Africa-Press – Eswatini. Thousands yesterday joined His Majesty King Mswati III in dancing on the Incwala Main Day at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The King, who has been receiving rave reviews from all corners of the globe, shone bright the spirit of harmony and tranquillity that exists in the Kingdom of Eswatini, courtesy of the culture during Incwala yesterday.
Thousands of Emaswati, sigodlo, Emakhosikati, diplomats and tourists from all over the globe transcended to the Ludzidzini Royal Residence to witness what has been christened Incwala for revival of Eswatini by the multitudes that crammed the cattle byre to witness the ceremony of Kingship.
Though it had been raining since the beginning of the little Incwala, yesterday’s weather was just right as there was not even a single drop of rain with temperatures clocking around 24 degrees Celsius.
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi was all smiles as she danced much to melodious chime from songs sung by the throngs of people who were littered across the entire royal residence, much to the amusement of Emaswati who were fully clad in traditional regalia after having patiently waited for the ‘big day.’
“This is indeed the big day that all Emaswati have been waiting for. We had a fantastic journey while walking in song and dance while travelling to Nhlambeni, walking and dancing in unison. Incwala has indeed proven to be a uniting factor,” said the premier Russell Mmiso Dlamini shortly before joining the King and Emaswati in dancing the Main Incwala among the jovial loyalists of the Tinkhundla System of Government.
The King danced the Main Incwala after the Little Incwala, which lasted for about two weeks.
As per norm in past years, His Majesty King Mswati III moved with the Little Incwala to other Royal residences namely; Ngabezweni, Mbangweni and Buhleni where the King commissioned ingaja to Ngabezweni Royal Residence to prepare for the cutting of the sacred Lusekwane shrubs.
When the King moved with the Little Incwala to other royal residences, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi (Queen Mother) remained and danced the little Incwala at Ludzidzini Royal Residence with other regiments, members of the Royal family and the public.
In the official government website, Incwala has been described as one of Emaswati’s important cultural event that has lasted for hundreds of years. It was explained that the ceremony was about cleansing, renewal and above all it was centred on the Kingship.
Tourists interested in Eswatini culture said they were always welcomed to dance the Incwala. However, they respected the notion that respect for privacy was required on different times.
The Ludzidzini Royal Residence exhibited a tourist destination, as it was bustling with activity, particularly as Emabutfo prepared their traditional regalia in preparation for the Main Incwala Day, which began in the afternoon after a well-orchestrated Guard of Honour that kept dignitaries and diplomats in awe.
One could easily be amazed that the entire globe had converged at Eswatini. Chief Mphatfwa was very grateful for Incwala since it started about 15 days ago, including the rains that continue to assist farmers which was called a moisturiser by the vigorant warriors.
When warriors return home, the Chief who also doubles as a senator said they were confident that Eswatini would record a bumper harvest.
Incwala is the biggest and important prayer for Emaswati that unites the nation with God.
“Culture is a very important unifier for each nation. We connect with each other through this tradition.
Here we have come to wish His Majesty well, and the country to continue working together in unity. Even those who have differing opinions should use dialogue to solve their issues amicably. By so doing, the country will prevent unnecessary strikes and chaos that takes the country backwards,” added Dlamini.
Prince Senzangakhona, who was initiated in the Inyatsi regiment where he was christened Mutsiwemakhosi, explained Incwala as more than a uniting factor for the people of Eswatini. He recalled that when the country gained independence, King Sobhuza II, when crafting the constitution included Incwala in reserved clauses due to its importance, especially to the people of Eswatini.
The prince, who also serves as Judge of the Supreme Court, explained that due to its revered status in the history of Eswatini, His Majesty King Mswati III also ensured that Incwala continued unabated when crafting the Constitution of 2005 because it remains highly-important.
The ceremony has always been about cleansing, renewal and celebrating Kingship. If the kingdom does not have a King, there would be no Incwala.
Incwala remains one of the most important cultural events.
It has lasted for hundreds of years, it is one of the last remaining examples of what was previously common practice in many African countries.
