BY FIONA MOTSA
MBABANE– Just one more week to go and then it will be all fashion in traditional attire, dance, buganu, braais, and laughter at the ceremony.
The Buganu Ceremony has over the years grown into a festival and this has brought business of all kinds at the event.
Artists and handcraftsmen are most excited about this festival because it attracts various people and new opportunities. Also, it will be a way for them to make an income.
Beadwork artist Nomphumelelo Langa expressed her excitement about the festival to this reporter.
“I love cultural events and weddings because this is when I am able to make money the most and quickly. A lot of people want something that will look different during events, some even come with a design in mind.
“I already have so many orders and I have a week to create the designs but I am not complaining because I am good and what I do and very efficient. I am almost out of the neckpieces I had created two months ago since most emaSwati will wear these on the Buganu Ceremony,” said Langa.
Leather sandal shoe maker, Thaphelo Ndlovu makes custom made leather shoes is also on a roll because of the upcoming Buganu Ceremony.
“A lot of emaSwati are coming in with their designs and we are working around the clock to deliver. Usually custom made shoes are done same day which is why we are working around the clock to finish deliveries before the Marula festival.
“We cannot complain, we are happy about the business the ceremony brings because it is quiet at times. We will also be at the festival to market our products,” said Ndlovu.
Thulisile Mthupha mentioned that as a liSwati, she always attended the Buganu Ceremony. “I love being in my traditional regalia. It is a priceless feeling as a liSwati and I have always loved attending these festivals because we get to meet other women and enjoy each other’s company and exchange ideas,” said Mthupha.
