‘EMAGWALAGWALA RESERVED FOR KING’S EMAPHOVELA’

MBABANE – It is culturally incorrect for princes’ girlfriends to don red  feathers (emagwalagwala).

Ligwalagwala is a bird species with red, blue and black feathers. The red feathers are used by  royalty.
In an interview yesterday with staunch traditionalist and a member of the team that oversees maidens, Tulujani Sikhondze, he said emagwalagwala were only reserved for children of the current King.

 He stated that the red feathers had a special significance in Eswatini culture and tradition.

 Different

Sikhondze mentioned that the manner in which the princesses don the red feathers was different from any other person.
“Emagwalagwala ahlonywa bantfwabenkhosi lebusako kuleso sikhatsi, hhayi noma ngabe ngubani. Nendlela lebawahloma ngayo iyehluka ngoba ayahlangana enhloko,” said Sikhondze in vernacular, loosely translated: ‘The feathers are strictly reserved for the King’s children. They don them in such a way that they do not leave much space in between.’

Sikhondze shared that Eswatini customs and tradition did not allow the King’s grandchildren to use the same format as the King’s children.
He said other people who were permitted by culture to don the special feathers were Emalangeni (bantfwabenkhosi) depending on their status.
He said some members of the royal family donned three to one feather, depending on their status.

When it comes to tindvuna, who were entrusted by Their Majesties, Sikhondze said they only donned one feather the opposite way.
“There is an exception if the King chooses liphovela. Culturally, liphovela dons the special feathers as a sign that she is joining the royal family. Under no circumstances should princes’ girlfriends don emagwalagwala,” Sikhondze said.

The traditionalist felt strongly that people did as they pleased with the special feathers because nobody bothered educating them about culture and the significance of the feathers.

He observed that some of those who had money overlooked culture and proceeded to buy what did not belong to them. He said this could be attributed to the fact that there was no one who guarded against the violation of culture.

Sikhondze was interviewed after some emaSwati shared sentiments to the effect that princes’ girlfriends were allowed to don the special feathers. However, he was specific that he was commenting about Eswatini culture in general.

During the main day of the Reed Dance on Monday at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, gospel artist Nothando Hlophe was spotted donning in emagwalagwala feathers and dancing with members of the royal family.
Hlophe’s attire raised curiosity about her new status, resulting in those who know the significance of the special feathers speculating that she might have joined royal family.

Others thought that Hlophe was the King’s Liphovela until Prince Majaha, who was in the a company of his brothers, appreciated her when she danced in front of throngs of people who had attended the cultural event.
When appreciating Hlophe, Prince Majaha plucked one of the feathers from her head in full view of the public towards dusk.
He then had a short conversation with Hlophe before dancing next to her. The prince’s act resulted in many interpretations. Some attendees felt that the prince was declaring his love to Hlophe, while others were of the view that it was just an appreciation as per the norms of Eswatini culture.

Others felt that the prince and Hlophe had premeditated what took place in full view of the public.  “Nothando is here today so that the prince can just clear the air,” they said.  Traditionalists who overhead the speculations quashed them, stating that it may have just been an appreciation shown by the prince to Hlophe. They stated that Eswatini culture did not allow princes to choose a wife among the regiment.

“Yinkhosi kuphela leconywa ebutfweni. Labanye nje bagcina ngekuphoseka badlalisele uma kukhona tintfombi labatibonako,” said another traditionalist in vernacular, meaning; “The right to choose a wife from the regiment is reserved for the King. Other people may just appreciate the maidens without making any declarations.”

Hlophe’s family was sought for clarity regarding her appearance at the Reed Dance; however, they requested not to comment on the matter.
Communicated
“Hhawu! Hhawu! Kute lengingakusho mntfwanami, bye,” said an elder when asked if there was anything communicated to Hlophe’s family concerning her appearance at the event.

Hlophe was also called for a comment but her cellphone rang unanswered. When the prince was called, his cellphone rang unanswered before it was diverted.
Meanwhile, Prophet Elijah Fire, Founder and Overseer of Hope Restoration Church, said Prince Majaha had introduced Nothando to him formally as his girlfriend and further informed him that he would love to marry her soon.

“Culturally, what transpired during Umhlanga Ceremony to me was emphasising his words that soon he will marry Nothando and make her Inkhosikati. All I can say would be to congratulate the two as they take their relationship to the next step,” said the prophet. Prince Majaha is the prophet’s spiritual son.

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