Respect will lead us forward – New Imbali Indvuna
By Kwanele Dhladhla and Sebenele Ndlovu
A night of tradition, song, and splendour unfolded under the bright floodlights of Engabezweni Royal Residence as His Majesty King Mswati III commissioned the Imbali regiment to cut reed at Bhamsakhe and Mpisi Farm on Wednesday.
The atmosphere was already charged with cultural pride as libutfo returned from Butimba at Hlane. They marched with discipline and energy. Thousands of maidens greeted them in style, draped in colourful regalia, singing, dancing, and ululating.
The scene set the stage for one of the most memorable evenings of this year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance.
His Majesty presided over a historic moment, in front of Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thuli Dladla,
abinet Ministers Pholile Shakantu and Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, Senate President Lindiwe, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests. The long-awaited appointment of a new Indvuna YeMbali took place.
Bongiwe Hlatjwako, a vibrant young woman from Nkamanzi under Chief Gija in the Hhohho Region, was named the new leader of the maidens.
The position had remained vacant since August 2023, when the former Indvuna, Nonduduzo Zubuko, stepped down following her marriage.
Delivering the announcement on behalf of the King, Princess Sakhizwe underscored the importance of restoring leadership to the regiment.
“His Majesty the King is proud to bless Bongiwe Hlatjwako as the new Indvuna YeMbali after Imbali had gone for a long time without one,” she declared, her words sparking jubilation among the maidens.
Hlatjwako, who completed her Associate Degree in Public Relations at Limkokwing University in 2024 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, accepted the appointment with humility and determination.
“I will lead with respect, and I believe we will work together with Imbali to fulfil the desires of Their Majesties. I am deeply honored and humbled.
Thank you for believing in me and for seeing me as the rightful person for this role. Bayethe Wena Waphakathi!” she said, her voice brimming with emotion.
She stressed that respect would form the backbone of her leadership.
“I will always make sure that the work of the King is done perfectly as ordered, and I believe Imbali will also do their best to carry out the desires of Their Majesties. Respect is the key to a brighter future,” she added.
Former Indvuna YeMbali, Nothando Nhlengethwa, congratulated Hlatjwako while urging her to lead with dignity.
“It’s not just about you but about Imbali. You need to be representative and teach the youth about culture and, most importantly, respect,” she said.
The announcement was met with thunderous ululation, dancing, and celebratory chants from the maidens, who expressed their joy once again having a leader among their ranks.
Hlatjwako now joins a distinguished lineage of women who have served as Indvuna YeMbali, including Ntfombikayise Shabangu, Dumsile Gule, Lungile Ndlovu, Sindi Thwala, and others entrusted by Their Majesties to safeguard the dignity and purpose of the maidens.
As the floodlights illuminated Engabezweni, the cultural heartbeat of the nation was on full display, discipline, unity, and pride.
The appointment of Hlatjwako is seen as a continuation of the sacred values that the Umhlanga Reed Dance represents, ensuring that respect, tradition, and identity remain the guiding light for future generations of maidens.