The Chief Executive Officer of Eswatini Mobile, Sydney Sichula, took his team out of the office and led them into the streets of Mliba and Luve, walking the ground where the company’s airtime vendors sell, sweat and show up every day.
The CEO and his executive team moved through markets and trading points with a simple and deliberate purpose – to look their vendors in the eye, shake their hands and hear from them directly.
It is in these modest roadside tables and small shops that business relationships are built, not through statements or advertising but through face-to-face interaction.
The engagement with vendors and agents formed part of the company’s programme known as Eswatini Mobile Cares, through which the entity places customers, employees and stakeholders at the centre of its work.
The visit offered time for the CEO and his team to spend moments with those who operate at the retail end of the network.
At Mliba and Luve, the team moved from vendor to vendor greeting them and hearing directly about their daily experiences.
The atmosphere was relaxed and personal as conversations unfolded between the company leadership and traders who operate in the area.
Among those encountered was Londiwe Mhlanga, who spoke warmly about the visit.
She said business had been going well and welcomed the interaction with the chief executive and his team.
As the conversation continued, she said vendors in the area would appreciate more activity that brings the network closer to them.
She spoke of the need for more roadshows so that the area could be “painted red” through increased presence of the company.
During the visit, Mhlanga received financial support from the chief executive, who also bought some of the vegetables sold at the stall.
The moment drew smiles from nearby traders who watched the exchange.
Nozipho Dlamini also shared similar sentiments, saying trading had been steady and that vendors welcomed visits from company leadership.
According to her, more roadshows in the area would help bring customers closer to the brand and create activity around their stalls.
Phumilile Magwaza joined the conversation and shared the same outlook.
She said the presence of the chief executive among vendors created a sense of recognition for those who operate on the ground every day.
Goodness Lukhele also expressed appreciation after the chief executive bought some of the vegetables sold at the stall.
She said the interaction left traders encouraged.
“Business is going well and we hope to see more roadshows so the area can be painted red,” she said.
Nearby, Sebenzile Shiba shared a handshake with the chief executive while discussing trading conditions.
Nomvula Ginnindza, who operates an Eswatini Mobile cart, also took part in the conversations as the team continued its walk through the market area.
Ntokozo Khumalo welcomed the delegation and spoke briefly about business activity in the shop, while Boniwe Simelane also interacted with the chief executive during the visit.
The engagement then continued in Mliba where the team again met vendors working from Eswatini Mobile branded stalls and carts.
Among them was Nkuleko Simelane, who received the delegation while attending to customers.
Across both locations, the exchanges followed a simple pattern of greetings, conversations and moments of shared trade.
For vendors, the encounter provided a chance to speak directly with company leadership.
For the company, it offered time within the spaces where its services meet everyday life.
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