King calls for Umhlanga to evolve into full cultural festival
By Kwanele Dhladhla
His Majesty King Mswati III has called upon government, businesses, and strategic stakeholders to take the world-renowned Umhlanga Reed Dance to even greater heights by transforming it into a full cultural festival.
The King emphasised that Umhlanga should not only showcase the dignity and tradition of Eswatini maidens but also serve as a grand platform for Eswatini’s cuisine, organic teas such as Timbita, and other cultural offerings that will enrich the experience of visiting tourists.
Speaking at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where he received gifts worth E18.9 million in support of the annual cultural ceremony, the King said the idea of displaying traditional dishes came to him during a visit abroad, where he witnessed the power of food exhibitions in promoting culture and heritage.
“Since Umhlanga has now become a global attraction, as witnessed by the thousands of tourists from Africa and beyond who attended this year’s successful ceremony, it provides us with a classical opportunity to display what Eswatini has to offer,” His Majesty said.
“This includes our unique nutritional delicacies, organic teas with massive health benefits, and other cultural experiences that make Eswatini a special destination.”
The King noted that transforming Umhlanga into a week-long cultural festival aligns perfectly with Eswatini’s broader vision of becoming a preferred tourist and investment destination.
“Making Umhlanga bigger and better will not only preserve tradition but also showcase the creativity and potential of our people,” he said.
His Majesty expressed his delight at the ever-increasing number of maidens (Imbali) who participate in the Reed Dance, describing their loyalty as a symbol of the nation’s pride and unity.
This year, Umhlanga also attracted former presidents, including Jacob Zuma of South Africa, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and throngs of tourists—demonstrating the event’s growing global stature.
The King further applauded the generosity of individuals, companies, and institutions that made significant contributions towards the success of the Reed Dance.
The gifts included groceries, toiletry packs, 40,000 backpacks and T-shirts for maidens, as well as cattle and other livestock, all valued at E18.9 million.
The King was also presented with a report on expenses, which were slightly above E19 million, including the buses that ferried Imbali from their homes and chiefdoms.
Among the corporate contributors were Inyatsi Group Holdings and its subsidiaries (Lidwala Insurance, Inyatsi Construction, Eswatini Mobile),
The Clinic Group, Maloma Colliery, and Construction Associates of who donated E150,000. Eswatini Meat Industries (EMI) contributed E100,000, bringing the combined total to E1 million.
Additional support came from Magomba Coal Mining, Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), Public Service Pension Fund, Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF), Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), Grindrod, Eswatini National Petroleum Council (ENPC), and Huawei, among others.
Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe praised the remarkable show of solidarity, noting that the support from businesses, Cabinet ministers, princes, and individuals underscores the deep respect held for His Majesty and for Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
“We will use these donations to ensure that the second leg of Umhlanga, convened at Mbangweni Royal Residence, also becomes a resounding success,” she assured.
The King’s call to expand Umhlanga into a vibrant cultural festival resonates strongly with Eswatini’s ambitions to diversify its economy through tourism and investment.
By incorporating exhibitions of traditional cuisine, organic teas, and other cultural treasures, Umhlanga has the potential to cement itself as one of Africa’s foremost cultural festivals, attracting even larger audiences from across the globe.