Sibebe Premium Lager was named Eswatini Product of the Year at the 2025 Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards, a celebration of locally produced excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.
During the award ceremony, Melusi Zox Dlamini, Chairman of A Peculiar People, announced that the awards received a remarkable 213,000 votes across six public voting categories.
The event was held at Brackenhill Estate in Mbabane and was largely dominated by female entrepreneurs. All six public categories featured female winners, except for Eswatini Beverages, the producer of Sibebe Premium Lager. However, the company is led by a woman, Doreen Tumureebire, who is the Country Director.
Tumureebire expressed her surprise and gratitude upon accepting the award.
“I’m pleasantly surprised and deeply honoured to receive this award,” she said. “Thank you to our consumers, the judges, and our incredible team for believing in the vision and helping us build a sustainable future.”
Public Choice Winners
Consumers’ Favourite Drink: Sibebe Premium Lager – 16,680 votes
Consumers’ Favourite Experience: Olive Country Lodge, Manzini – nearly 5,000 votes (Owned by Gugulethu Dlamini)
Consumers’ Favourite Apparel: Beads Emporium – nearly 15,000 votes (Owned by Sonke Sukati, renowned for handcrafted
beaded handbags)
Consumers’ Favourite Taste: Quite Nutty – over 7,000 votes (Homemade peanut butter by Thobile Emile Christy)
Consumers’ Favourite Home Product: Langa Concepts – 10,000 votes (Scented candles and home products by Temlandvo Dlamini)
Consumers’ Favourite Health & Wellness Product: Organic Luju Honey Sachets – 15,000 votes (Owned by Thankdeka Delisile Maziya)
Consumers’ Favourite Beauty Product: Crown Kaire – 3,983 votes (Natural haircare line by Nkosibakhe Dlamini)
Jury-Decided Categories
Best Youth-Led Brand: Benenial – A handmade jewellery brand by Femalile Maphanga
Best Women-Led Brand: Black Mamba – Gourmet chilli sauces by Claudia Castellanos, supporting smallholder farmers
Best in Environmental Sustainability: Vukani Bo Make – A historic moment as the first male award recipient took the stage on their behalf
Best Social Impact: MTN Bushfire Festival – Honoured for its substantial contribution to the creative industry
Best Product Design and Packaging: Sibebe Premium Lager
Best in Tech and Innovation: Leap Taxi App – Connecting commuters to local taxis
Best in Manufacturing: Easy Podz – makers of modular and sustainable housing
Best Emerging Brand: Organic Luju Honey Sachets
Special honourary awards were given to brands that have supported the Made in Eswatini movement since its inception.
These included Alliance Foods, hosting Pick n Pay and KFC, Slomoes Corporation, Emlembe Beverages, and Destiny Events, all recognised for their commitment to promoting Eswatini-made products and creating platforms for discovery and pride in local entrepreneurship.