A conscious celebration of unity in diversity and an inspiring emblem of social inclusion, MTN Bushfire is one of Africa’s largest multicultural gatherings, illuminating the transformational power of the arts through the clarion call to action for positive social and environmental change, #BRINGYOURFIRE.
MTN Bushfire represents the kind of world we would all like to see – a global community of change-makers, thought leaders, and creative problem solvers who unite in a celebration of the arts and in the spirit of taking action against discrimination, environmental degradation and poverty.
MTN Bushfire’s relationship with the wider community of the constituency of Lobamba Lomdzala, where the festival takes place, is very important to the festival and to this end, MTN Bushfire not only consciously integrates the community into the festival, providing opportunities for artists, festival staff and traders, but is pleased to announce the launch of the Malandela’s Legacy Fund to contribute directly to community development projects in Lombamba Lomdzala, as part of our Bring Your Fire social mandate.
Bring Your Fire is MTN Bushfire’s inspiring call to action that encourages the proactive contribution of the individual towards addressing pertinent social and environmental issues. ‘Your Fire’ is your energy, your spirit, your passion, and your drive to make a tangible difference.
The Malandela’s Legacy Fund was launched on Friday, 13th May 2022, on behalf of Jiggs, Sholto, Roland and Nandi Thorne to honour their parents Peter ‘Malandela’ Thorne and Jenny Thorne. It honours their lifelong commitment to their guiding philosophy that people and businesses should be actively involved in developing the communities they live in. This ethos forms the core of the Bring Your Fire philosophy of MTN Bushfire.
Among many other achievements, Peter and Jenny founded Malandela’s Restaurant, now the centre of a lifestyle hub that attracts thousands of visitors to the area, as well as Gone Rural, founded by Jenny Thorne, which today provides employment and marketing opportunities all over the world for over 700 women artisans who make and design the basketwork they are famous for.
In their memory, the Malandela’s Legacy Fund will donate E40,000 annually to community development projects in Lobamba Lomdzala, and a committee will be set up by key members of the Lobamba Lomdzala community to decide how the funds will be spent.
Deepest thanks go to the Honourable Member of Parliament for Lombamba Lomdzala, and Chairman of the MTN Bushfire Committee, Marwick Khumalo, and Indvuna Mpiyakhe Fakudze for their long-standing support for MTN Bushfire and its community focuses.