By Majaha Nkonyane | 2018-05-24

THE Swaziland Fair Trade (SWIFT) has played an instrumental role in developing the country’s small enterprise sector by helping launch 36 new successful brands over the past six years.

This is according to SWIFT Director, Julie Nixon. “We are happy to have been able to help launch 36 new successful brands over the past six years, and Bushfire continually offers our businesses a chance to test new products and earn income.

These brands are called successful because six years into the programme these have upward sales trends and increased profits,” she said.

The organisation has three core components to its specialised capacity development training. These include business training modules, mentoring and market linkages.

“We believe that our members should earn while they learn, so the market linkages programme is as important as training, coaching and mentorships,” she said.

double stand

During the annual Bushfire Festival which takes place over the weekend, SWIFT has a double stand in the Market Place for the micro enterprises so they can be part of this important event.

Members such as D. Tempt Creations, Dumzandla, Litsemba Mtiya, Gone indigenous, Crocheting for a Cause, Ngetsembele eNkhosini and K. E Designs will be showcasing their work and selling on the SWIFT stand in this year’s Bushfire festival.

Nixon said by being a sponsor of the Market Place, SWIFT ensures that members showcase their craft at discounted rates in the organisation’s Bushfire stand.

Nixon also highlighted the principle of fair trade as being hence this year’s Bushfire presents an opportunity to spread the word on this critical subject.

Meanwhile, SWIFT will this year hold a number of raffle draws during the festival where patrons stand a chance to win a gift bag from performing artists full of Fair Trade goodies.

SWIFT members Zubani and Golden Hands will be dressing the MCs over the weekend in stunning handmade designs.

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