Africa-Press – Eswatini. Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has dubbed the Standard Bank Luju festival as one of the leading Food and Fashion Festivals in the Southern African region.
Dlamini was speaking during the glamorous launch of the 6th edition of the Luju festival held at House on Fire in Malkerns on Friday night.
The actual Standard Bank Luju Food & Fashion Festival will take place from August 2-3, 2024 at House on Fire lawns in Malandelas.
A model on stage
Dlamini said His Majesty’s Government was proud to witness the growth of this Eswatini event, which has established itself as one of the leading Food and Fashion Festivals.
“As a country, this aspirational event has tastefully positioned us in the region as a sought-after destination for high-quality experiential offerings, thereby showcasing Eswatini’s ability to enhance the creative and cultural profile of Southern Africa through its innovative contributions to the growth of the region’s food and fashion industries,” he said.
The Luju Festival’s overarching theme this year is dubbed ‘A Return to the African Future’ which will allow people to creatively flaunt the illustrious pride that emaSwati have in their heritage while ensuring its longevity so that it may inspire future generations to uphold the values that make us unique.
His Excellency Russell Dlamini said, that every year, this theme prompts them to celebrate the breadth and beauty of culture while collectively carving a future informed by heritage through unique culinary showcases and distinct fashion designs.
World Vision receiving a cheque
“I am particularly impressed with this year’s culinary theme, Roots (Atibuye Emasisweni), which invites us to journey back to the source and explore the deep cultural significance of African food, uncovering the stories, traditions, and diverse culinary landscapes that have sustained our forefathers and continue to nourish us today,” he said.
In addition, the Premier said he looks forward to seeing Eswatini’s fashion designers unleash their creative prowess to the region through this year’s Fashion theme, African Futurism.
Before closing he applauded House On Fire for establishing a creative platform for cultural preservation and reminding all to embrace the diverse textures of our African identity even in an ever-evolving world.
Worth mentioning is that, Standard Bank Luju Food and Festival has made laudable strides in professionalizing the food and fashion industries in Eswatini.
Some of the guests at the launch
This is especially crucial as it enlarges the employment and entrepreneurial landscape of the country and empowers emaSwati with the confidence to pursue sustainable careers in food and fashion.
The Prime Minister said through this festival, they can confidently forecast a future marked by thriving entrepreneurs in the food and fashion sectors, who can subsequently represent the country on a global scale.
Standard Bank CEO Mvuselelo Fakudze
He further commended House On Fire and Standard Bank Eswatini for conceptualizing and advancing the impact of this event concept through their shared mandate of developing the creative economy and driving Eswatini’s growth.
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