Winner of “Best Responsible Event” at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards in 2017, MTN Bushfire has always been firmly committed to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable policies and practices, since the first edition in 2007.
With trader applications closing on Friday, 31st January 2025, here are some of the festival’s sustainability best practices that aspiring traders are invited to align with for an improved chance of being selected.
Trader application forms are available online, through the MTN Bushfire website, https://www.bush-fire.com/festival/. Applications received by other means will not be considered. Final selections will be made by the 28th of February, 2025. Please note that due to the volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted.
MTN Bushfire’s sustainability philosophy is premised on the belief that people and businesses should be active participants in the development of the communities they live in, as expressed through the #BRINGYOURFIRE and #GREENYOURFIRE calls to action.
This philosophy has driven the policies which have resulted in increasing trader sales. Traders generated a combined E3.5m in 2022, rising to E7.35m in 2023, and E9.5m in 2024.
MTN Bushfire’s trader policies are inclusive, small business focused, promote ethical and fair trade, and support economic growth in Eswatini. Trader selection prioritises local, socially conscious vendors who produce unique, high-quality handmade products that are sourced or made within the southern African region.
Using the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) framework, which takes the holistic view that sustainability extends beyond just environmental issues, the festival has three main focuses that festival traders can use to align their applications to the festival’s philosophy.
Environmental
Preference is given to brands that use eco-friendly materials, as well as those that focus on up-cycling, recycling, and sustainability. All traders at the festival are mandated to use biodegradable packaging, which is composted on site and used to renew the festival landscaping and grounds.
MTN Bushfire also advances energy efficiency, water conservation and safe waste disposal, preferring to work with traders who implement environmental mitigation measures in their business.
Social
Priority is given to vendors that have strong a socio-environmental ethos, empower youth and women, and support the sustainable advancement of their local communities in one way or another.
MTN Bushfire looks for artisanal and food brands that design their own products, maintain transparency in their sourcing practices, integrate genuine cultural references with respect, and support the growth of artisans and employees through training, capacity building, profit sharing and similar.
Ensuring full and fair local representation, as well as business and sourcing transparency, fuels our festival ethos and we encourage all our regional traders to mirror this in their staffing and product sourcing processes.
Governance
Potential traders should look out for MTN Bushfire’s incubator and training programmes, designed for aspiring MSMEs. The festival’s goal is to elevate more local brands to the international stage and foster the growth of local entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneur programmes are designed in collaboration with the festival’s partners, and focuses on tailored business growth with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles at the forefront. This ensures that brands are well equipped to meet the demands of both the international market and our local community.
Ultimately, these measures all support the service excellence and quality experience that MTN Bushfire is reputed for. As a result, the average MTN Bushfire festivalgoer has attended four editions of the festival, and traders enjoy repeat customers year after year.
Trader queries may be directed to [email protected]
