Culture

MBANGWENI – The spirit of Eswatini’s most attended ceremony,  Umhlanga, proved undimmed yesterday at Mbangweni Royal Residence, as thousands of maidens, known as Imbali, successfully delivered their sacred reeds to Their Majesties, despite the persistent cold rains.

Yesterday was partly cloudy and cool, presenting a challenge to the traditional rites.

However, the maidens were protected from the elements by the thoughtful provision of heaters within the royal marquees, a comfort that resonated deeply with the participants.

One maiden, reflecting the sentiment of the group, was quoted as stating: “We are warm because of heaters, Bayethe Wena Waphakathi.”

She added joyfully, that the chilly conditions did not deter them from their duty, saying: “Sitofela eNkhosini.”

The maidens arrived the day prior amidst rainfall, but quickly found relief inside the marquees where they discovered ‘about four to five in each marquees and tents’ heaters, which made them feel instantly warmer, allowing them to forget the cold.

The Umhlanga Ceremony is one of the most important cultural events in the Kingdom of Eswatini, held annually to celebrate maidenhood, promote unity and ensure respect for traditional customs.

The event is a vibrant demonstration of Eswatini’s enduring heritage, fostering national pride across generations.

For many, the warmth offered by the heaters allowed the joyous spirit of Umhlanga to flourish. Sukoluhle Dlamini (19), from KaNkomonye Chiefdom, who has attended the ceremony six times at both the first legs which is held at Ludzidzini and the second one at Mbangweni Royal Residence described the atmosphere, as nothing but joy in siSwati “Bunandzi bodvwa,” she said.

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Elderly worried about changing of dress code

MBANGWENI – At this year’s Shiselweni Umhlanga Ceremony held at Mbangweni Royal Residence, 70-year-old Janet Dlamini from Sigombeni Inkhundla watched with a mixture of pride and concern.

While she admired the thousands of maidens taking part in the reed dance, she could not help but notice what she described as a gradual change in traditional attire.

“In the past, the attire was more revealing,” she said, firmly.

“The buttocks were clearly visible. Today, tindlamu are like skirts.” Dlamini believes this shift marks a sign of modernisation creeping into one of Eswatini’s most sacred traditions.

She recalls a time when tindlamu. The traditional mini-skirts worn by maidens were much shorter. “In my time, the indlamu were very short, but that was part of the culture,” she said.

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Vendors persist through the cold

MBANGWENI – The ceremony also generates a bustling local economy, with vendors sharing in the chilly conditions but persistent in offering goods to the Imbali.

Some vendors operated around the clock, with sales continuing throughout the midnight hours.

Janet Dlamini (48), from Sigombeni, was found selling traditional skirts, emavadla, at E30 a piece.

“I decided to come and sell the emavadla for especially Imbali who can not afford  the indlamu as it can be expensive, so  people cannot to see a difference between them and others,” she said, stressing the disparity in circumstance: “Kuhlupheka akufani .”

Zinhle Sihlongonyane and Thabiso Sihlongonyane, from Mafutseni, ran a smart business crafting personalised beaded bracelets.

They stressed that imbali love decorating themselves with bracelets bearing their names and surnames.

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Throngs of Imbali deliver reed before Their Majesties

MBANGWENI –  Throngs of Imbali delivered reed yesterday at Mbangweni Royal Residence.

Yesterday was the second day after the maidens registered on Friday.

The Imbali regiment in attendance consisted of maidens from local chiefdoms and many coming from South Africa. Over 2 000 foreign maidens had been registered.

The maidens had spent the day resting after arrival with the major activity of delivering reed starting around 4pm.

As usual Imbali did not disappoint with their creative songs, particularly the Imbali from His Majesty’s Correctional Service who sang: ‘Ucela kuthula, mnikeni kuthula,’  meaning he wants peace,  give it to him.

In many of his speeches,  His Majesty the King has often asked for peace in the country. Also, another song Imbali sang is ‘bacolele Mbali’.

*Full article available in our publication.

The second day of the Shiselweni Reed Dance got into full swing yesterday as maidens, led by Imbali Leader Princess Sakhizwe and Liphovela LaZuma, gave a taste of what to expect. (Pic: Gcinile Phungwayo and Joseph Zulu)

Janet Dlamini (48) who brave the cold to sell indlamu, said Imbali should wear more revealing indlamu, as per the olden days.

Imbali with disabilities before delivering reed at the Mbangweni Royal Residence, being assisted by officials from the DPM’s Office.

His Majesty King Mswati III with the Indlovukazi, while on the right are Emakhosikati watching the ongoing Shiselweni Umhlanga at Mbangweni Royal Residence yesterday.