BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– Lutsango regiment has promised that phase two of the Buganu Festival 2023 to be bigger and better.
This comes after the Lutsango regiment was summoned by His Majesty King Mswati III for the Buganu ceremony to be held from Friday, March 10 to March 12, 2023, at Hlane.
When speaking on how far they were with preparing for the festival a number of women revealed they were waiting for Friday.
“Hlane is going to be bigger and better, a community of us women is ready for the day and we cannot wait to mingle with our King,” said Sebentile Dladla of Kukhanyeni Inkhundla.
Lutsango head of regiment Martha Ndlangamandla revealed that a number of women had already registered their interest in attending this year’s last phase of the Buganu Festival. Speaking on behalf of the regiments she said they were ready and willing.
“I love the fact that we get to dance alongside the Royal family for two days as we only get to see them in the newspapers or TV.
“This time they will be close to us and we got to interact with them. I also appreciate that women from rural areas of the country are going to make money from the event as they sell goods made from the Marula fruit,” she said.
Meanwhile, Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) revealed during the Buhleni Buganu festival that they were astonished by the numbers and they are expecting the numbers double at Hlane.
This year’s Marula (buganu) celebration was attended by over 5 000 women (Lutsango). They came from all four corners of the country as some of them came from as far as Lavumisa.
Some of those who attended said this was one event not to be missed as it was where the women get the opportunity of displaying their works before Their Majesties.
They said to them it was an honour to get the opportunity of showering Their Majesties with gifts which this time, are in the form of the marula.
Gcinile Simelane of Nkoneni in Nhlangano said for the past four years, she had been bringing marula to Their Majesties and this was an honour to her.
“For as long as I live, I will continue coming here. This is where we get the opportunity of showing our respect and love to Their Majesties. I also encourage even other women who did not come to make it a point that they do not miss such events,” she said.
Meanwhile, Thoko Malindzisa of Siteki said attending the festival was a way of showing their loyalty to Their Majesties.
“As you see the king gave himself some time watching us while we were in the Dancing arena at Buhleni something that is really appreciated. It shows that the king loves his people and that is why we will always be loyal to him,” she said. Meanwhile business is always booming for most of the vendors. Items sold include food and fruits while others also brought clothes. Also selling like hotcakes is usually airtime as most people want to call their friends and relatives.
