By Phiwa Sikhondze
As the deadline for trader applications for the 2025 MTN Bushfire Festival approaches, (Friday, January 31, 2025) the festival has highlighted its sustainability best practices to guide aspiring vendors for an improved chance of being selected.
These practices, rooted in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, have shaped the festival’s growth and success since its first edition in 2007.
As the winner of the “Best Responsible Event” at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards in 2017, MTN Bushfire has always been firmly committed to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable policies and practices, since the first edition in 2007.
Trader application forms are available online, through the MTN Bushfire website, https://www.bush-fire.com/festival/.
Applications received by other means will not be considered. Final selections will be made by the 28th of February, 2025. Applicants are advised that due to the volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.
Simon Dawson, MTN Bushfire Festival Communications Officer, emphasized that the festival’s sustainability philosophy is built on a belief that businesses and individuals should actively participate in the development of their communities. This is reflected through the festival’s commitment to fostering local, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious trade.
This philosophy has driven the policies that have resulted in increasing trader sales. Traders generated a combined E3.5m in 2022, rising to E7.35m in 2023, and E9.5m in 2024.
MTN Bushfire’s trader policies are inclusive, small business focused, promote ethical and fair trade, and support economic growth in Eswatini. Trader selection prioritizes local, socially conscious vendors who produce unique, high-quality handmade products that are sourced or made within the Southern African region.
Using the Environmental, Social, and ESG framework, which takes the holistic view that sustainability extends beyond just environmental issues, the festival has three main focuses that festival traders can use to align their applications to the festival’s philosophy.
Preference is given to brands that use eco-friendly materials, as well as those that focus on up-cycling, recycling, and sustainability. All traders at the festival are mandated to use biodegradable packaging, which is composted on-site and used to renew the festival landscaping and grounds.
“MTN Bushfire also advances energy efficiency, water conservation, and safe waste disposal, preferring to work with traders who implement environmental mitigation measures in their business,” Dawson said.
Dawson also emphasized that in the selection process, priority is given to vendors that have strong a socio-environmental ethos, empower youth and women, and support the sustainable advancement of their local communities in one way or another.
MTN Bushfire also looks for artisanal and food brands that design their products, maintain transparency in their sourcing practices, integrate genuine cultural references with respect, and support the growth of artisans and employees through training, capacity building, profit sharing, and similar.
“Ensuring full and fair local representation, as well as business and sourcing transparency, fuels our festival ethos and we encourage all our regional traders to mirror this in their staffing and product sourcing processes,” Dawson emphasized.
Potential traders are advised to look out for MTN Bushfire’s incubator and training programmes, designed for aspiring MSMEs. The festival’s goal is to elevate more local brands to the international stage and foster the growth of local entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneur programmes are designed in collaboration with the festival’s partners and focus on tailored business growth with Environmental, Social, and Governance principles at the forefront. This ensures that brands are well-equipped to meet the demands of both the international market and our local community.
Trader queries may be directed to traders@bush-fire.com