Swazi Observer

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ESWATINI CRAFT VENDORS GENERATE HUGE INTEREST IN INDIA

By Bahle Gama | 2020-02-11

Eswatini handicraft has generated huge interest at the Surajkund International Craft Mela, one of the world’s largest craft fairs with over one million visitors.

Eswatini, with the support of the India government, sent five craft producers to the fair, who represent at least 20 other crafters from across the kingdom. This follows a meeting between the India High Commissioner to Eswatini Radha Venkataraman and ministry of commerce, industry and trade officials in December 2019 where she offered to expose Eswatini’s craft to India. The Surajkund Mela is held every year in Faribadad, in the State of Haryana, next to India’s capital of New Delhi. This year, the fair began on February 1 and ends on Sunday.

According to MCIT Communications Officer Thabile Mdluli, the craft vendors, who travelled in two groups, were in the company of Principal Handicraft Officer Zodwa Vilakati and Small Enterprises Development Company (SEDCO) Head of Strategy Themba Dlamini.

On display at the colourful Eswatini stand were beadwork, leather products, traditional garments, traditional regalia, sculptures and fine art, amongst others.

From Africa, Eswatini joined 27 other nations, including Egypt, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Sudan and Uganda, to name a few. Participants from other continents include Canada, Britain, Russia and other Asian countries from Bhutan to Vietnam while all 28 states from India are represented.

Mdluli disclosed that crafters expressed their delight to being invited to partake at the international craft in India.

“I am grateful to the Government of India who facilitated our visit through the High Commission in Eswatini. We also appreciate the ministry of commerce, industry and trade together with SEDCO who worked tirelessly to prepare us and our products for this great fair,” said one of the crafters.

Another crafter said participating in the fair has been an eye-opener to them.

“We have sold a lot of our stuff, even though this is the first time to attend the show. We have also been telling visitors about our country as a lot of them didn’t seem to know much about it,” she said.

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