HIS MAJESTY BANS IMBALI FROM BATHING IN RIVERS
LUDZIDZINI- For the first time in the history of the Reed Dance, imbali has been forbidden from bathing in rivers during the reed dance.
Instead, a certain type of showers have been secured for the maidens to use for the duration of the cultural event. Acting Imbali Overseer Hlangabeza Mdluli said all maidens were not expected to make trips to the rivers to bath as they will be provided with showers this year.
Mdluli said the idea of having showers was initiated by His Majesty King Mswati III, solely because of the dangers that maidens were exposed to when taking a bath in rivers.
The maidens usually took their bath at the hot springs (Manzana) and at the Lusushwana River near the Happy Valley Resorts and Casino.
It was noted that Lusushwana River was infested with crocodiles, posing a serious danger to the maidens, hence the initiative to provide showers.
“His Majesty King Mswati III has emphasised that no imbali shall bath in the river, from this year onwards. In case there is a shortage in the facilities to be provided, 71 containers will be used for boiling water for Imbali to ensure that no one goes to the river for bathing,” Mdluli said before adding that there were more than 1 000 basins provided for Imbali this year.
He said this was a sign that the country was heading for the much anticipated vision 2022, stating that such an initiative could be considered for other national events, where there is a large number of regiments.
Mdluli also explained that all the girls who take part in the cultural event were beautiful and further encouraged them to appear with their natural beauty.
The overseer pleaded with imbali to adhere to all the stipulated procedures for this year’s reed dance. He reminded them that artificial hair was strictly prohibited at the ceremony.
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