BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
EZULWINI – From building a leather business to securing export opportunities, Dumsile Nobuhle Simelane’s entrepreneurial journey reached a major milestone on Thursday, July 23, 2026, when Melane Leather Eswatini was crowned the Overall Winner of the 2026 Hhohho Regional Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Simelane, who also won the Woman-Owned Business category, was recognised during a ceremony held at Sibane Sami Hotel in Ezulwini, on July 23, 2026, bringing together entrepreneurs, government officials, business leaders and development partners to celebrate excellence and innovation in the region’s business sector.
“I am completely shocked and humbled,” Simelane said following her victory.
The double victory saw Simelane walk away with a combined E30 000 in prize money and two certificates. She received E20 000 and a certificate for being crowned Overall Regional Winner, as well as an additional E10 000 and certificate for winning the Woman-Owned Business category.
Based in Lobamba eMashibhini, Melane Leather Eswatini was established in 2016, following Simelane’s journey as a fashion designer, which began in 2014. Her passion for design and craftsmanship developed into a business specialising in premium handcrafted leather products made to compete with international standards.
The enterprise produces laptop bags, tablet and iPad sleeves, wallets, rugs, corporate gifts and customised leather accessories. Its customers include corporate clients, tourists, government institutions and individuals looking for authentic and durable locally made products.
From starting with two sewing machines, Simelane has expanded the business to five machines and two employees. The enterprise also has a retail presence at the Swazi Candles Craft Centre, allowing its products to reach local and international customers while showcasing Eswatini’s craftsmanship.
Simelane’s work has earned recognition over the years. She received an award in 2017 and won the Handicraft Business category in 2023, before securing the biggest regional achievement of her entrepreneurial journey in 2026.
She credited development partners, including the Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO), Taiwan ICDF, the International Trade Centre (ITC), SWASA and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), for supporting her growth.
Through this support, she said the business had expanded production, opened a physical outlet and gained access to export markets.
SEDCO Chief Executive Officer Khethiwe Mhlanga congratulated all the Hhohho Regional EYA 2026 winners, commending them for their hard work, resilience and commitment to growing their businesses.
She also congratulated all entrepreneurs who participated in the regional awards, saying their involvement reflected the strength and potential of Eswatini’s MSME sector.
The awards are delivered through a partnership between SEDCO, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and FNB Eswatini, providing entrepreneurs with a platform to gain recognition, build networks and access opportunities for growth.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo said the awards were particularly significant as the programme celebrates 20 years under the theme “20 Years of Nurturing Future Growth.”
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, under the theme ‘20 Years of Nurturing Future Growth’, and 40 years of His Majesty King Mswati III’s reign, which His Majesty has called a Year of Agape Love,” Khumalo said.
He revealed that Hhohho received 81 of the 362 applications submitted nationally, representing close to a quarter of the total.
“Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are the foundation of our economy, not a peripheral part of it,” Khumalo said.
FNB Eswatini CEO Thokozani ‘TK’ Dlamini said entrepreneurs needed an environment where they could access practical support to grow.
“Whatever sector you operate in, no matter the number of years you have been in business, we are here to support you,” Dlamini said.
HHOHHO REGIONAL EYA 2026 WINNERS
-Overall Regional Winner: Melane Leather Eswatini – E20 000 and certificate
-Youth-Owned Business: Aquaritech IT Solutions & Luxe Quests – E10 000 and certificate
-Woman-Owned Business: Melane Leather Eswatini – E10 000 and certificate
-Agri-Business: Malu’s Poultry – E10 000 and certificate
-Most Tech-Savvy Business: Instant Electrical – E10 000 and certificate
-Most Innovative Business: Grace Howard Investments (Pty) Ltd – E10 000 and certificate
-Green Business: Master Art Works – E10 000 and certificate
-Handicraft Business: Benangu Investments – E10 000 and certificate
-Start-Up Business: Cartel Car Wash – E10 000 and certificate
-Street Vendor: Nomonde Handicraft – E10 000 and certificate
-Business Owned by Person with Disabilities: Mbathe Mobile – E10 000 and certificate
For Simelane, the victory is more than a trophy. It marks the growth of a woman-owned enterprise that has transformed a passion for fashion and design into a growing leather manufacturing business.
Her journey demonstrates the potential of Eswatini’s MSMEs to create employment, promote local craftsmanship and reach wider markets when entrepreneurs receive the right support and opportunities.
#EYA2026 #HhohhoRegionalWinner #MelaneLeather #SEDCO #FNBEswatini #MSMEGrowth #WomenInEnterprise #EswatiniBusiness
