BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS– Vendors and entrepreneurs, here is your chance to capitalize on one of Eswatini’s most vibrant cultural events.
Trader applications for the highly anticipated 5th Edition of the Makoti Festival officially opened on Monday, January 19, 2026 and will remain open until March 15, 2026.
Festival Director Thembinkosi Mthethwa confirmed the start of the recruitment phase, stating, “Stall applications are now open at Makoti Festival. To apply, visit our website at www.makotifestival.com/portal/.”
Mthethwa highlighted that the festival is eager to host a wide variety of vendors to enrich the attendee experience. He clarified that certain stalls may be free of charge depending on the nature of the products being sold, with specific details and criteria available on the official website.
The festival is welcoming a broad range of categories to its marketplace, including food and drinks, alcohol, accessories, artwork, craft, and kids’ games. For corporate stalls, Mthethwa advised interested companies to contact the organising team directly via email or through the festival website.
The Makoti Festival is scheduled to return to the Malkerns Country Club on April 25, 2026. Presented by NewLife Entertainment and the Illa PenBoy Foundation, the event is a full-day celebration of live music, fashion, and cultural exchange. Since its debut in April 2022, it has grown into a regional powerhouse, honoring women—from married makotis to young girls—while celebrating Southern Africa’s creative brilliance.
The previous edition in 2025 was a resounding success, bringing together talent from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique. As the buildup to the 2026 edition intensifies, organisers have teased that a series of major announcements, including the lineup of headlining artists and DJs, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Ticket Prices:
General Tickets
- Phase 1: E200
- Phase 2: E250
- Phase 3: E300
VIP Tickets
- Phase 1: E500
- Phase 2: E650
- Phase 3: E750
Tickets are now available across all major selling platforms, including Computicket, Howler, Moja Ticket, and the festival’s official website.
#EPN#MakotiFestival2026 #MakotiFest #MalkernsCountryClub #EswatiniCulture #VendorOpportunities #SupportLocal#IllaPenBoy #SouthernAfricaCreatives #NewLifeEntertainment
(Courtesy Pic)
