Times Of Swaziland: CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE, SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS TRADERS

CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE, SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS TRADERS
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Nombuso Dlamini on 29/01/2025 08:02:00


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.