Culolam breaks down the success of the 4th Farmers Market

Mbekezeli ‘Culolam’ Dlamini, the director of the Eswatini Farmers Market, shared the ingredients behind this year’s event’s success, which he attributed to several key factors.

The fourth edition of the Eswatini Farmers Market, held on October 11, 2025, at the picturesque Malkerns Country Club, was a vibrant celebration of culture, lifestyle, and community spirit.

Featuring renowned South African artists such as Sun El Musician, Mörda, MaWhoo, and Kenza, the market offered an unforgettable experience that resonated with attendees from across the region.

“With a strong and dedicated team by your side, you can never go wrong,” he explained. Dlamini also highlighted the importance of strategic activations before the event, including participation at the Nkomazi Farmers Market, which helped broaden the market’s reach.

This outreach attracted attendees not only from Eswatini but also from neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, enriching the event’s multicultural atmosphere.

In terms of attendance, Dlamini confidently stated, “For now, I’m safe to say we had over 5,000 attendees.” When asked whether this was the most successful edition of the market to date, Dlamini affirmed that the 2025 event had indeed surpassed all previous editions.

“With good weather and good vibes, this fourth edition outshone the rest,” he remarked, emphasising the perfect combination of factors that contributed to the market’s outstanding performance.

Regarding the Eswatini Farmers Market’s standing among the country’s top events, Dlamini offered a measured perspective. “As a relative newcomer, the Eswatini Farmers Market is establishing itself as a significant event, but it is not yet on the same level as the country’s most renowned shows, particularly the internationally acclaimed MTN Bushfire Festival,” he noted.

He explained that comparisons depend heavily on the criteria used for rating but confidently positioned the market as “a top contender in the rising category of lifestyle events,” signaling its potential for further growth and prominence.