By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Government of Eswatini has strongly refuted negative narratives and misinformation surrounding the Buganu ceremony, emphasizing its significance as a cultural and economic driver.
Government Spokesperson Alpheous Nxumalo stated that despite ongoing attempts to question the purpose, legitimacy, and intentions of the event, the Buganu ceremony has already been embraced by the people of Eswatini and visitors alike.
Any falsehoods being spread, he asserted, are destined to fail as the festival continues to grow in prominence both locally and internationally.
Nxumalo highlighted that the Buganu ceremony plays a crucial role in the country’s economy, particularly for rural women who benefit from the sale of Maganu, the marula brew.
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Many corporate entities and government departments actively support them by purchasing the product, providing them with a sustainable source of income.
The retailing of traditional regalia, especially Lihiya, has expanded significantly, with vendors seeing increased business.
The atmosphere around the venue is always vibrant, with braai stands bustling with activity, and small-scale traders seizing opportunities through the branding of Buganu containers.
This year’s edition of the ceremony marked another milestone, with a notable influx of foreign visitors, including South African National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and former Speaker Baleka Mbete. Prince Sicelo, as has become customary,

led a significant delegation of Chiefs and BantfwabeNkhosi from across the border, reinforcing the event’s cultural importance beyond Eswatini’s borders.
The Buganu ceremony, according to Nxumalo, is on a trajectory to become one of the largest cultural events in the world.
It is one of the few occasions where the Queen Mother and His Majesty the King share a platform with the people, which strengthens direct engagement between the monarchy and citizens.
The interactions extend beyond the event itself, with the King using the occasion to tour different regions, inspecting and initiating development projects aimed at uplifting communities.
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Addressing criticism and attempts to discredit the ceremony, Nxumalo dismissed claims linking the event to inappropriate behavior, stating that misconduct is a universal human tendency that occurs in various social settings, including school trips, music and dance events, and sporting matches.
He emphasized that no event is exempt from human imperfection and that society continuously works to refine behavior without expecting absolute flawlessness.
The Government of Eswatini expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty the King and to Indlovukazi for their visionary decision to grant Lutsango lwakaNgwane a public holiday in recognition of their cultural and economic contributions.
Nxumalo emphasized that no amount of misinformation or conspiracy theories will diminish the enthusiasm of the Eswatini people for the Buganu ceremony, which remains a defining feature of the nation’s identity and heritage.