ESWATINI ARTISANS SHINE AT INDIA CRAFTS MELA

MBABANE - A delegation of nine talented artisans from Eswatini has made a vibrant splash at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in India, a prestigious festival showcasing global arts and crafts. The event, which has resumed from February 7 to 23, 2025, has drawn participants from over 40 countries worldwide. The Eswatini artisans, who have been facilitated by the High Commission of India in Eswatini in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Trade, are impressing visitors with their diverse range of high-quality handicrafts.

The team includes Dumsani Mnisi (ceramics/libumba), Mduduzi Chang (wood products), Mxolisi Shabangu (leather craft), Belinda Dlamini (beadwork), Cebsile Dlamini (beadwork), Thobile Zikalala (pottery), Pheleliswa Mdluli (grass products) and Penelop Dlamini (beadwork). According to Zodwa Vilakati Principal Handicraft Officer at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the participation of Eswatini artisans in the fair has a profoundly positive impact.

“It provides them with exposure to the international market, allowing them to network with artisans from around the world. This offers a valuable opportunity for learning and benchmarking in terms of quality and standards. The exposure has led to improvements in the quality of Eswatini handicrafts as artisans gain a better understanding of international market requirements enabling them to create products that are highly appreciated” Vilakati said.

Representing

Representing a diverse group of nations at the mela are (Africa) Eswatini (Africa) Mozambique, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Asia, Turkey, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal and (Europe) Belarus UK Italy and Spain. Despite the enriching experience, participants noted challenges, particularly the language barrier which hinders communication and relationship-building with fellow participants from different countries as they struggle to overcome the cultural and linguistic differences that stand in the way of forming meaningful connections and partnerships.

However for these Eswatini artisans, the mela has also presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents and skills on the global stage and to learn from others in the process as they strive to develop new and innovative products that meet the high expectations of international markets. With their participation in the fair set to have a lasting impact on the development of Eswatini’s handicraft industry, the artisans are confident that their experience at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be a springboard for greater things to come.

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