BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– “EmaSwati aphume aphelela.”
The above sentence, which means emaSwati came in numbers, was said by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku while applauding emaSwati for embracing the main Incwala Ceremony which was held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Masuku said this yesterday during a one-on-one interview with this Eswatini Positive News (EPN) reporter.
Statistics revealed show that over 50 000 people attended the Incwala Main Day yesterday- with them proudly clad in colourful traditional regalia.
“Everything has gone according to plan since the commencement of Incwala 15 days ago, and emaSwati were coming in full force. This is where I have to express great respect for emaSwati as they have defied advice from people who were instigating that they do not attend Incwala.
“EmaSwati will not listen to a faceless person and they showed this by doing what is right as emaSwati. EmaSwati are not very talkative, they just do the right thing and that was attending Incwala as they did,” said Masuku.
Masuku further said he has attended many Incwala Ceremonies; however, this year’s liButfo was massive.
“We were even crowded in the kraal. If one can also observe the activity when on the roads, they will see that it was packed.
“This is proof that no one will tell emaSwati what to do and to reject their culture. Even if they can use intimidation,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Masuku went on to say even those who did not come to Incwala were cheering on emaButfo on the roadsides and showing support for Incwala, despite all the intimidation.
“Even watching emaButfo by the roadsides is being part of Incwala,” he said.
