Monday marked the end of the 10-day action filled Swaziland International Trade Fair (SITF) 2012. Exhibitors of Pavilion Five had nothing but good things to say about the event. The Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services (SBIS) was a huge draw card for the Pavilion because the public was keen to see the radio personalities they often hear on radio. “We had live broadcasts in both the English and Siswati Channels,” explained Principal Programmes Officer Thembi Hlophe. “We are very excited at being able to run a new frequency for Manzini and surrounding areas, which was separate from the normal broadcasts. This way we could invite business people to market themselves without interrupting programming. The special frequency was used for the duration of the Trade Fair”. SBIS’ Marketing Officer Nkosingphile Mthunzi said the on-site sales office enabled them to generate more revenue.
 |
 |
Prime Minister Dr. Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini (3rd l) visits the Swaziland National Archives stand
(right picture) and the Swaziland National Library Services stand (left picture)
Meanwhile, Swazi TV’s Marketing Manager Lenny Shoulder also expressed excitement at the platform that was availed. “The public had so many misconceptions about payment for TV licenses. We got the opportunity to educate them on this as well as inform them about the amnesty extended to viewers who are willing to pay. It was thrilling to note that some people came to our stand to update their payments,” he said. Makhosazana Dlamini, an Archivist at the Swaziland National Archives, noted the overwhelming support and involvement of the Minister. “The public appreciated the bit of history that we took to them. Many people were especially excited to learn about the clan names,” she stated. She also mentioned that Prince Sobantu had pledged to deposit some pictures at the Archives. National Library Services Communications Officer, Thulie Masondo said not only were they able to educate the public about the services offered at the library, but that many people were not aware that anyone could go to the library and have access to the day’s newspapers and magazines, free of charge. “We still have people who think libraries are only for students but this is not true,” she noted. The Ministry of Education’s ICT Inspectorate also formed part of the exhibitors of Pavilion Five. Mgcibelo Tsela, an Inspector of ICT said participating with students from Manzini Central High School was an eye opener for the department. He said the main objective was to make parents, teachers and students aware that ICT was now available at schools as part of the curriculum. “Being in Pavilion Five exposed the two students to all the avenues available to them if they pursue ICT,” he said. Countless Concepts, a small business that specializes in branding, was also housed in Pavilion Five. “This was great exposure for us and we are grateful for the opportunity. We met a lot of potential clients and learnt a lot. We hope to improve for the next SITF,” said the Director, Gcebile Dlamini.
 |
 |
Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku speaks to UNISWA's Enock Dube at the Computer Science stand
Bongikhosi Sithole (back left) and visitors to the CSO stand (right picture)
The Central Statistical Office took the opportunity to inform the public about the importance of the national census and also marketed “Swazi Info”, a rich and research-friendly inter-sectoral on-line database which is the first of its kind in Swaziland. “We received over 700 visitors to our stand. We discovered that people do not know about our department and this was a huge opportunity to educate them,” said Statistical Clerk, Bonginkhosi Sithole. Pavilion Five also hosted the University of Swaziland’s Computer Science Department. “The public was very receptive towards learning about our department. This was a chance to explain what we do and we grabbed it with both hands,” said Enock Dube, a Lecturer in the department. Because it was their first time to participate, he said, they were not sure of what to expect. “We were happy to engage with the public because we never get the chance to do so,” he noted. Assistant Project Manager for the Royal Science and Technology Park, Zinhle Sikauke stated that the SITF provided them the opportunity to sensitize the public about what the project. She said a lot of people thought the Park was a distant dream that did not involve them. “We managed to change their views by showing them that the Park needs everybody’s involvement because it will benefit the economy. We were able to link our explanation of Bio- Technology exhibitions in other pavilions like the traditional healers who have turned traditional medicine into capsules and the women who make cosmetics using plants found locally,” she explained. Thembeka Ndlangamandla, the Marketing Officer at Limkokwing University said this was their second year at Pavilion Five. She said the University did not have productions by local students to show last year so this year was an improvement on this. “The highlight of the event was having His Majesty the King, the Minister, and other dignitaries visit the whole Pavilion,” she said.