Zulu, Swati traditions unite in grand Umembeso

By Delisa Magagula

Culture, colour and kinship have defined the union of two royal households.

This happened as His Royal Highness Prince Bambindlovu kaZwelithini of the Zulu Royal Family and Precious Vilakati of Zombodze officially celebrated their Umembeso and Lobola ceremony at KaZombodze, Egocweni.

The day began under clear skies, with the sounds of traditional drums echoing across the homestead as guests arrived for the event scheduled to begin at 09:30 a.m.

The atmosphere was charged with pride as both the Zulu and Swati sides came adorned in full cultural regalia beadwork glinting in the sun, animal hides draped over shoulders, and the rhythmic chants of maidens filling the morning air.

Proceedings opened with a prayer, invoking blessings over the day’s programme. Moments later, the emabutho, the Zulu warriors, made their entrance in full formation, spears upright, shields gleaming, their steps measured and powerful.

Their arrival was met with ululation from the crowd, setting a regal tone for the day. Trailing them were the intombi, the Zulu maidens, carrying gifts and chanting traditional Zulu songs.

As they laid the gifts before the Vilakati family, their voices rose in harmony, creating a rich tapestry of sound that seemed to weave together both the solemnity and the joy of the moment.

The first round of gidza, the traditional Zulu dance performed by maidens, brought life to the forecourt. Bare feet stomped in unison, beads rattled in rhythm, and the air pulsed with song. Each movement told a story of honour, love and respect offered to the bride’s family as part of the cultural exchange.

At 10:00 a.m., the programme officially shifted hands. A representative of the Vilakati family offered words of welcome, thanking the KwaZulu delegation for honouring the customs of Eswatini and choosing to hold the event at Egocweni.

The programme was then formally handed back to the Zulu family, signalling the start of the Ukwembesa ceremony.

Here, the KwaZulu family presented their gifts to the Vilakati family blankets, fabric, cattle, goats and symbolic offerings representing appreciation and unity between the families.

Every gift carried meaning, warmth, prosperity, and the foundation of a shared future.

As the day went by, the Zulu side continued with kugidza, their dance and song reinforcing the cultural exchange that lay at the heart of the day.

The ululations, drums and praise poetry that followed filled the homestead, creating an atmosphere that felt both royal and deeply rooted in African identity.

By midday, it was the Vilakati family’s turn to reciprocate. Gifts were presented to the abakhongi (the Zulu delegates), a gesture of gratitude and acknowledgement of the day’s success.

The bride, Precious Vilakati now referred to as uNdlunkulu, the royal bride was then taken to change into her first outfit.

Moments later, she returned dressed in full Zulu regalia, her attire symbolising her embrace of her husband’s culture. The crowd cheered as she stepped forward beads cascading down her shoulders, her head adorned with the traditional Zulu isicholo (married woman’s hat).

Shortly after noon, the Vilakati family performed the simbimbi, a Swati traditional dance reserved for significant occasions. Their rhythmic movements and graceful footwork drew admiration from both families.

The Zulu delegation watched respectfully as the hosts showcased their heritage. U Ndlunkulu was then escorted again to prepare for her second outfit change this time blending both Swati and Zulu elements in her attire.

The symbolism was unmistakable: the coming together of two nations, two traditions, two homes. At 1:00 p.m., the bride returned to the main arena wearing her second outfit, marking the start of the lunch session. Guests were served traditional Swati and Zulu dishes from roasted meat and sishwala to spicy chakalaka and fresh salads.

Following the meal came the prayer session. Two gospel songs lifted the spirits of the gathering, followed by a brief sermon by Make Msibi, who shared a message about love, unity, and the sanctity of marriage. The couple received a formal blessing as family members gathered around them in prayer.

Speeches followed shortly after. A representative from the KwaZulu Royal Family expressed gratitude to the Vilakati family for their warm hospitality and adherence to cultural protocol.

The Vilakati family spokesperson responded in kind, noting that the event marked not only the union of two individuals but also the strengthening of relations between Swati and Zulu traditions.

In a gesture of appreciation, the Zulu Royal Family presented gifts to the drivers and support teams, acknowledging the logistical efforts that made the day a success.

As the sun dipped behind the Zombodze hills, the mood transitioned from ceremony to celebration. By 8:00 p.m., the atmosphere at Egocweni had shifted to a relaxed braai night. Smoke from sizzling meat filled the evening air as music and laughter replaced the formal rhythms of the morning.

Guests mingled freely Swati and Zulu songs alternating from the speakers while elders shared stories around the fire. The dance floor remained full well into the night, a vibrant mix of traditional and modern sounds blending generations.

Worth noting Prince Bambindlovu first captured public attention in 2022 when he declared his love for Precious Vilakati during the annual Reed Dance ceremony at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

His open admiration for her became one of the most memorable moments of that year’s event, symbolising a modern yet deeply respectful royal courtship.

Their Umembeso and Lobola celebration at Zombodze now stands as a full circle of that journey an affirmation of tradition in a time where many customs face the threat of erosion.

The day concluded just after midnight, with final prayers and farewells exchanged. The homestead of KaZombodze fell quiet once again but for those who attended, the echoes of drumbeats, song and laughter lingered long after.

The Umembeso and Lobola celebration of Prince Bambindlovu kaZwelithini and Precious Vilakati will be remembered not only for its grandeur but for the way it brought two royal households and two proud cultures together in a single moment of joy, reverence, and love.