Mbabane – Vendors selling traditional attire at this year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance at Ludzidzini Royal Residence reported record sales, as tourists and locals flocked their stalls to purchase cultural garments before entering the royal grounds.
Other vendors shared similar sentiments, highlighting that business peaked on Sunday and Monday when large crowds of both emaSwati and tourists made purchases. Prices of the traditional items varied, with popular products ranging from E150 to E250. The ligcebesha was sold at a uniform price of E150, imicwembe at E400, while other cultural items cost between E120 and E150.
The stalls at the Reed dance that ended on Tuesday, strategically placed at the entrance, proved convenient for visitors who quickly embraced the attire, creating what many described as an authentic “Eswatini feel.” The most sought-after items included tidvwashi and umhelwane with the latter being a requirement for entry into the main stadium. The ligcebesha also gained popularity, with tourists praising it as both a work of art and a keepsake.
Vendor Zodwa Mkhabela, who has been in the craft business for over 25 years, expressed her delight at the surge in sales.
“My work is made out of love and passion, and this year I have seen more of my handwork being bought than ever before. It makes me very happy,” she said.
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