Maidens’ Unwavering Dedication Shines as heavens open up at 2025 Umhlanga Ceremony dancing arena

By Sebulelo Magagula

The main day of the 2025 Umhlanga ceremony was marked by a powerful display of cultural pride as thousands of maidens continued their traditional dance through a heavy downpour, demonstrating their unwavering loyalty to King Mswati III and the Eswatini culture.

Their spirited performance, as they sang the rallying song ‘asinandzaba tsine stofela eNkosini, served as a testament to their dedication, showing that neither circumstances nor weather could deter them from honouring their nation’s heritage.

The commitment of the maidens was echoed by the Royal family, as both a Princess and members of the Royal regiments remained present in the rain, highlighting the shared symbolic belief that culture is of paramount importance to Eswatini and its people.

The ceremony ultimately proceeded to a Ncangosini to conclude the main day’s events, but the earlier scenes of cultural defiance against the elements are what will be remembered by the entire nation.