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THE MYSTERIOUS MANTSHOLO DAM

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image The Mantsholo Dam.

MBABANE – Mantsholo Dam is one of the natural and mystical wonders of the country.


Stories of the supernatural nature of the dam have been in circulation for as long as the dam has been in existence.  The Times spoke to the Chief of Mdzimba, the area in which the dam is located and he confirmed that he too was aware of the mysticism surrounding the dam. A member of the Mnisi clan also listed some of the mysterious happenings around the dam.


The dam is said to be particularly sacred to the Mnisi clan and as such, a number of Mnisi homesteads can be found nearby. “We are the guardians of the dam, said John Mnisi, one of the locals living near the dam as he narrated the history of how the dam came to be and why it is sacred to them.

What Mnisi said about the dam:

l It has no visible source or exit point yet the water is fresh.
l Two cows once fell in and divers and excavators were sent in to retrieve the cattle but neither the divers nor the cattle ever re-emerged. The crew that was responsible for digging a trench to try and divert the water away abandoned their duties and fled yet the reason for their hasty departure is not clear. They returned later to retrieve their equipment and machinery.


* Although there are fish in the dam, Mnisi warned that those who try to catch them fall asleep along the way home and by the time they awake, the captured fish are nowhere to be seen.
* The dam turns to a deep red colour if there has been a tragedy in the Royal Family. In fact, the dam turned red for an entire month following the death of King Sobhuza.


* No swimming or bathing is allowed in the dam.
* The water has healing properties if consumed.
The chief of the area, Majahaen-tfonjeni Kunene, said he was aware of the mystery surrounding the dam and stated that as far as he knew any non-Mnisi person who wanted to approach the dam had to get permission from the Mnisi clan to do so safely.


“I am also aware that once, some white people tried to dig a trench in an attempt to divert the water but failed. Evidence of their attempt is still visible to date,” he said. 
Those who wish to visit the dam or gain access to its ‘healing water’ need only to ask a member of the Mnisi family for permission and guidance.

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