BY DELISA THWALA
LUDZIDZINI– Their Majesties will later today join warriors in the burning of the log to signify the end of the Incwala sacred ceremony.
An insider and Indvuna stationed at the Incwala umbutfo ‘Shiyatidvwaba’ said they were currently in preparation for the afternoon where the King will join them in dance and the burning of the log.
“Today we will join His Majesty in burning the log, with all the sacred elements from sacred space, as this is our collective responsibility. As burning the log ends the third phase, marking the beginning of the fourth phase on indigenous governance ‘kuhlakula’,” he said.
When explaining the importance of the Day of the Log and what happens he said regiments march to a forest and return with firewood. The elders prepare a great fire in the center of the cattle byre.
“On it, certain objects are burnt, signifying the end of the old year, while the key players dance and sing inside the cattle byre. The king remains in seclusion until the next full moon when the ‘Lusekwane’ branches are removed and burnt,” he said.
The main Incwala was danced on Tuesday. The burning of the log means the end of the main Incwala ceremony and marks the beginning of weeding of the King’s fields. Tomorrow; warriors are anticipated to start weeding His Majesty’s fields.
