Day 1: Registration at Ludzidzini Royal Residence
The annual Umhlanga Reed Dance kicked off on Tuesday (29 August 2023 ) with the arrival of Imbali at Ludzidzini Royal Residence for registration.Over 75000 maidens registered at Ludzidzini. Lindiwe Fakudze-Motsa, one the female elders in the ceremony, gave the maidens instructions upon their arrival. This marked the beginning of the highly anticipated event, which is deeply rooted in the Swazi culture.
Day 2: Journey to Ngabezweni Royal Residence
On the second day, the maidens made their way to Ngabezweni Royal Residence. Imbali, led by Princess Sakhizwe and Princess Vusiwe, was released by Indlovukazi to Ngabezweni, where they would be commissioned by the King. Upon arrival, the maidens were provided with sneakers, jackets, T-shirts, and food. Later on the Maidens were ferried to their different destinations, with the older Maidens to Mpisi Farm and the young Imbali to Ka Bhamsakhe.
Day 3: Reed Cutting at Mpisi Farm
The third day witnessed thousands of Imbali cutting reeds at Mpisi Farm and the young ones at Bhamsakhe. This task was assigned to them by Their Majesties the previous day, and the regiment led by Inkhosatana Sakhizwe came from various regions of the country to fulfill this responsibility. The maidens matched all the way to Mpisi Farm very jubilant and in high spirits singing and dancing. Inkhosatana Sakhizwe, opened the Reed cutting, as she was the first to proceed followed by Emazinyane at Mpisi Farm. Subsequently, the entire Imbali received the instruction to begin cutting. Despite the scorching sun, the maidens remained in high spirits throughout the day. Imbali overseer Sijabuliso Ndzinisa through an interview announced that the maidens were in good health, with no reported incidents of injuries or sickness.
The Umhlanga Reed Dance 2023 started off with Imbali’s registration at Ludzidzini Royal Residence. From there, the maidens embarked on their journey to Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where they were commissioned by the King. Finally, they gathered at Mpisi Farm to cut reeds, an important task assigned to them by Their Majesties. The maidens demonstrated their commitment and enthusiasm, surpassing the challenges of the scorching sun while maintaining high spirits.
Today, 1st of September the Imbali will match all the Way from Mpisi Farm to Mafutseni where they will commerce back to Engabezweni Royal Residence to report to King Mswati that they have arrived safe from the Reed cutting . After being addressed by the King, the maidens will head to Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
