Africa-Press – Eswatini. The huge turnout during the regional Umhlanga ceremony at Mbangweni Royal Residence is sending a clear message to everyone that Emaswati love Their Majesties and also their culture.
Imbali Indvuna Nonduduzo Zubuko said what was witnessed during the ceremony should be a clear message to everyone that no one can separate Emaswati from Their Majesties.
She said she was more than impressed with this year’s ceremony from the first day up to the end. Speaking after the thousands of maidens had received their gifts from the King, Zubuko said this made it clear that this culture meant a lot to Emaswati. She said apart from the thousands of maidens, the throngs of Emaswati who were part of the spectatorship was amazing.
“There is no way you can separate Emaswati from what is in their veins. We are thankful to Their Majesties for knowing what is best for Emaswati and Emaswati have shown their respect and love by heeding to the call as seen during this year’s ceremony,” she said.
She then advised Emaswati not to be misled, calling on the nation to remain united.
“We should continue loving and respecting Their Majesties just like we have been doing all this time. We are a chosen nation and Their Majesties are anointed by the Almighty, hence we should continue respecting and loving them,” said Zubuko.
Zubuko also praised community leaders for being well organised during both events. She said the arrangement at chiefdom level clearly showed that chiefs and their inner councils were aware of the expectations when preparing for the Umhlanga ceremony. She said there was no problem when the maidens had to be picked from their areas as they were found ready. She said parents also deserved to be praised for cooperating with the community leaders.
Expectations
“What we witnessed in the arrangement at chiefdom level made us realise that chiefs know exactly what the expectations were. Everything was in order when Imbali had to be picked up and we applaud the good work chiefs have done May they continue doing this even in future events of this nature,” said Zubuko.
Zubuko also applauded Imbali for the good behaviour throughout. She said even when the maidens were taking into the arena, they were energetic and that showed how much love they have for this important culture.
Indvuna shouts ‘Bayethe’ for the gifts
IMBALI leader Nonduduzo Zubuko has said His Majesty King Mswati III showed fatherly love to the Imbali by presenting them with gifts.
Zubuko said apart from the gifts, the maidens were well fed and well taken care of throughout the ceremony. She said maidens from the Shiselweni region were also presented with indlamu which was an indication that Their Majesties have so much love for them.
“Imbali received indlamu and they were looking the part when they were in the arena. They were also presented with sneakers as well as T-shirts,” said Zubuko.
Zubuko said Imbali was also spoiled to delicious meals throughout and mentioned that it was always a the norm that no one starves when they were with the King.
“You don’t starve when you are with your King. He provides just like a loving parent is expected to do,” said Zubuko.
Zubuko advised the Imbali to behave themselves on their way to their respective homes. She called on all maidens to make everyone at home to realise that they were from the King and should make their families happy by sharing what they also learned during the ceremony.
“My advice to the maidens is that they should make a difference and also show those at home that being part of such an important culture is part of nation building.
Imbali should show the fruits of this ceremony.
Let those who were unable to be part of this ceremony this year make sure they do next year. Their Majesties are happy with the way the ceremony progressed.
We shout ‘Bayethe Wena Waphakatihi!’” said Zubuko.
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