SWIFT Fair Trade Marketplace

This year, the MTN BUSHFIRE marketplace is 100% Seriously Swazi and 100% Fair trade with the help of our new partner, Swaziland Fair Trade (SWIFT).

About Swift

Swaziland Fair Trade is a member-based organization providing training, trade and advocacy to support and promote Fair Trade within Swaziland for the socio-economic empowerment of producers and communities. SWIFT believes that this can significantly build the capacity of the handcraft sector within SWAZILAND and result in improved economic sector performance both locally and internationally resulting in increased revenue and wages for Swaziland handcrafters and companies.

SWIFT is currently in its second year of a 3 Year Capacity Building Project where they have been providing capacity building and market access initiatives to more than 100 Artisans and more than 21 Handcraft companies across the country.

Swift and Bushfire

One of the largest mandates for Swaziland Fair Trade is to increase market access opportunities for our SWIFT Artisans and Members. MTN Bushfire is the largest international event held in Swaziland and it is the ideal platform to inform and promote the work of local Fair Trade Companies and Artisans. Swaziland Fair Trade is excited to become an official partner with MTN Bushfire in 2013.

MTN Bushfire’s Marketplace is an established and valued part of the festival mix and Fair Trade has become an important component in this area. In 2012, SWIFT sponsored the marketplace which resulted in priority placement for SWIFT Members and additional monitoring of the non-Swazi craft which were in the marketplace. SWIFT was able to provide market space for 20 SWIFT members and artisans. This approached proved to be very successful and generated over 140,000 SZL in sales for our members over just 3 days!

Because of this success Swaziland Fair Trade has partnered with MTN Bushfire in 2013 to become the title sponsors of the marketplace, now titled the Swaziland Fair Trade Marketplace. This event aligns with the ethos and principles of Fair Trade and provides a platform to share the work that is being done within Swaziland. It provides an opportunity for Swaziland to showcase its best of the best, which is made locally and sustainably, to the world. Through building awareness around SWIFT and Fair Trade at such an event, we hope to increase our member base, to gain support through local partners and ultimately teach people to think about where their products come from.

SWIFT is currently growing its membership of 20 companies and 25 artisans, who form a network of over 5000 producers across the country and Bushfire has proved to be the most profitable event for our members in the past. It is important to continue to build on this partnership and make each year bigger and better than the last.

The marketplace offers our individual artisans great learning opportunities as they have been undergoing 2 years of training - this allows them to apply what they have learned, especially in the areas of product development and marketing.

SWIFT promises to create a magical space which will bring festival goers unique, high quality, high design handcraft - a showcase of globally recognized Swazi handcraft.

Here is a selection of the fine Handcraft available throughout the Marketplace

	Amarasti   Amarasti employs 50 women in rural Swaziland who produce beautiful, hand-embroidered and beaded bags, cushion covers, wallhangings and accessories.
	Baobab Batik   Baobab Batik gives a modern interpretation to the ancient art of batik through innovative designs, new techniques and combined mediums. The result is a range of original and vibrant accessories that includes interior decoration, tableware, clothing, accessories and a fun kiddies collection, inspired by the African people and the African nature.
	Black Mamba   Black Mamba Foods specializes in creating the finest chilli-based products made with fresh ingredients and no artificial flavours or preservatives, while being socially and environmentally responsible. Black Mamba translate their love for chillies into the finest products, tied in with a funky brand, 100% Swazi
	Coral Stephens   Coral Stephens maintains the tradition of hand-woven quality fabrics for use in home, hospitality and ccommercial décor projects.  They weave décor fabrics and carpets made from hand spun mohair, silk, cotton and raffia.  Fabrics are both classic and modern.  Coral Stephens founded her company in 1949 in Piggs Peak, Swaziland. Reknown for her alternative and cutting edge treatment of mohair; colour, texture and pattern, these fabrics became world famous
	Gone Rural   Gone Rural is fast becoming a globally recognized model of socially responsible business that promotes understanding and respect of Swazi cultural heritage and tradition. Our quest is for continuous improvement in the daily lives of our women through economic empowerment and support to the thirteen communities that we work with. The combination of innovative, contemporary design and exceptionally talented artisans has enabled their success.
	Imvelo Eswatini   Imvelo Eswatini is a fusion of passion and creativity, tradition and modernity, social commitment and love for Swaziland. Imvelo Eswatini is a thriving small enterprise working with over 25 women from informal urban settlements who carefully and lovingly craft each accessory by hand.  Our women are constantly trained to combine their traditional skills with new techniques, fostering creativity and promoting skill sharing amongst them.  Each piece is handcrafted from beginning to end by a woman: through her hands she allows her creations to tell her story, making eah accessory uniquely soulful.
	Swazi Secrets   SWAZI SECRETS ¡s sharing the secrets of African trees to care for your skin Pure, cold pressed marula oil, plus soaps, lip balm, exfoliator and lotion ¡§C all pure, simple, natural. No nasty chemicals. No animal testing. Responsible packaging.
	Swazi Candles   Swazi Candles, situated in the Malkerns Valley in the Kingdom of Swaziland, has been producing fine handmade candles since 1981. Our artists and craftsmen produce unique candle designs which are reknowned throughout the world.
	Rosecraft   Through a combination of contemporary design and traditional methods, Rosecraft creates luxurious hand woven and knitted accessories. Our designs have an african soul but are inspired by international trends: the results are distinctive creations for individuals who appreciate the uniqueness of handmade items
	Quazi Design   Quazi design is a cutting edge craft company that transforms waste magazines into original accessories and interiors. We believe in pushing the boundaries of craft, responsibility, and design.
	Golden Hands   Golden Hands is a social business in Swaziland  that designs and creates hand-knitted and crocheted garments and homeware made by a group of 60 passionate and dedicated women.  These high quality, stylish products give a modern twist to the timeless art of knitting.
	Giraffe Clothing   Giraffe is Swaziland’s first stop for what’s up and coming in kid’s style, design and innovation in handmade children’s products whilst giving back to the Swazi community.
	Zoggs   Zoggs is a team of Swazi Women producing a large variety of unique and functional handcraft with an original surface pattern design. We ZOGGS IT!!!
	Sukumani   Sukumani empowers around 210 women producers by teaching them sewing and embroidery skills and through this helping them to earn a small income. Further Sukumani wants them to develop creativity, which helps them to cope and organize their lives, as well as to raise their self-esteem and personalities.
	Tintsaba   Nestled high in the mountains of Piggs Peak is Tintsaba, established in 1985.  Tintsaba specializes in the produciton of highest quality handmade products from sisal, including MasterWeaver baskets and silver jewellery.