MBABANE – The hailstorm that left untold destruction in its wake at Buhleni Town has not dampened the spirit of Lutsango.
The Women Regiment are geared up to join thousands of others during the national event to be held this weekend.
This year, the first leg of the Buganu Ceremony to be held at Buhleni Royal Residence promises to be bigger and better as the women have dedicated time to prepare for the event.
The Lutsango said they could not rest on their laurels just because they were affected by the storm, but they forked out money to buy the marula fruit from nearby areas such as Timphisini, Dvokolwako and Mliba.
They then embarked on a mission to process and brew the fruit to turn it into a potent drink that will be presented to His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi on Friday.
The Marula Festival (Buganu Ceremony) in Eswatini is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually in February or March at the Buhleni Royal Residence, featuring traditional songs, dances and the brewing of marula fruit beer. It celebrates the harvest, culture and feminine wisdom.
Thembi Zulu, who was found busy processing the buganu, said it was a worthwhile decision to buy the fruit because the event comes once a year at Buhleni and they could not be left out.
She said a 25-litre container of marula fruit yet to be processed is bought for as little as E50.
“In fact, most of the women boarded vans and went to collect the fruit for themselves at Timphisini. The only hardship comes when the tree is on a private property,” she said.
Another Lutsango member, Janet Simelane, said some excess marula is also sold to those who love it in their areas, which helps the women generate some money.
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It’s all systems go for Buhleni leg
BUHLENI – The arena has been prepared for the thousands of members of Lutsango to strut their stuff during this year’s Buganu Ceremony, to be held at Buhleni Royal Residence.
Already, several members of the regiment, in their residences as well as their workplaces are practising daily for the ceremony. In past year, it has also attracted Lutsango from South Africa and Lesotho.
The royal residence is expected to be a hive of activity on Friday when the women arrive from all the four corners of the country to present their gifts, primarily marula drink to Her Majesty.
Other gifts comprise fruits and maize, among others.A combined security cluster consisting of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF), Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) and the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service (ENFRES) meticulously ensured that the whole residence is ready for the event.
Light bulbs were fitted in the arena, as usually, the dances last through the night. An artificial turf was also fitted to ensure the Lutsango is unharmed during the dances.
By yesterday, the Royal Box had not yet been set up, as emphasis was on the marquees and the arena which take long to prepare.The second leg of the event is expected to be held next month at Hlane Royal Residence at a date to be announced.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
