National events attendance increases immensely
By Delisa Magagula
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reported a sharp increase in the number of people attending national events.
This was revealed by Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe in her second quarter performance report, tabled and debated in the House of Assembly.
According to the report, the Ministry’s mandate is to ensure that all national celebrations are coordinated efficiently and effectively, with activities designed to promote culture, national unity, and both domestic and international tourism.
The Ministry noted that most of these events take place on public holidays and weekends.
“During the reporting period, the Ministry successfully coordinated several major national events, including the Umhlanga Reed Dance and cultural activities in the Republic of South Africa,” reads the report in part.
The annual Umhlanga Ceremony was held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, attracting thousands of Imbali (young maidens) from across Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa.
The week-long event was characterised by vibrant displays of traditional regalia, singing, and dancing before Their Majesties and the nation at large.
The Ministry reported that 85 buses were deployed to ferry maidens to and from the event, including trips to reed-cutting sites at Bhamusakhe and Mpisi. Additionally, 84 government trucks were used to transport luggage and 37 water tankers supplied both drinking and bathing water.
A separate regional Umhlanga was held in Shiselweni, attended by maidens from the region and neighbouring South Africa.
The four-day event required 40 buses to transport participants between their camp sites, along with 68 government trucks for luggage and 22 water tankers to ensure access to clean water.
The Ministry also provided mobile showers for the maidens throughout the duration of the ceremony.
Officials, as well as bus and truck drivers supporting the event, were accommodated and provided with meals by the Ministry for the full period of the celebration.
The report also detailed the Ministry’s participation in Ummemo ceremonies hosted by South African chiefdoms.
Ummemo is a cultural exchange event where Eswatini is invited to join celebrations held in South Africa to promote traditional values and strengthen cultural ties.
The Ministry supports these engagements by providing transport for the Royal delegation, which includes Sagila Semnikati, Lutsango, Libutfo, Imbali, and government officials.
On average, the Ministry receives about 15 invitations per year from South African chiefdoms and has managed to honour all of them.
During the reporting period, Eswatini delegations attended Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal and several Ummemo ceremonies in Mpumalanga Province.
All delegations were commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III, as part of Eswatini’s ongoing participation in cross-border cultural cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Ministry highlighted transport and hospitality costs as the most pressing challenges resulting from the growing attendance at national events.
“Due to the increasing number of people attending national events, the Ministry is facing increased transport and hospitality costs,” the report stated.
It further cited a shortage of government transport, which has forced the department to hire private vehicles, leading to higher rental expenses.
The report added that staff overtime, meal provisions, and accommodation for drivers and officials continue to strain the Ministry’s limited budget allocation.
However, despite these challenges, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating and supporting all national and cultural celebrations, saying such events remain vital in strengthening Eswatini’s identity and promoting unity.
The Ministry emphasised that cultural activities such as Umhlanga and Ummemo continue to serve as key platforms for showcasing the nation’s heritage while also drawing regional and international attention to Eswatini’s traditions.
