FNB Eswatini has once again extended its support for the arts, extending a generous sponsorship of E300,000 towards the 2025 MTN Bushfire Festival.
Driven by the love of music, passion for people and heart for economic growth, FNB returns as the Festival’s official banking partner, ensuring that business runs smoothly throughout the three-day festival, which kicks off on Friday 30 May 2025.
Speaking at the official cheque handover on Wednesday morning, FNB’s Executive Head of Commercial Banking, Chantell Littler, said the sponsorship is one of many ways FNB is affirming its commitment to the development of the arts sector in Eswatini.
“This year, the Festival’s theme is ‘Creativity, Unity, Sustainability,’ which are values that align with our brand. As we celebrate 30 years of serving Eswatini, we are committed to celebrating with our people and this sponsorship is one of many ways we are ploughing back to this society we call home. As we have been saying throughout the year, ‘Sitintile Eswatini futsi asiyindzawo,’ such sponsorships underscore that promise. We are happy to note that through this sponsorship, we will be extending our HELP to people from all walks of life, including artists, traders, the business community, families and young people,” she said.
For the duration of the festival, FNB will be offering an array of financial services on the ground, including opening of accounts, attending to queries, and a digital kiosk for assistance with the FNB App and online banking, ensuring a seamless banking experience for festival goers.
Additionally, the Bank will be launching a brand-new offering on the festival grounds, the FNB Creative Corner which will allow FNB customers to get their festival gear, including hats, t-shirts and sneakers, customised by a professional artist.
“This is one of the ways we want to create long lasting memories for our valued customers. I urge all our customers to visit our stands throughout the weekend to get support, and also add a sprinkle of fun to their Festival experience,” Littler added
Festival Director, Sholto Thorne, expressed their appreciation to FNB for their continued partnership, adding that this was a clear display of trust and mutual respect. He said it is imperative for the Festival to have a renowned and reliable banking partner.
“We have a lot of transactions taking place throughout the weekend and need a partner that offers reliable banking solutions, which is exactly what FNB does. FNB understands that Festivals are not just about music but a full lifestyle package which includes trading and ensuring that people have a great time without worrying about how they will make their transactions,” he said.
Thorne added that the Festival is a micro-economy as it draws thousands of people from across the globe and therefore working with a bank that fully understands and caters to the needs of different clients is important.
“We have forged an amazing relationship with FNB Eswatini over the years and look forward to building stronger networks every year. The generous sponsorship we have received again is highly appreciated and will go a long way towards ensuring the Festival’s success,” he added.