A royal moment, a celebration of local beauty and a growing love for homegrown brands are coming together ahead of one of Eswatini’s most anticipated cultural occasions, Umhlanga.
As the Kingdom prepares for the vibrant spectacle of the Umhlanga Reed Dance, the spotlight is turning to something equally worth celebrating, the beauty, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Eswatini.
In a stylish celebration of local excellence, A Peculiar People, in partnership with Creative Ideas and a collective of proudly Eswatini-owned beauty, haircare, wellness and lifestyle brands, curated a bespoke Made in Eswatini Care Hamper for Princess Sakhizwe, who serves Their Majesties as Inkhosatana of the Imbali Regiment.
The elegant presentation took place at Emafini Country Lodge, bringing together royalty, hospitality and local enterprise in a setting befitting the occasion.
The hamper was presented by A Peculiar People Chairman Melusi Zox Dlamini and Creative Ideas Director Philile Mabuza, as a gesture of appreciation for Her Royal Highness’s continued encouragement of local products and the ingenuity of Emaswati.
Also present were Emafini Lodge Director and Hospitality and Tourism Association of Eswatini (HOTAES) President Marc Ward, and Babukisi Foundation Founder Thobejane Magagula.
A Royal Endorsement of Homegrown Beauty
Her Royal Highness welcomed the thoughtful gesture but took the moment a step further with a challenge that could give the initiative an even bigger future.
Princess Sakhizwe encouraged the organisers to work towards ensuring that every member of the Imbali Regiment has the opportunity to receive and experience a Made in Eswatini Care Hamper.
It was a powerful nod to the growing quality and creativity of local brands, and a reminder that celebrating Eswatini can be as much about what is made here as it is about the traditions that define the Kingdom.
The idea transforms the humble care hamper into something more aspirational: a curated expression of Eswatini’s beauty, creativity and lifestyle.
A Curated celebration of local luxury
Inside the hamper is a carefully selected mix of brands representing the country’s emerging beauty and lifestyle scene.
Among them are 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.
From hair and skincare to wellness and accessories, the collection reflects a new generation of entrepreneurs creating products designed not only for local consumers, but with the potential to travel beyond Eswatini’s borders.
The experience was complemented by Explorers Smash Burgers, which brought its own flavour to the occasion by sponsoring meals and health shots.
When Culture Meets Contemporary Lifestyle
Umhlanga is deeply rooted in Eswatini’s heritage, but its influence extends well beyond the cultural celebration itself.
For several days, the Kingdom becomes a meeting point for people, fashion, music, hospitality, food, beauty and tourism. It is a season when Eswatini is seen, experienced and celebrated on a much larger stage.
That makes it an ideal moment for local brands to step forward.
A Peculiar People sees an opportunity to ensure that the economic and lifestyle energy surrounding major cultural occasions also creates space for Eswatini’s entrepreneurs.
“What began as a small gesture has given us an even greater responsibility. We all want to see a future where our cultural celebrations become meaningful platforms for local enterprise, where our people do not simply participate, but also benefit from the economic opportunities that surround it,” said Dlamini.
He added that the ambition is for Made in Eswatini to become synonymous with “quality, trust and opportunity.”
