Mbabane – Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe, Inkhosatana of the Imbali Regiment, has received a Made in Eswatini Care Hamper ahead of this year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance.
The hamper was curated by A Peculiar People in partnership with local skin and hair care brands and Creative Ideas. It was presented by A Peculiar People Chairman Melusi Zox Dlamini and Creative Ideas Director Philile Mabuza at Emafini Country Lodge on 10 August 2026.
The gesture was intended to show appreciation for the Princess’s continued support and encouragement of locally produced goods and the creativity of Emaswati entrepreneurs. 
The presentation was attended by Marc Ward, Director of Emafini Lodge and President of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Eswatini, and Thobejane Magagula, a cultural advocate and Founder of the Babukisi Foundation.
Princess Sakhizwe welcomed the hamper and expressed her appreciation for the initiative. She challenged A Peculiar People to extend the project beyond her by working towards a future where every member of the Imbali Regiment receives a Made in Eswatini Care Hamper.
A Peculiar People said the proposal turned the presentation from a gesture of appreciation into an opportunity to promote Eswatini’s beauty, skincare, haircare and wellness entrepreneurs.
Local brands included
The hamper featured products from Queen Bee, Sponono, Dvumisa Creatives, Luna Hair and Body, HIGI, Mimis Organics, Vital Tissue, CrownKaire, My Coils, Bits & Bags, Mongi Botanicals and Titan Self Care.
Explorers Smash Burgers also supported the event by sponsoring meals and health shots for those in attendance.
According to the organisers, the participating businesses demonstrated the variety of products being developed by local entrepreneurs. They said many of the brands were building businesses with the potential to represent Eswatini beyond the domestic market.
Culture and business
A Peculiar People said the initiative was based on the link between Eswatini’s cultural celebrations and opportunities for local businesses.
Umhlanga attracts visitors and attention from across Eswatini and abroad, while celebrating the country’s identity, tradition, community and national pride. The agency said the economic activity surrounding the cultural event should also benefit local producers, creators, employers and business owners.
“We received Her Royal Highness’s challenge with great honour and humility,” said Dlamini.
“What began as a small gesture has given us an even greater responsibility. We all want to see a future where our cultural celebrations become meaningful platforms for local enterprise, where our people do not simply participate, but also benefit from the economic opportunities that surround it.”
Dlamini said the long-term vision was for Made in Eswatini to become associated with quality, trust and opportunity.
A Peculiar People said the growth of local enterprise depended not only on producing quality goods, but also on giving consumers opportunities to discover, trust, experience and purchase locally made products.
The organisation said the care hamper initiative would form part of a wider effort to build confidence in local brands and encourage businesses to participate in important cultural, social and economic events in the Kingdom.
It also plans to work with partners and the local business community to develop a sustainable programme that would allow more members of the Imbali Regiment to experience products made by Eswatini entrepreneurs.
