By Nokunceda Magagula
HIS Majesty King Mswati III commissioned the throngs of maidens, Imbali, to go to Kabhamsakhe and Mpisi Farm to cut the reed. Through Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe Dlamini, His Majesty released Imbali to go to the different reed farms where they will cut reeds. The younger Imbali will go to Kabhamsakhe in Luyengo and the older Imbali will go to Mpisi farm near Luve. Umhlanga is one of the Kingdom’s largest cultural events which lasts for seven days. The event is created to bring young maidens together, and they are commissioned by His Majesty to go and cut reeds which are used for the annual repairs of the windbreaks of Indlovukazi’s Royal Residence.
As Wednesday was day two of the Umhlanga ceremony, Imbali maintained the high spirits they were in during the registration on Tuesday. On Wednesday, at about 9:30 am, Indlovukazi, through Princess Sakhizwe instructed Imbali to march to Ngabezweni where they would get further instructions from the King. The Indlovukazi emphasized that Imbali should walk in groups and no one should opt to walk alone.
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Following the command, Imbali left Ludzidzini Royal Residence led by Princess Sakhizwe and they walked the 10-kilometre journey to Ngabezweni, singing and dancing along the way. Upon arriving at Ngabezweni Royal Residence, His Majesty King Mswati III showered them with gifts which included food and clothing. The clothing included sneakers, T-shirts, and Jackets all branded with the Imbali Foundation logo.
After receiving their gifts, Imbali sat and waited for further instructions. At around 4pm, Imbali was called to come and gather in one place to wait for His Majesty the King. His Majesty King Mswati III and the Royal family joined the Imbali in song and dance at about 5 pm. The King later instructed Princess Sakhizwe to tell Imbali that His Majesty wished them a safe journey as they went to different places.
. . . Former Tindvuna recalled to lead
Former Tindvuna of Imbali was recalled to control and lead the maidens during the Umhlanga activities on Wednesday. Usually in the past years, Imbali would be led by a Princess and Indvuna. However, since the outgoing Indvuna, Nonduduzo Zibuko got engaged in early August, the post became vacant. When Imbali was singing and dancing as it awaited His Majesty, Indvuna Hlangabeza Mdluli announced that all retired tidvuna must come forward to control and lead the crowd.
The Tindvuna included outgoing indvuna Yembali Nonduduzo Zibuko, Dumsile Dvuba and Nothando Nhlengetfwa. They heeded the instruction and came forward to control and lead Imbali in dance and song. The event concluded with Imbali departing to their different places where they will cut reed. Tomorrow Imbali will go and cut reed which they will come back with at Ludzidzini Royal residence the following day.
