MBABANE – Notsa Eswatini, the youth-owned textile manufacturer founded by Wandile Dlamini, has been crowned Eswatini’s 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year.
The business, registered as Heavenly Array and trading as Notsa Eswatini, walked away with the coveted overall title at the 20th-anniversary edition of the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA), held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) on Wednesday evening.
Dlamini, popularly known as Mantantatha, received a brand-new Toyota Hilux Single Cab 2.4 GD-6 valued at E586 591, courtesy of FNB Eswatini and FNB Foundation, the title sponsor of the awards.
The victory recognises the business’s achievements in textile manufacturing, its resilience in overcoming challenges, ethical business practices and integrity, as well as its previous recognition.
Operating from a factory in Matsapha, Notsa Eswatini has built its business around producing authentic Swati traditional attire and fabrics on a commercial scale, combining contemporary manufacturing methods with designs rooted in the country’s cultural heritage.
The company’s products have featured at some of the country’s most significant national occasions, demonstrating how locally manufactured goods can serve institutional markets while preserving traditional design knowledge.
Among its notable assignments was producing the Sidvwashi and Umhelwano fabrics for the celebration of His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40 years on the throne.
The company also produced Umhelwano attire for an International Convention Centre gathering attended by 120 Heads of State, while its garments have been used during major national ceremonies, including Buganu, Umhlanga and Incwala.
Its client base extends beyond ceremonial attire, with banks, Eswatini Air, Hlane Royal National Park, the Parliament of Eswatini and, most recently, the Embassy of Taiwan among its clients and partners.
These relationships demonstrate the company’s reach across public institutions, private businesses and other organisations, providing a market for locally produced textiles and traditional attire.
Beyond its products, the company contributes to employment and manufacturing activity in Matsapha. Its work for major national ceremonies and institutional clients also places local craftsmanship before prominent national and international audiences.
The 2026 awards also recognised businesses operating across agriculture, property, facilities management, technology, handicrafts, healthcare, personal care and other sectors of the economy.
The winners were recognised for achievements ranging from innovation and environmentally responsible production to job creation, service delivery, inclusion and the development of locally owned enterprises. Each winner received a cash prize of E45 000.
The National Outstanding Youth-Owned Business award went to EFENCE Investments, owned by Cyprian Mfundo Mdluli. Based in Siteki CBD, the company combines construction, residential rent-to-own housing, property management and interior design.
The Regional Outstanding Woman-Owned Business award was presented to Kleaners Investments, owned by Koko Shabangu-Hlophe. Based at Manzini Hub, the facilities-services provider offers cleaning, hygiene, landscaping, groundskeeping and maintenance services to institutional and commercial clients.
Mozane Projects, owned by Nokulunga Sibeko, won the Regional Outstanding Agri-Business award. The enterprise operates a seven-hectare farm in Nsika, producing watermelons, green mealies, butternut and green beans for local and national markets. Its supply relationships with the National Maize Corporation (NMC) and NAMBoard provide routes to market.
Grace Howard Investments (Pty) Ltd, owned by Thokozani H. Vilakati, received the National Outstanding Most Innovative Business award. The Mbabane-based business specialises in visual merchandising and signage, designing, producing and installing displays that incorporate lighting and moving or reflective elements to help businesses strengthen their branding.
The National Outstanding Green Business award went to Master Art Works, owned by Dumsani Charles Mnisi. The Lobamba-based craft enterprise has more than two decades of experience producing handcrafted art using natural, biodegradable materials, including environmentally friendly paints and natural pottery clay. Its products reach customers through tourist hotels, resorts, lodges, conservancies and shopping-centre kiosks.
S-Link Technologies, owned by Thulani Ndlovu, received the National Outstanding Most Tech-Savvy Business award. The Manzini-based company uses technology and artificial intelligence to provide tracking, monitoring and security solutions. Its services include real-time fleet tracking, fuel monitoring, driver support and vehicle recovery, as well as a Personal Safety Tracker.
The National Outstanding Handicraft Business award went to Benangu Investments, owned by Eunice Simangele Jele. Located at Mbabane Plaza, the business sells locally made craft products and provides shelf space for independent crafters, giving them access to customers through a central retail outlet.
With Love Pharmacy, owned by Ncobile Mathunjwa, received the National Outstanding Start-up Business award. Located in Mbelebeleni, the community pharmacy was established by a young woman and Eswatini Medical Christian University graduate. It responds to medicine-access challenges while providing services such as blood-pressure and vital-sign checks, patient guidance and medication counselling.
The National Outstanding Business Owned by a Person with Disabilities award went to Lungisa Emahiya Mobile, owned by Ncamiso Phillip Maseko. The Manzini-based enterprise provides mobile-money and cash services to residents, commuters and businesses, offering convenient access to everyday financial transactions.
Lomali Trading, owned by Lindiwe Mabuza, received the National Outstanding Informal Sector award. Based in Luyengo, the women-led business produces and sells perfumes, hand lotions and car fragrances. It has grown from street vending into a recognised local brand, supported by product consistency and an understanding of customer preferences.
