Makoti to explore cultures in SADC

“I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad.”

Queen Elizabeth II

MBABANE – The Makoti Festival, an enchanting celebration of culture and tradition, is set to unite SADC countries of Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and South Africa, especially Mpumalanga, to explore each culture.

It is worth highlighting that for this year’s Makoti Festival, the organisers of the event had come out to say that

Lesotho’s traditional attire is known as ‘seana marena’. Women wear a distinctive woven blanket, called a ‘mokorotlo’, atop their heads, representing the country’s mountainous landscapes. The blanket is paired with a vibrant, ankle-length skirt, a ‘thabana’ and a colourful shawl, known as a ‘seana’.

Tthey had a vision to unite all SADC countries through this event.

This rally has been going well as there have been activations hosted in those countries, namely Lesotho and South Africa now where the festival was marketed.

Essentially, an event activation is an immersive marketing strategy that uses events, campaigns, and activities to generate brand awareness, boost customer loyalty, and build lasting

Makoti Festival promises to transport attendees into a mesmerising world of culture, where the vibrant traditional fashion and flavorsome cuisine of Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and South Africa (Mpumalanga) come alive. This cultural exchange-themed event invites people to celebrate diversity and strengthens the bonds between nations. So, come and join the Makoti Festival for an unforgettable journey into the rich tapestry of SADC’s enchanting traditions. connections with target audiences. This captivating event promises attendees a magical immersion into a world of diverse customs, traditional fashion and delectable cuisine.

One of the organisers of the event and the communications officer, Thembinkosi Mthethwa, highlighted that models and ‘makoti’s’ from all these countries will be given a platform to showcase their attires and foods. It is also worth noting that

In Eswatini, women don the exquisite ‘ emahiya’

attire. This traditional ensemble features a vibrant, multi-layered wrap skirt called ‘lihiya’, paired with a colourful beaded bodice known as ‘sidvwashi’.

The intricate beadwork and bold patterns highlight the pride and artistry of Eswatini’s cultural heritage. there is a prize winning for the best dressed ‘makoti’.

At the heart of the Makoti Festival lies the captivating display of traditional fashion from the participating countries.

Each nation brings its unique style and flair, showcasing the rich heritage of its people. Let us delve into the different traditional outfits worn by females from these countries and their specific names:

SOUTH AFRICA (MPUMALANGA):

In Mpumalanga, South Africa, the female traditional attire is a beautiful fusion of bold colors and intricate beadwork. Women adorn themselves with a ‘tsonga’ dress, characterised by vibrant patterns and a wide, beaded belt called a ‘xibelani’. The outfit is completed with colorful accessories, such as beaded necklaces and bracelets.

Mozambique: Mozambican cuisine boasts a delightful fusion of Portuguese and African flavors. Attendees can relish dishes like ‘peri-peri chicken’ (grilled chicken marinated in a spicy peri-peri sauce), ‘matapa’ (a dish made from cassava leaves and coconut milk) and ‘pãozinho’ (soft Portuguese rolls).

Lesotho: Lesotho’s cuisine offers a comforting and hearty experience. Traditional dishes include ‘papa’ (maize meal porridge), ‘moroho’ (cooked spinach), ‘lethoteng’ (a stew made with lamb or beef) and ‘motemekoane’ (a meat and vegetable dish cooked in a potjie pot).

South Africa (Mpumalanga): South African cuisine from Mpumalanga showcases a blend of indigenous flavors and influences from various cultures. Attendees can indulge in dishes like ‘bobotie’ (a spicy, baked minced meat dish), ‘samp and beans’(a traditional corn and bean stew) and ‘malva pudding’ (a sweet, sticky sponge cake).