MADE IN ESWATINI CARE HAMPER HIGHLIGHTS LOCAL ENTERPRISE AHEAD OF UMHLANGA

By: Tlalane Dlamini

EZULWINI – With just 11 days to go before the Umhlanga Reed Dance begins on August 25, 2026, local enterprise and cultural pride have taken centre stage following the presentation of a Made in Eswatini Care Hamper to Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe, Inkhosatana of the Imbali Regiment.

The special hamper was curated by A Peculiar People, in partnership with a collective of local skin, hair and care brands, as well as Creative Ideas. It was presented to Her Royal Highness by A Peculiar People Chairman Melusi Zox Dlamini and Creative Ideas Director Philile Mabuza at Emafini Country Lodge.

The gesture was intended to recognise the Princess’s continued support and encouragement of local products and the ingenuity of Eswatini entrepreneurs. The presentation was also attended by Marc Ward, Director of Emafini Lodge and President of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Eswatini (HOTAES), and cultural advocate Thobejane Magagula, Founder of the Babukisi Foundation.

ROYAL CHALLENGE SPARKS BIGGER VISION

While graciously receiving the hamper, Her Royal Highness challenged A Peculiar People to ensure that the initiative extends beyond her, calling for a future where every member of the Imbali Regiment has an opportunity to receive and experience a Made in Eswatini Care Hamper.

The challenge has transformed what began as a gesture of appreciation into a broader opportunity to promote Eswatini’s beauty, skincare, haircare and wellness entrepreneurs.

According to Dlamini, the organisation received the challenge with honour and humility, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen the connection between cultural celebrations and local economic participation.

“What began as a small gesture has given us an even greater responsibility,” said Dlamini. “We all want to see a future where our cultural celebrations become meaningful platforms for local enterprise.”

He said the vision is for Made in Eswatini to become synonymous with quality, trust and opportunity.

LOCAL BRANDS TAKE CENTRE STAGE

The hamper featured products from a range of local brands, including Queen Bee, Sponono, Dvumisa Creatives, Luna Hair and Body, HIGI, Mimis Organics, Vital Tissue, CrownKaire, My Coils, Bits & Bags, Mongi Botanicals and Titan Self Care.

Explorers Smash Burgers also supported the occasion by sponsoring meals and health shots.

The initiative comes as Eswatini prepares to welcome visitors and renewed attention around one of the Kingdom’s most internationally recognised cultural celebrations.

For A Peculiar People, Umhlanga represents more than a celebration of tradition. It is also an opportunity to ensure that the economic activity surrounding major cultural occasions benefits local businesses, entrepreneurs and creators.

The organisation says it will work with partners and the local business community to explore ways of turning the Princess’s challenge into a sustainable initiative that can reach more members of the Imbali Regiment.

As the August 25 start of Umhlanga draws closer, the initiative places local products firmly within the conversation around culture, tourism and economic opportunity, reinforcing the message that celebrating Eswatini’s heritage can also mean celebrating what the Kingdom produces.

The countdown is on: 11 days to Umhlanga.