BY PHESHEYA KUNENE
MBABANE – Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo appreciates the success of the Buy Eswatini Consumer Fair, an event that was held on Dr Sishayi Road in Mbabane on April 25, 2025.
The Minister expressed his appreciation at the Municipal Council of Mbabane Chambers on May 5, 2025. He said it was both an honour and a pleasure to be present to officially receive the report on the tremendous success of the first-ever Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, which had been held on April 25, 2025. He noted that the event marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts to uplift local enterprise and celebrate Swazi innovation.
Khumalo extended heartfelt appreciation to the Mbabane Municipal Council for their unwavering support in hosting the inaugural event, stating that their logistical and institutional assistance had made the gathering not only possible but impactful.
The Minister recognized the invaluable contributions of local enterprises, sponsors, development partners, and, most importantly, the consumers. He highlighted that their enthusiastic participation and belief in locally made goods had served as the heartbeat of the fair.
He thanked the entrepreneurs of Eswatini for their tireless commitment to excellence, emphasizing that they had demonstrated creativity, resilience, and immense pride in the nation’s identity.
The Minister highlighted a particularly historic moment during the fair: the unveiling of the Made in Eswatini logo by Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe. He stated that this moment was more than ceremonial; it was symbolic of a new chapter in national branding and economic self-determination.
He congratulated the talented team that had designed the logo, noting that they had captured the spirit of the nation—its tradition, ingenuity, and authenticity. The Minister urged everyone to commit to protecting and standardizing the use of this logo to ensure its integrity is preserved for future generations.
He proposed that the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair should be institutionalized as an annual celebration, serving as a platform for the community to gather, celebrate, support, and elevate Eswatini-made products. He pointed out the vast potential for job creation, economic stimulation, and building a sustainable culture of local consumption, emphasizing that this was about economic independence.
Looking ahead, the Minister called on the public to actively participate in the upcoming Made in Eswatini Product Excellence Awards. He noted that these awards were not just about recognition but also a celebration of innovation, quality, and the entrepreneurial spirit of the people. He stressed that the true stars of these awards would be the products themselves, authentically made in Eswatini and chosen by the consumers. He mentioned that while a panel of respected business leaders would be involved, it was the voice of the consumer that would carry the most weight.
The Minister extended special congratulations to A Peculiar People for their bold vision and relentless effort in organizing the fair, stating that they had not only created an event but had also pioneered a movement that encourages consumers to choose local and gives local producers the recognition they deserve.
In conclusion, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s full commitment to supporting local enterprise development, innovation, and improved market access for Eswatini-made goods. He thanked everyone present and wished them all God’s blessings.
Among other attendants, the event was also attended by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade Melusi Masuku, HRH Princess Sakhizwe, the CEO of Mbabane Municipal Council Gciniwe Fakudze, A Peculiar People staff members, under the leadership of Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini.
(Courtesy Pics)
