BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MATSAPHA – Power Pack Africa has stepped up once again with a E35 000 sponsorship towards the 2025 edition of the Eswatini Biggest Braai Festival.
The sponsorship was officially unveiled on Tuesday during a media briefing held at Power Pack Africa’s Matsapha factory. It includes thousands of locally produced, lightweight PET water bottles designed to reduce plastic use and cut carbon emissions, marking the second consecutive year the company has supported the national fundraising event.
Power Pack Africa General Manager Julian Shih said the donation speaks to the company’s broader mission of driving innovation while uplifting communities.
He emphasised that the Eswatini-manufactured bottles were a first of their kind, created to meet global sustainability standards while reducing the country’s reliance on imported packaging.
“This is about more than just bottles,” said Shih. “It’s about showing what Eswatini-made solutions can do. As a proudly local manufacturer, we believe in backing initiatives that bring people together and uplift the less privileged.”
Shih further noted that the company, inaugurated by His Majesty King Mswati III in 2024, has since grown into a leading force in the local packaging industry by producing high-quality, eco-conscious bottles that create jobs and build resilience in the economy.
The Eswatini Biggest Braai Festival, hosted annually by the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, is one of the country’s premier social fundraising events.
Proceeds go towards supporting underprivileged communities across all four regions of the kingdom.
Philani Maswati Charity Organisation Chairman Lutfo Dlamini applauded Power Pack Africa for its continued support. He said they were proud to partner with a homegrown company that not only creates employment for Emaswati but also contributes meaningfully to the national economy.
“Power Pack Africa is an example of what corporate responsibility looks like,” said Dlamini. “We encourage Emaswati to support local products, including bottled water made right here at home.”
He added that this year’s festival will introduce a new cashless transaction system powered by Eswatini Mobile’s e-mali platform, which will enhance convenience and safety for festival goers.
Eswatini Mobile has also come on board with a sponsorship that includes smart phones and the rollout of the digital payment solution during the event.
Power Pack’s Sales and Marketing Coordinator Lungiselwe Mamba echoed the GM’s sentiments, saying the sponsorship was a way of aligning with a cause they genuinely believed in.
“We’re proud to support Philani Maswati and the work they’re doing to uplift communities,” she said. “Giving back is part of our DNA.”
The 2025 edition of the Eswatini Biggest Braai Festival has attracted major corporate support. Robertsons Spices has injected a sizzling E500 000 into the event, while Embiveni Meats has contributed E350 000 in meat supplies. Global Village has joined the party by sponsoring accommodation for guest artists and invited VIPs.
The press briefing wrapped up with a symbolic handover and photo session that included Power Pack executives, Philani Maswati officials, and media personnel.
The sponsorship was hailed as a symbol of how local enterprise, innovation, and charity can come together to make a real impact, just in time for what promises to be the biggest braai yet.
