BY FIONA MOTSA
Shiselweni-Let us recap on what happened during weekend at Embangweni Royal Residence at Shiselweni.
Eswatini Positive News conducted interviews to find out what the ceremony means to Swazis and words of encouragement to people who could not attend it. This is what they had to say:
Politics and Culture
Mduduzi Dlamini from Lobamba said “I am a Swazi and I grew up going to cultural festivities. The youth needs to attend these ceremonies for their own benefit because there are lessons on culture that you cannot get anywhere but there. The most important thing one has to remember is that they are Swazi and the ceremonies remind you of who you are and your background. Politics and Culture are two different things that should not be confused so when it is about culture do not make the mistake of not participating.”
Business is booming
Thabani Mhlongo a vendor from Shiselweni said “I am very excited that the reed dance is back because covid made a lot of disruptions for me. Today is the first time I have made substantial money for my family by selling chicken dust here. I would like to say to the youth to join the Umhlanga because not only is it our culture but also them being there means business for us and they should know they feed a family through it all.”
Missing out
Thembumenzi Shoisa said “Coming to the reed dance as Imbali has always been a part of our culture and it must be preserved because it encourages us to preserve our virginity until marriage. The past two years we could not attend because of covid and a lot of our peers were derailed thus a lot of girls got pregnant. I have always attended Umhlanga and I am proud to say that this is my 20th time cutting the reed as a virgin. The imbali who could not attend missed out I must say but then again there is always next year, so please join us then.”
Happy place
Inkhosatane Temalangeni said “Umhlanga is a place where I feel happy. I cannot express enough how I feel the unity, pride and joy being here with other maidens and also representing my culture as Inkhosatane. I am grateful for the people who came out despite the politics, who have been true to their culture. The youth should not be afraid to come and join the dance because the King has ensured safety for all the attendees and even the Princes and Princesses are here too. It is a place for maidens to unite and share experiences and help one another solve problems.”
Embracing culture
Joshua said “I do not live in Eswatini, I live in Germany but my mother is from Eswatini and because I was in the country I decided to come and see the ceremony for the first time with her and my aunt. I am enjoying the songs and dance and I will definitely come back next year.”
