…As tens of thousands also attend in support.
BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE – Bantfu bebabulala inyoka.That Siswati saying literally describes the scene at the Umhlanga Reed Dance Main Day yesterday, where over 120,000 danced in celebration of womanhood at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
This was the main day of Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony, where the maidens delivered the reed to their Majesties, His Majesty King Mswati III and Her Majesty the Indlovukazi the Queen Mother.
Their Majesties were supported by other African leaders to witness the annual celebration honoring womanhood and traditional Eswatini values, including His Majesty King Letsie III.
Their Royal Highnesses, Princesses Buhlebetive, Makhosothando, and Sakhizwe among others, led by example in the beautiful dances and song. Among the songs performed were “Lelive Ngelakho Nkhosi”, “Mnikeni Lelihawu Lakhe”, and “Live Lekutjelwa Imbali” among the myriad of classic traditional songs and new compositions.
The maidens enjoyed different types of traditional dances, including ummiso, and kugiya, which started around 7:30 PM. Chief Maiden from Bhamsakhe Bongiwe Vivane Hlatshwako also shined in her showcase, where she led the maidens in dance with popular songs like “Sawubona Gogo”.
Maidens from the three security forces in the country also had an inspired display of song dance with their glowing outfits. Also witnessed in the arena by the enthusiastic crowd were maidens from outside of Eswatini, including the Zulu and Xhosa maidens.
Tens of thousands of Emaswati and tourists came out to support the Umhlanga Main Day, such that there was barely any space to move for the jubilations which lasted into the evening.
The next Umhlanga Reed Dance ceremony will happen at Shiselweni this year on a date to be announced.
