BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– As of this morning, throngs of women, vendors and Lutsango are making their way to Hlane Royal Residence for the second and last phase of the annual Buganu Festival.
This comes after His Majesty King Mswati III summoned the Lutsango regiment for the second session of the Buganu Ceremony to be held from March 10 to March 12, at Hlane Royal Residence.
The announcement was made by acting Indvuna yeLutsango Phindile Matsebula this week at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
According to the leader of the Lubombo regiment, Lutsango is expected to present their gifts before Her Majesty the Indlovukazi today with the main festivities, including song and dance on Saturday, and on Sunday Lutsango will be dispersed.
Women checked in today revealed that they were already making their way down to Hlane Royal Residence and getting ready for the festivities later today.
Lutsango member Innocentia Mamba said women in her community were already gathered around and discussing transport arrangements.
“This is the day we are already making plans to head down and be fully prepared for the day; we are really looking forward to spending the day together with their Majesties,” she said.
Women spotted earlier today were seen packed up and carrying their gifts for Their Majesties.
Conversely, the Minister for Home Affairs Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe also announced on behalf of Their Majesties that the dress code is red cotton lihiya on Saturday and orange lihiya on Sunday respectively. Additionally, the Minister cautioned Lutsango from wearing colorful clothing.
Her Royal Highness pleaded with Lutsango to adhere to instructions given by the teams on the ground to ensure a successful event. All logistics have been well prepared as directed.
Consequently, Lutsango is encouraged to come in numbers. In vernacular, Princess Lindiwe said ‘konkhe kulungiswe kahle, Lutsango alute ngemandla’
Earlier this week the Ministry of Home Affairs officers were spotted rehearsing for the second session of the Buganu ceremony.
The Ministry of Home Affairs Lutsango rocked Buhleni Royal Residence during the first session of the Buganu ceremony with their newly composed song ‘uyawulala wedvwa Sihlongonyane’.
The leader of the regiment Nomfundo Mamba promised more excitement and another new song at the Hlane Royal residence. Additionally, she promised to do the ‘kutsamba’ in which as a team they were well prepared to showcase their dancing skills.
Nonetheless, the Honorable Minister of Home Affairs Her Royal Highness Princess Lindiwe is expected to lead the Ministry’s Lutsango during the three days event.
The Ministry of Home Affairs as the custodian of all National Events in the country including the Buganu ceremony has encouraged Lutsango from across the country to come in numbers, logistics have been improved and Lutsango is guaranteed safety and an interesting three days.
