BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– “Itsi Ingwenyama, Esihlabeni Kusasa majaha,”
The above was said by an appointed Indvuna on behalf of the His Majesty King Mswati III, meaning the King has ordered that warriors should start weeding Esihlabeni Royal Field today.
Over 70 000 regiments have gathered at the Mfabantfu Royal Field for the ongoing royal duties.
The large numbers of emabutfo honouring the Royal Command saw the weeding of Mfabantfu taking three days.
Esihlabeni is one of the royal fields situated between Ludzidzini Royal Residence and Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where warriors usually start weeding after the burning of the log. The first day of weeding is known as ‘kubungula’ meaning the beginning.
The warriors will proceed to the other royal fields which include Majumba, Mazibeke, Ngonini, and Nyangantathu.
Weeding of royal fields is the last phase of the annual Incwala Ceremony, which is followed by the dispersal of regiments.
The dispersal of regiments is significant to the lives of emaSwati as it determines the fetching of material such as lukhwane, inchoboza, and lutindzi.
Some people earn their living through selling products made out of these materials. The products include sleeping mats and baskets, among others. The materials are also used in the royal residences enclosures (emaguma).
Worth noting is that Incwala is the main ceremony in the Kingdom of Eswatini to celebrate the first harvest.
This is a national prayer event that takes place during the summer solstice. The main participant in incwala is the King of Eswatini.
This is one of Eswatini’s most important cultural events. A ceremony that has lasted for hundreds of years.
Long standing Ingatja ‘Shiyatidvwaba’ when sought for expert advice said although often translated as ‘first fruits festival’, the tasting of the first of the season’s bounty is only one part.
“Essentially this is about cleansing and renewal, and above all celebrating kingship. Although not a tourism event per se, visitors with an interest in Eswatini culture are always welcome,” he said.
