Malkerns – The fifth edition of the Makoti Festival will introduce a traditional attire competition as part of activities leading to the 2026 event, giving participants a chance to win free tickets to the cultural celebration.
Festival director Thembinkosi Mthethwa announced the new competition in Mbabane, saying the decision was driven by growing interest in traditional dress and strong engagement on social media. The festival is scheduled for 25 April 2026 at Malkerns Country Club.
Mthethwa said patrons are encouraged to attend in Imvunulo, while other outfits remain welcome to ensure accessibility for all festival goers. He said the organisers wanted to give people freedom of choice, noting that not everyone can afford designer clothing and comfort should remain a priority.
As part of the competition, participants are required to post photos wearing traditional attire on social media for a chance to win tickets to the festival. According to the organisers, three participants whose pictures receive the most likes will be selected as winners. The deadline for entries is 30 January 2026, and participants are required to share their posts after uploading photos for them to be counted.
The Makoti Festival, presented by NewLife Entertainment and Illa PenBoy Foundation, returns to Malkerns Country Club for its fifth edition, which organisers say will be the biggest yet.
Mthethwa confirmed that tickets are already on sale through Computicket, Howler, Moja Ticket and the official Makoti Festival website. He said tickets will be sold in three phases.
General tickets are priced at E200 for phase one, E250 for phase two and E300 for phase three. VIP tickets are selling at E500 for phase one, E650 for phase two and E750 for phase three.
Looking back, the fourth edition of the Makoti Festival was held on 26 April 2025 at the same venue. It featured artists and DJs from Eswatini, South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho and Botswana. The event was hosted by Mzwakhe Tjovitjo Khumalo and Siphesihle Nkwanyana, with guest appearances by Buhle of Ligwalagwala FM and Moska Saeed Mositi from Lesotho.
Performers from Eswatini included Shongwe Ne Khuphuka, Young Zesh, Gogo Mpila, King Kanga, Siyinqaba, Mshikishi, Young Love, DJ MBO, Master P, The Bishop, Culolam, Sbu The Drum DJ, Nelson X, Lady Zee and UrcousinPhayo. South African acts featured Dr Rebecca Malope, Khuzani uGatsheni Ndlovu and Phumla Music, while Mozambique was represented by Lizha James and DJ Supaman. Lesotho brought Ntate Stunna, DJ Tseko and DJ Mekonko, with Khumagadi representing Botswana.
Since its launch in April 2022, the Makoti Festival has grown into one of the region’s recognised cultural events. Earlier in 2025, the festival hosted media launches in Mbombela, Lesotho and Maputo as part of efforts to expand its regional presence.
The 2026 edition will continue to focus on Eswatini traditions and family oriented values, celebrating women including married women, unmarried women and young girls preparing for their future roles as makotis. Activities planned for the event include cultural showcases, fashion exhibitions, food and craft stalls, regional music and live performances, alongside displays of Eswatini heritage.
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