By Sizwe Dlamini
The 2024 Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival showcased a vibrant array of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering festival-goers a dynamic mix of products and services.
Among the notable entrepreneurs was Bongi Hlophe, owner of Tandla Tami, a local jewelry business that specializes in pieces made from recycled materials.
Hlophe’s jewelry, crafted from old bottle caps and plastic lids, targets environmentally conscious consumers. Her venture began three years ago and can be found online at Tandla Tami on Instagram and Facebook. She disclosed that the festival has provided more exposure for her brand.
Another highlight was the Thrift Corner, curated by entrepreneur Sakhile Mlangeni of Statement Pieces. Mlangeni started her business after graduating top of her class in BCom Marketing at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) and praised the festival as a vital platform for promoting her brand.
Originally selling shades, her collection now includes jewelry and bags, with business exceeding expectations.
“I graduated at the top of my Marketing class and could not find a job so I decided to launch my brand. I am now doing well and selling my wares online under Statement Pieces on Instagram. I love the fact that the festival attracts a diverse range of customers,” she said.
Phila Nkambule, working at the official Luju merchandising store, reported that Luju-branded items such as aprons, cups, caps, and t-shirts were flying off the shelves. The store also featured Eswatini Football Association shirts, which were selling exceptionally well. Nkambule mentioned that the exact financial figures were not yet available but noted strong sales performance at the festival.
Adjacent to the merchandise booth was Black Edge, a South African company specializing in polarized sunglasses. Kwanele Mavuso, the owner, highlighted their ten-year history in the industry and expressed satisfaction with the festival’s reception. He stated that sunglasses ranged from E500 to E1,500, with online purchases available post-festival.
Meanwhile, Mozambican entrepreneurs Nigel Mzalu and Paul Nkoliso of Mkambu Street Fashion displayed their streetwear as part of the XHUB exchange program. They were pleased with the response in Eswatini and reported successful sales.
“We are part of the XHUB program that encourages artists and vendors from different countries to collaborate with their peers in other countries. We are from Mozambique and we won the opportunity to come here to Eswatini and showcase our products. So far, we have managed to sell some items and we know that we will be able to sell more by the end of the day. We would like to thank Eswatini for hosting us,” they said.
Another XHUB participant, Catia Munguambe, showcased stainless steel jewelry and offered African face painting under the theme of “Future Realism.”
“So far, my jewelry is selling more than my face painting but I hope people will eventually accept this form of artwork,” he said.
Also, at the event, Marti Mduli of Mongi Botanicals located at House on Fire, presented a range of traditional drinks, including local teas, mixed herb drinks, spiced alcoholic beverages, and homemade brews and beers.
“The festival provides a valuable platform for us SMEs to connect with a diverse audience and highlight their distinctive products and services. Today, we have met so many people and we cannot wait until next year to visit again,” he said.