By Phephile Motau
His Majesty King Mswati III has encouraged women to vote for each other during the upcoming elections.
His Majesty was speaking during the Buganu Festival at Hlane Royal Residence on Saturday night after watching the dancing skills displayed by thousands of lutsango from different areas in and from outside the country.
His Majesty said he had heard songs composed by women encouraging people to join the upcoming national elections. His Majesty said he was positive that women would vote for each other this year and no special cases will have to be made to ensure that there is enough women’s representation in Parliament.
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The King said he hoped that the women had used the ceremony to get to know each other and to state their cases on how they would help the country.
His Majesty King MswatiIII addressing lutsango and attendants of the ceremony pic.twitter.com/pwMVgl7jyT
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) March 11, 2023
The King also had a chance to thank special guests from other countries who took part in the ceremony. His Majesty made special mention of the former South African President, Jacob Zuma’s wife MaNgema who he said had been sent by Zuma to attend the ceremony.
His Majesty said there were also chiefs from SA who were leading lutsango from different areas. His Majesty said the women had also ensured that they took part in the festivities as they are also emaSwati and the culture is for everyone.
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The King also thanked lutsango for going out to find Emaganu which he said were now not only used for brewing Buganu but could be used to make jam and cosmetics, which shows that the fruit is important.
His Majesty said the ceremony had also boosted the tourism sector in the country and it brought development to the areas where it is held. The King said previously, the lutsango used to dance in an arena near the kraal, but due to the increase in the numbers, they decided that a new stadium for the lutsango had to be built.
Indvuna ye lutsango and other members of the regiment doing kutsamba in front of Their Majesties and their guests #buganuceremony2023 pic.twitter.com/YiHjGPj5St
— Phephile Motau (@PhephyMotau) March 11, 2023
His Majesty said although it was still not complete, it would be beautiful with time, and he further christened the new arena. The King said in the next few years, this place will be beautiful and lutsango would not be pricked by thorns.
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“This is development as these ceremonies bring growth to these areas,” the King said.
His Majesty said the festivals were also not about imbibing alcohol, but also allowed women to share ideas and to forget their troubles for a while.
His Majesty also preached respect among emaSwati and said lutsango was respectful, which should be taught to other people in the country, including future generations.
