15, 2025. Feedback to successful applicants will be communicated on March 27, 2025, with the payment deadline for approved stalls set for March 31, 2025. This was confirmed by Makoti Festival Director, Thembinkosi Mthethwa.
The fourth edition of the Makoti Festival will take place at Malkerns Country Club on April 26, 2025. The festival is presented by New Life Entertainment, in partnership with the Illa Penboy Foundation.
For more information about becoming a vendor, including pricing details, you can visit their site at Makoti Festival Vendors Registration • https://www.makotifestival.com/vendors-registration.html or send an email to makotifest@gmail.com. Further details can also be found on their official website at www.makotifestival.com • http://www.makotifestival.com.
According to Mthethwa, stall prices are equivalent to ticket prices per person but are subject to change based on the date of purchase and will be released in phases.
The festival’s brand has expanded across Eswatini, with media activations planned in three countries: South Africa (Mbombela), Lesotho, and Mozambique (Maputo).
This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Eswatini culture, featuring a line-up of renowned artists, including:
– South African gospel legend Dr. Rebecca Malope
– Mozambique’s queen of Afro-beat Lizha James
– South African Maskandi powerhouse Khuzani “uGatsheni” Ndlovu
– Other performers such as Ntate Stunna, Gogo Mpila, Kinga Kanga, Young Zesh (NACA 2024 Outstanding Afro-pop artist), and the legendary gospel ensemble Shongwe Ne Khuphuka.
Additionally, 11 local DJs will perform, bringing diverse sounds to the festival, including:
– Young Love
– DJ MBO
– Master P
– The Bishop
– Culolam
– Sbu The Drum DJ
– Nelson X
– Lady Zee
– UrcousinPhayo
– DJ Tseko
– DJ MEnyoko
General tickets are now priced at E300, while VIP tickets are E500. Tickets are available through platforms like Howler, Computicket, Mojaticket, MTN MoMo, and the official website, www.makotifestival.com • http://www.makotifestival.com.
Tickets can also be purchased via MoMo through MTN Eswatini, with a step-by-step guide provided for convenience.
The Makoti Festival is designed to be a family-oriented event that promotes Eswatini culture, celebrating modern women, including both married and unmarried individuals, as well as young girls aspiring to embrace their identity as makotis. The festival will feature various activities, including fashion and food stalls, along with live performances showcasing trendy fashion for women of all ages.
