The 7th Mlawula Campfire Festival, held from 25 to 27 September at Siphiso Campsite in Mlawula Nature Reserve, has brought together families, friends, adventure seekers, and music lovers. Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane attended the event, interacting with exhibitors and festival-goers. She noted the festival's growth in attendance each year, suggesting it could develop into a major attraction like the MTN Bushfire Festival.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane stated that the festival aligns with the national vision for tourism-led growth, as well as His Majesty King Mswati III’s recent call for tourism to drive economic growth in Eswatini. The King set a target of attracting more than one million tourists annually and at least two million by 2027, which could generate over E2 billion in revenue. The minister believes the Mlawula Campfire Festival is moving in that direction by combining outdoor recreation, entertainment, nature, and local business opportunities.
During her visit, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane toured various stalls, offered business advice to exhibitors, and interacted with festival-goers on the second day of the three-day event. She encouraged emaSwati to support local tourism initiatives and participate in events hosted locally. The minister also thanked sponsors and stakeholders for their support, acknowledging their role in the festival's continued growth.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane highlighted the benefits of camping, stating that it is good for the body, mind, and spirit. She encouraged people to adopt traditional ways of preparing food, suggesting that returning to more natural cooking methods is healthier than relying heavily on microwaves. The festival programme includes wellness and team-building activities, the Bakkie Life Experience, karaoke, target shooting, hiking, music, food, and camping.
The 7th Mlawula Campfire Festival has attracted visitors from outside Eswatini, with camping gear reportedly selling out as festival-goers arrived. The event has brought together a diverse group of people, showcasing the potential for local events to contribute to the national economy. Minister Mkhonta-Simelane referenced Prime Minister Russell Dlamini’s call for tourism to make a greater contribution to the national economy.
Minister Mkhonta-Simelane believes that the continued growth of the festival could provide a platform to turn Eswatini’s natural environment and local enterprise into economic opportunities. The minister's visit and comments demonstrate the government's support for local tourism initiatives and events like the Mlawula Campfire Festival. The festival's growth and popularity may help expand the sector's economic footprint.
The Mlawula Campfire Festival's alignment with the King's tourism growth call and its potential for future growth make it an important event in Eswatini's tourism calendar. As the festival continues to grow, it may play a significant role in achieving the King's target of attracting more tourists and generating revenue for the country. The event's success may also encourage further investment in local tourism initiatives.
Key points
- The 7th Mlawula Campfire Festival is contributing to King Mswati III’s call for tourism to drive economic growth in Eswatini.
- The festival has grown in attendance each year and may develop into a major attraction like the MTN Bushfire Festival.
- The event aligns with the national vision for tourism-led growth and has the potential to turn Eswatini’s natural environment and local enterprise into economic opportunities.
