BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – There’s a first time for everything.
The newly crowned Mr. Eswatini Sive Aidan Mawelela for the first time in his life has been taking part in the on-going Incwala.
The main Incwala day is tomorrow, which has been declared a public holiday. Mawelela was crowned two weeks ago at the Happy Valley Hotel alongside first runner-up Msimisi Dlamini and second runner-up Gary Taruvingira.
Mawelela is from the Ngculwini area in the Manzini region under Prince Mgebiseni. He shared with this publication how the experience was. When reached for comment, he said, “It was the most beautiful and unique experience I have had all my life as a first-timer. The beauty and depth of our culture, the spirit of the Swati people, and the essence of the Eswatini kingdom. Yesterday (Wednesday) was my first time ever, and the most beautiful thing was taking part while carrying the crown that belongs to the youth.”
He went on to say, “As the reigning king, I am proud to have represented every boy child who is misinformed about our culture. Those who will never walk this journey may look at me and feel the pride from deep inside about being Swati and black.”
When asked about what culture means to him, he said, “Culture means a celebration of a rich heritage and authenticity. A sense of belonging and pride, our own place of deep connection with our heritage, a magical feeling and time where we get a chance to be fully ourselves without alterations or competition.” Mawelela said he has learned that respect and love have no age or social status. He got to mingle with men from all the corners of the kingdom to show our love and submission to our culture and heritage.
He further shared with this publication his plans for his reign. “I have many big plans for the new year. First, I want to start with the youth empowerment campaigns, which will involve different high schools that will be chosen.”
According to Mewelela, he is also planning on visiting different communities and organising youth Indaba for the unemployed young people. “The Indaba will basically try and educate these young people to say yes; we are facing a lot of challenges in terms of finding jobs. Let’s find solutions that will be able to sustain us. Let’s now focus on being self-employed; that’s where the youth in Indaba will mainly focus.
