Breaking from tradition, this year's instalment of the annual Swaziland International Trade Fair (SITF) will only run for a week.
Kicking off on August 29, the event will reach its climax on September 5.
Over the years, the event that draws thousands has been held over a period of two weeks, giving the public varying entertainment options from Gospel Sundays featuring local and South African acts as well as laidback Jazz Saturdays.
This year's event themed, 'Development Unusual' -Integrating Business into Vision 2022' will have a balance of artists between local and international acts. This was revealed by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Gideon Dlamini during the event's, official launch held at the ministry's offices yesterday.
Dlamini mentioned that he had mandated the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA) who were organising the trade fair to also include locals in their line-up for the show.
Dlamini added that it was part of government responsibility to promote local talent.
"I have mandated the SIPA organising team to consider locals in their line-up as charity begins at home," he said.
Dlamini's statement was reiterated by SIPA CEO Phumelele Dlamini who stated that this year's entertainment line-up was balanced as it featured both local and international acts.
ACASWA President Mhlonishwa Motsa said they were happy with the partnership they had with SIPA being the organisers of the trade fair as they mentioned that they would have artists from the association.
Motsa said their partnership would not only end after the Trade Fair but they were looking beyond and urged artists to continue subscribing to the association as they woud only consider active members for the festival.