BY FIONA MOTSA
Thousands of Imbali from all corners of the Eswatini Kingdom have come out in numbers to attend this years’ Umhlanga Reed Dance Ceremony.
This has however left those who were calling for its boycott with an egg in the face as the event started in high spirit.
Day 1 –
Throngs of young maidens, natural and in their full respective traditional regalia filled the Ludzidzini Royal Residence in high spirits and in song. It is astonishing to behold the glorious spectacle of these young women in their numbers amid all threats and backlash, for them to show up confirms and reaffirms the belief in their culture, uniqueness and in their king. The king has ensured the safety for maidens as he bumped up their security for each constituency.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother has commissioned Imbali to go cut Umhlanga. The commissioning took place at Ludzidzini Royal Residence this morning at 0930hrs. Her Majesty speaking through Indvuna yeMbali Nonduduzo Zubuko emphasized on the importance of unity as they march to gather the reed in different places. Bayethe!
