Times Of Swaziland: TORO UNDERGOES KUBUTSEKA

TORO UNDERGOES KUBUTSEKA
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BY THEMBELANI NHLABATSI   on 12/09/2019 00:24:00


MBABANE - For many emaSwati, kubutseka is a very culturally important rite of
passage to partake in life.
These were sentiments shared by renowned Taiwanese, Eswatini-based photographer
Daniel Toro.
Speaking to the Entertainment desk, Daniel said he attended the butseka rite of
passage two weeks ago and the name given to him was Mabonabutimba. He undertook
this process at the Ludzidzini Royal Kraal under Inkhanyeti libutfo.
He said he was encouraged to undergo kubutseka by his friends from the royal
family and regiments.
For him this decision came after a long time since he came to Eswatini in 2013
and his desire to join the regiment was influenced by his wish to be part of
Eswatini in more than just a physical way but also traditionally and culturally.
He further added that as a Taiwanese living and doing business in Eswatini,
kubutseka meant a lot to him and was a very special cause to him because he
wanted to serve the country in many ways as well as to get to know other aspects
of it.
“I am proud to be part of the regiment. I joined the regiment because I was
very eager to serve the country in many other ways and to know more about
Eswatini culture and tradition.” he said.
He said it was incredible experiencing the culture of your surroundings instead
of hearing it through word of mouth because many truths would be twisted.  He
also said the only way to know about the process was to experience it
first-hand, which is what he did.
baptised
Moreover, the feelings towards kubutseka for him were that in this way, he felt
accepted into Eswatini. He further said the feeling was like being baptized to
become a family member. He felt that Eswatini was his second home indeed.
Daniel is very well known for taking photos of special events involving the
royal household as he has done the King Mswati III’s 50th birthday, Umhlanga
among others.
On sharing his experience on social media, he said he would like to make himself
an example to other people who wished to partake in kubutseka.
He also said it was a sacred moment for him even though people may have laughed
at him because of his accent and nationality. He further said he did not feel
discouraged because he was already prepared for the process as he was told
beforehand what to expect.
Other famous people who have undergone the same in the entertainment industry
are comedian Smallz, who inherited the name Dvungumbutfo and he underwent this
transition in 2016.