CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE, SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS TRADERS

MBABANE – MTN Bushfire, the winner of ‘Best Responsible Event’ at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards in 2017, has always been steadfast in its commitment to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable policies and practices since its inception in 2007.
With trader applications closing on Friday, here are some of the festival’s sustainability best practices that aspiring traders are encouraged to align with for a better chance of being selected. Trader application forms are available online through the MTN Bushfire website at https://www.bush-fire.com/festival/. Applications submitted via any other means will not be considered. Final selections will be made by February 28, 2025. Please note that, due to the volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. MTN Bushfire’s sustainability philosophy is rooted in the belief that people and businesses should actively participate in the development of the communities they reside in. This philosophy is embodied in the #BRINGYOURFIRE and #GREENYOURFIRE calls to action.

This guiding principle has shaped policies that have led to remarkable growth in trader sales. Traders collectively generated E3.5m in 2022, which soared to E7.35 million in 2023 and reached E9.5 million in 2024.MTN Bushfire’s trader policies are designed to be inclusive, small business-focused and to promote ethical and fair trade practices that support economic growth in Eswatini. The selection process prioritises local, socially conscious vendors who produce unique, high-quality handmade products sourced or crafted within the southern African Region. Guided by the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, the festival has identified three key areas which aspiring traders can align their applications to ensure a strong fit with the festival’s sustainability philosophy.

Biodegradable

Environmental responsibility: Preference is given to brands that utilise eco-friendly materials, focus on upcycling, recycling and sustainability. All traders at the festival are mandated to use biodegradable packaging, which is composted on-site and used to rejuvenate the festival’s landscaping and grounds. MTN Bushfire also champions energy efficiency, water conservation and safe waste disposal, favouring vendors who implement robust environmental mitigation measures.Social impact: Priority is accorded to vendors with a strong socio-environmental ethos, those who empower youth and women and those who support the sustainable advancement of their local communities. MTN Bushfire seeks out artisanal and food brands that design their own products, maintain transparency in their sourcing practices, integrate genuine cultural references with respect and foster the growth of their artisans and employees through training, capacity building and profit-sharing initiatives.

Governance and entrepreneurship: Potential traders should be on the lookout for MTN Bushfire’s incubator and training programmes, designed to support aspiring micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The festival’s goal is to elevate more local brands to the international stage and nurture the growth of local entrepreneurs. These programmes, developed in collaboration with the festival’s partners, focus on tailored business growth with ESG principles at the forefront, ensuring that brands are well-equipped to meet the demands of both the international market and their local community. Ultimately, these measures all contribute to the service excellence and quality experience that MTN Bushfire is renowned for. As a result, the average festival-goer has attended four editions of the event, and traders enjoy a loyal base of repeat customers year after year. Traders with any queries are encouraged to reach out to traders@bush-fire.com.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: