BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Minister of Housing and Urban Development Hon. Appolo Maphalala has received a personalised T-shirt during the Buy Eswatini Consumer Fair, which was held on Friday, May 1, 2026 in Mbabane.
The presentation of the customised garment was one of the standout moments of the event, drawing attention from exhibitors and members of the public who had gathered to support local businesses and celebrate home-grown innovation. The T-shirt was presented to the Minister by Thabo Mnisi, founder of the local brand Touch of Soul (TOS), showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship emerging from Eswatini’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The symbolic gesture highlighted the growing importance of platforms such as the Buy Eswatini Consumer Fair in promoting local entrepreneurship and supporting the country’s creative industries. It also reflected the collaborative spirit between government and business in driving economic development.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, stakeholders emphasised that the Consumer Fair continues to serve as a critical platform for SMEs to exhibit their products, connect with potential customers, and expand their market reach. The fair has become an important vehicle for encouraging emaSwati to support locally produced goods, thereby strengthening the domestic economy.
The interaction between Minister Maphalala and the Touch of Soul founder underscored the role of innovation and branding in enhancing the competitiveness of local enterprises. It also demonstrated how creative industries are contributing to the diversification of Eswatini’s economic base.
Events such as the Consumer Fair are increasingly recognised as catalysts for inclusive urban economic growth. By bringing together entrepreneurs from various sectors, the fair fosters networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, all of which are essential for business sustainability and growth.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with broader national efforts to empower SMEs, which are widely regarded as key drivers of employment and economic resilience. Through exhibitions and direct engagement with policymakers, small business owners are given an opportunity to voice their needs and explore avenues for support.
The personalised T-shirt presentation, while simple in nature, carried significant meaning as it reflected the pride and identity associated with locally made products. It also reinforced the message behind the “Buy Eswatini” campaign, which encourages citizens to prioritise domestic goods and services.
As Eswatini continues to pursue urban development and economic transformation, platforms like the Consumer Fair remain vital in ensuring that growth is inclusive and that local entrepreneurs are not left behind.
The event further highlighted the importance of sustained support for SMEs, as well as continued investment in initiatives that promote innovation, creativity, and local production.
The Buy Eswatini Consumer Fair once again proved to be more than just an exhibition, but a celebration of enterprise, resilience, and the potential of emaSwati to shape their own economic future.
