BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– A few lodges owners and sleeping chalets in Hlane and surrounding areas have been revealed to be fully booked.
This is ahead of the annual second phase of the Buganu festival set to take place this Friday.
One day Bread and Breakfast accommodations have been taken up by locals wishing to attend the festival for the whole weekend.
When sharing the numbers and bookings, Backpack Lodge owner Samantha Shearling said they were left with only conferencing spaces as people had already taken up all the rooms.
“What further impressed me with these bookings is that it was locals who booked this means we are doing well,” she said.
Her lodge is located on the outskirts of Hlane, a 15-minute drive from the Hlane arena where the festival is set to take place.
Bhekiwe Dlamini who has over 10 sleeping chalets said only three were left, as people, both local and tourists had taken interest in her chalets and booked them.
She mentioned that people did not want to worry about accommodation.
The annual Buganu Festival will be held from March 10 at Hlane Royal Residence. The announcement was made at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Lutsango is expected to present Buganu to Their Majesties next Friday. Festivities will take place on Saturday where Lutsango will showcase their dancing skills in front of Their Majesties and dignitaries.
On Sunday, Lutsango will be dispersed. The Minister said Lutsango should don their orange lihiya on Saturday and the red lihiya on Sunday. She encouraged lutsango to stick to the theme.
The Buganu ceremony is known among emaSwati as the celebration of the ‘first fruit’ which comes after the Incwala ceremony.
Essentially, this is about cleansing and renewal in a new year. It is also known to attract throngs of people and tourists to the country.
During the ceremony, women get to network and showcase the various products they produce within their communities. It has over the years evolved into a session where business ideas are shared and markets for products are available, not only within the premises but beyond the festival.
