Local eco-conscious brand Benanial is set to return to the MTN Bushfire Festival in 2025, bringing colour, culture, and sustainability to the Barn Marketplace. The Eswatini-born accessory label, founded by designer Benanile Maphanga, will trade under its own name for the first time after debuting in 2024 through the Incubator Programme, a partnership between the International Trade Centre and the European Union.
Maphanga confirmed that this year’s showcase will include a fresh collection titled Shapes of Chroma, a line crafted entirely from 100 per cent recycled plastic. Each accessory — from earrings and waistbands to glass-inspired pieces — features vibrant colours and daring shapes, echoing the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
“This collection captures the essence of what we stand for,” said Maphanga. “Our mission has always been to create with intention — to prove that creativity can be both personal and sustainable.”
The pieces, she said, are deeply influenced by Swati identity. Most of the materials used are collected locally, often donated by community members, especially regulars at the Mbabane Farmer’s Market. Traditional beading techniques and locally sourced beads form the foundation of the designs, blending heritage with innovation.
Benanial’s presence at Bushfire offers more than a shopping experience. According to Maphanga, it’s a chance to tell stories through accessories — stories of community collaboration, of waste transformed into beauty, and of Swati culture celebrated in wearable form.
“The atmosphere at Bushfire is electric. It draws such a diverse crowd, and people are genuinely curious about our journey. That kind of engagement is rare,” she said.
With the festival’s international appeal, Maphanga sees it as a vital platform for local creatives to connect with a wider audience and showcase what Eswatini has to offer. The overwhelming support from the local creative scene, she added, has helped fuel Benanial’s growth both online and in physical retail spaces.
While inspiration for her work comes from emotions, dreams, visuals, and everyday life, Maphanga is rooted in one guiding principle — authenticity. “We want to express ourselves freely without damaging the planet,” she said.
Festivalgoers are invited to visit the Benanial stand ready to “bring their fire,” as the brand promises an experience filled with colour, culture, and conscious creativity.
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