By Bahle Gama
The vibrant and colourful Buganu Ceremony recently took center stage at the Buhleni Royal Residence, drawing thousands of women from across Eswatini to partake in the revered annual tradition.
The event, held under the patronage of Her Majesty Indlovukazi, is a significant cultural gathering where the Lutsango regiment and women from different parts of the country come together to celebrate the marula fruit harvest, showcase their unity, and honour their cultural heritage.
The festival, which celebrates the marula fruit (locally known as buganu), is more than just a gathering; it is a significant cultural event that highlights Eswatini’s rich heritage, the role of women in society, and the deep connection between the monarchy and its people.
The two-day festival, graced by King Mswati III and members of the royal family, saw women clad in traditional regalia, singing and dancing in unison as they presented marula beer to the King.
This time-honoured ritual is symbolic of unity, gratitude, and the strength of Eswatini’s women, who play a pivotal role in preserving the country’s customs.
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Addressing the enthusiastic gathering on the second day of the festivities, Her Majesty Indlovukazi extolled the virtues of the Lutsango regiment, emphasizing their role as pillars of their households and communities.
She described them as honourable women who uphold respect and adhere to the principles of their matrimonial homes, ensuring stability and order within their families.
“Homes without a woman or mother figures have no guidance or order; it becomes visible,” Her Majesty remarked, underscoring the invaluable contributions of women in maintaining strong and functional households.
The Buganu Ceremony is an occasion deeply rooted in Swati tradition, celebrating not only the marula fruit but also the resilience and industriousness of Swati women.
The women who attend the ceremony bring offerings of buganu (marula brew) and other gifts as a gesture of respect and devotion to the monarchy.
Their enthusiastic participation was acknowledged and commended by Her Majesty.
“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Lutsango regiment. Sidvumisa umsebenti bophezukomkhono baphume ngetinkhani.
Siyababona lapha emaviyo nemaviyo, bonkhe baphume ngetinkhani. (We recognise the effort of these hardworking women; they have come out in numbers and with great enthusiasm),” Her Majesty said.
Beyond the cultural aspect, the ceremony also highlighted the economic resilience of Swati women, which according to Her Majesty, despite unpredictable weather patterns affecting the marula fruit yield, women across the country continued to engage in agriculture and small businesses, striving to provide for their families.
Her Majesty encouraged them to persist in their endeavors and embrace self-sustainability, even in the face of challenges.
Buganu Ceremony at Buhleni Royal Residence. (Pics: Tribe Studios)
“In several areas of the country, the rains fell, we planted, but nothing has sprouted. However, this does not mean we should give up.
We must stand up, work, and thrive for ourselves as women and as a country. Singeke sitsi wu, safa yindlala. Asisukume, asitisebentele tsine, sitimele tsine.
(We cannot resign ourselves to hunger; let us rise, work, and sustain ourselves.),” she urged.
Her Majesty also called on women to heed His Majesty’s call for national economic empowerment through the ‘Nkwe’ initiative, which encourages innovation and diversification in economic activities.
She urged women not to shy away from exploring new farming methods and business strategies to ensure both family and national economic sustainability.
Furthermore, Her Majesty expressed her gratitude to the husbands and chiefs who had permitted and supported the Lutsango regiment in attending the ceremony, recognizing their role in strengthening the cultural and economic fabric of the nation.
The Buganu Ceremony remains one of Eswatini’s most treasured traditions, serving as a platform for women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic resilience.
With Her Majesty’s words of encouragement, the Lutsango regiment is inspired to continue their hard work, ensuring that both their families and the nation continue to thrive.
It traces its origins to ancient Swati customs, where the marula fruit was not only consumed for its nutritional value but also brewed into a rich, intoxicating beverage.
Over the years, the fruit took on a deeper cultural significance, leading to the establishment of a festival that brings women together in celebration.
Nowadays, it serves as a platform for empowerment, fostering sisterhood among Swati women while reinforcing their cultural identity.
Beyond the festive atmosphere, the ceremony serves as an opportunity for women to engage in discussions on important socio-economic issues.
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The event also aligns with the King’s efforts to promote unity and development among women, encouraging their active participation in national progress.
Government officials and organisations take part in the ceremony to raise awareness about women’s health, entrepreneurship, and various community programs.
This year’s event was no exception, as women from different backgrounds gathered to embrace tradition and reaffirm their bond with the monarchy.
With an air of excitement and pride, they presented their carefully prepared marula brew, singing praises for Their Majesties and celebrating their heritage with unmatched enthusiasm.
The Buganu Ceremony remains one of Eswatini’s most anticipated cultural festivals, attracting both locals and visitors eager to witness its grandeur.
The Buhleni edition marks the first of two celebrations, with another set to take place at the Hlane Royal Residence later in the season.
For emaSwati, the ceremony is a testament to the enduring power of tradition in a rapidly modernising world.
As voices harmonized in song across Buhleni, it became clear that the Buganu Ceremony is more than just an annual event, it is a powerful expression of identity, heritage, and national pride.
