By Delisa Thwala
His Majesty King Mswati III has commissioned young and older maidens to go to cut the reed at KaBhamsakhe and Mpisi Farm respectively.
KaBhamsakhe is in Luyengo and Mpisi Farm is in Mafutseni.
The King instructed maidens to cut beautiful, strong and the best reed that would help build strong structures and advised the regiment to be well behaved.
His Majesty issued the instruction to the excited maidens through Imbali leader, Princess Sakhizwe at Ngabezweni Royal Residence yesterday.
Notably, earlier in the day Her Majesty the Queen Mother Indlovukazi commissioned Imbali from Ludzidzini Royal Residence to Ngabezweni Toyal Residence.
The King also wished them a safe journey as they travel to their respective places to cut the reed.
Ministry of Home Affairs Communication Officer, Mlandvo Dlamini, appreciated Their Majesties for showering the Imbali regiment with gifts and the transport provided to ensure their safe arrival.
The maidens received special gifts in the form of food parcels and sneakers to make their march comfortable.
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He also praised the members of the regiment for behaving well thus far and appreciated parents for releasing their children.
Dlamini said the parents should rest assured that their children were safe and excited at being part of the national event that celebrates culture.
“You have seen for yourselves ingoma iyashisa, the maidens are jubilant and cheerful as they wait for Their Majesties,” he said.
He further encouraged the maidens to always show respect, saying it was what Emaswati were known for.
According to Dlamini, more tourists would visit the country if the nation and maidens continued to show respect as this went hand in hand with peace.
He noted that tourists love Eswatini culture and this was attested by their presence in big numbers, saying this as a result, contributes to the country’s economy.
Dlamini further urged maidens who have not attended the event to come through, saying they still had a chance to join the others.
Tourists who watched the maidens as they set off yesterday were from South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Britain and more.
Indvuna for Lunyati regiment, Ntombikayise Shabangu, the first official regiment after independence, shared similar sentiments.
Shabangu said she was happy to see the zeal that the maidens had as they danced and marched before His Majesty as they left the arena.
“We greatly appreciate the gifts by Their Majesties; Bayethe wena WaPhakathi. The turnout was impressive, especially considering that this is the third year after Covid-19. Okandaba has just commissioned the regiment from Ngabezweni Royal Residence,” she said.
The evidently in high spirits Imbali also expressed their appreciation and invited more maidens to attend next year so that they get to have full experience of the reed dance.
Nonhle Mamba from Lobamba Lomdzala said she would use the sneakers after the reed dance, adding that she also loved the free food.
Zandile Dlamini, who said it was her second year attending the reed dance, stated that she loved, enjoyed being part of the cultural event and added that she would probably be part of the event until she got married.
“Now we are all the same, even those who are from humble and improverished homes, we will be in uniform and be the same with those who can afford. Bayethe, Wena waPhakathi!,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent, Phindile Vilakati, said security was ensured for the regiment from the first day when they started registering for the Reed Dance.
She appreciated transport operators, the public road users as well for being patient as Imbali moved from one Royal Residence to the other.
She pleaded for more patience as the regiment would leave further after being commissioned by His Majesty the King to and from the places where they would cut the reed until they deliver it before Their Majesties.
Vilakati also noted that members of the service were strategically positioned across the country and people should not be afraid to report cases or seek assistance at any nearby police within vicinity.
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She added that the police service with His Majesty’s Correctional Services and Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force would ensure safety and security during the reed dance.
“We also want to thank the public and motorists for responding when we requested them to give way to the maidens from Ludzidzini to Ngabezweni Royal Residence.
We also know that they will continue doing so and plead for more patience as the regiment travel fulfilling their mandate,” said Vilakati.
She said they would continue protecting the maidens until the last day.
“If anyone suspects any danger, they must call 999 or 9999 and if they need any assistance they can contact any nearest police officer. Let us all ensure that we do not disturb the maidens. Nawe uliphoyisa,” she said.
Expected series of events
Today – Maidens cut the reed
Friday – Imbali returns
Saturday – Resting day
Sunday – Imbali delivers the reed before Their Majesties
Monday – Reed dance main day
Wednesday – Attend the 55/55 national double celebrations
The significance of this event was further emphasized by the poignant words echoed by Inkhosatana, Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe.
Attending The Reed Dance in Eswatini is a unique and exciting celebration of purity, unity, and cultural strength.
The annual event, occurring between late August and early September, centers on unmarried, childless girls cutting and presenting reeds.
The festival’s objectives include preserving chastity, providing tribute labor to the Queen Mother, and fostering solidarity.
Her Majesty imparted wisdom and guidance to the maidens, urging them to journey together in unity and solidarity.
She emphasized the importance of camaraderie and emphasized that the Imbali must uphold the traditions and instructions received from their respective Royal kraals.
“May the journey of the Imbali be filled with blessings and may they carry with them the wisdom and teachings imparted to them and further embark with respect on this significant chapter of their lives,” said Her Majesty.
Excitement filled the air as the Imbali regiment departed from Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
There was a colorful display of dance, creativity, and choreography as Imbali danced in readiness for dispersal by the Queen Mother at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Worth noting was that former South African President Jacob Zuma’s daughter was also in attendance and was captured dancing with their royal princesses.
After dispersal, Imbali then marched to Ngabezweni Royal Residence where they were commissioned to fetch the reed by His Majesty King Mswati III in the afternoon.
