Overview

• Established: 1982

• Location: Malkerns Valley and Matsapha Industrial Area, Eswatini

• Products: Traditional paraffin wax candles, soy candle tea lights, wax encased LED lights, pure vegetable glycerine soaps, and marula oil body balm.

The Candle-Making Process

1. Dyeing the Wax: The wax is dyed in large trays and then cooled into sheets.

2. Layering and Cutting: The sheets are cut into strips and layered to form intricate patterns.

3. Extrusion and Slicing: The layered strips are extruded to create detailed patterns and then sliced into veneers.

4. Hand Sculpting: Artisans warm the veneers and hand sculpt them into beautiful shapes, using the ancient millefiore (thousand flowers) technique.

Swazi Candles Centre

• Experience: Visitors can watch artisans at work in the vibrant, music-filled workshop. The centre also features other local crafts, a bustling market, and the Sambane Tea Garden for meals and refreshments.

• Employment: They are a proud member of the Swaziland Fair Trade Organization and provide various benefits to their employees, including healthcare, pension funds, clothing allowance, food allowance, transport allowance, educational loans, funeral insurance, and access to training programs.

Additional Attractions

• Yebo Art Gallery: Showcases contemporary Swazi art.

• Black Mamba Chilli Sauce: A popular local product.

• Tsandza Weaving: Handwoven products by rural women.

• Baobab Batik: Batik products with African-inspired designs.

• Sambane Gifts & Café: Offers meals, cakes, and souvenirs.