MBABANE – Cash prizes, meat vouchers, live music and children’s laughter filled the Embiveni Mbabane Meat Plaza as Embiveni Meats hosted its Candana Ja campaign, drawing shoppers, entrepreneurs, corporates and government leaders under one roof.
The retail promotion, staged at the company’s Mbabane outlet, turned into a full scale community showcase aimed at rewarding loyal customers while promoting locally produced meat products and supporting small businesses.
At the centre of the excitement was Lucky Shiba, whose name was drawn in the customer incentive competition after purchasing Embiveni products worth over E100. He walked away with E500 in cash and an additional E500 Embiveni meat voucher. 
“I am over the moon that I have won today, and I appreciate the voucher. I will continue buying my groceries at Embiveni,” said Shiba moments after receiving his prize.
Other winners included Sihlelelwe Msibi from Majotini and Sphilile Shongwe, who received prizes such as 1kg braai wors and 1kg Embiveni polony Russian. Dingane Jele from Mbabane Corporation and Sbongile Matsebula from Mpolonjeni also scooped 1kg packs of Embiveni braai wors, along with branded T shirts and caps.
The competition formed part of a broader strategy by Embiveni Meats to strengthen customer loyalty while increasing sales through direct engagement with shoppers.
More than 40 children also had reason to smile after the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Pholile Shakantu, bought toys and gifts for them during the event.
Arriving shortly after lunch, the Minister’s first stop was a stall selling children’s toys near the entrance. She asked for the children to be brought forward and presented them with teddy bears, play jewellery, sunshades and other items. One young girl who assisted during a prize draw, where a winner took home E500, received E200 from the Minister.
Speaking on the sidelines, she expressed admiration for the children’s confidence and participation, noting that such platforms nurture community spirit from an early age. She also toured exhibition stalls and interacted with entrepreneurs who had gathered to showcase their products.
The Candana Ja event doubled as a marketplace for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Dozens of emerging entrepreneurs displayed handmade crafts, clothing and children’s accessories, using the platform to boost sales and brand visibility. Senanile Dlamini, whose stall featured children’s items, attracted significant attention including a visit from the Minister.
Corporate players such as Diski Bet, Eswatini Mobile, Times of Eswatini, The Horse and e Bet mounted interactive stalls offering product demonstrations and promotional giveaways. Their presence reflected growing collaboration across industries within Eswatini’s business landscape.
Food remained the heartbeat of the day. Chef Lindelwa Makhanya, popularly known as Chef Lindz, conducted live cooking demonstrations using Embiveni products. She prepared various dishes while advising shoppers on which cuts of meat best suit specific meals, turning the plaza into a culinary learning space. Tasting sessions kept customers returning for more.
Entertainment added further colour, with local DJs, dancers and musicians performing throughout the afternoon. Gospel star Linda Dlamini delivered one of the standout performances, drawing cheers as the audience sang and danced along. At one point she was seen sharing a light moment on stage with Times of Eswatini Advertising Manager Thembi Gama.