Take wise decisions in the New Year – Pastor Warren
Popular pastor Warren has words of advice for Emaswati as they prepare for the New Year 2024. The pastor urged Emaswati to take wise decisions that would improve the country’s economy.
He said spending the few hours leading to the New Year wisely and responsibly would be the best decision for everyone so that God can find them well-positioned for their blessings.
“It’s my prayer that all those with evil thoughts must turn away from such and surrender to God. If we all pull towards the right direction, the country shall prosper. We must be pure as we prepare to enter into the New Year. I also urge pastors to pray for those with bad thoughts to surrender,” he said.
He said it was also their responsibility as pastors to pray for God’s intervention to the catastrophes destroying structures, like the recent hailstorms. He said 2024 must be a year of blessings.
‘Ceremony reminds me of yesteryears’
Former Senate president Gelane Simelane says this year’s Incwala ceremony reminded her of yesteryear events.
The outspoken politician said in previous years, Incwala was well-attended by Emaswati, which was the case this year.
She appreciated the loyalty shown by Ingaja towards the local culture. She said she was positive that the country would be in good hands going forward because the youth was strongly rooted in its culture.
“The numbers are impressive as the youth showed how much they love their culture and Their Majesties. The rain could not demotivate the enthusiastic youth throughout the week.
In yesteryears, we experienced such rains during the Lusekwane leading to the main Incwala day, this is not new with us. In those days, only good swimmers managed to come back with the sacred shrubs to present them to the king as it would rain continuously,” she said with a smile.
She urged the youth to continue being willing to learn, especially from their mistakes and forge forward without looking back. She said as adults, they were willing to forget their mistakes and support them moving forward.
Red Cross attends to emabutfo’s sicknesses
Emabutfo yesterday continued being in high spirit during the ongoing incwala as they hardly complained of serious sicknesses to the medical personnel stationed at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The ministry of health and Red Cross personnel reported that they did not attend to serious ailments since the start of the Incwala ceremony, as Emabutfo only complained of minor ailments like flu.
Red Cross Communications Manager Nontobeko Mbuyane said they only gave out pain killers and also attended to quite a large number of those with stomach pains. She said they noted that a majority was also treated for flu as the rains poured throughout the week.
Sharing the same sentiments was a matron from the Hhohho region under the ministry of health. She said her team only attended to a few injuries, which were not serious apart from that it was also flu that recorded a big number.
Incwala unites Eswatini
Incwala remains the uniting factor of Eswatini.
Joining the eloquent warriors and nation during the dancing yesterday was Prince Sicalo, who also doubles as Principal secretary in the Ministry of Defence, who explained that Incwala was a uniting factor for Emaswati as the thread that knits the nation.
Former senator Moi Moi Masilela vowed that as members of the regiment, they would always attend Incwala without fail due to its harmonious and unifying factor.
“We will always pay allegiance to the King by attending Incwala without fail because it unites the people of Eswatini and celebrates who we are as a country,” Masilela emphasised. Commencement of the Incwala was a culmination of the safe and successful journey of the water party (bemanti) that had been commissioned by the King as part of preparations for the national ceremony.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela also described the national ceremony as a uniting factor for the people of Eswatini.
The prince said Incwala was significant in that it celebrated the presence of the King. He mentioned that if there was no King, there would be no Incwala.
Prince Lonkhokhela said Incwala was a classical opportunity for Emaswati to celebrate their rich culture, which had been in existence since time immemorial.
“Incwala should be respected against all odds. This is a place where we revive our patriotism and also pray for success of the kingdom,” the prince emphasised.
Former minister of tinkhundla administration and decelopment and current Sigwe Member of Parliament ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala said he was amazed after witnessing the blissful Incwala ceremony.
He said it was pleasing to note that thousands of Emaswati and tourists had attended Incwala in their numbers.
“The numbers show how much the people love the King and culture. I would like to encourage all fellow citizens to continue attending Incwala to witness the beauty of Eswatini’s culture first hand,” said Ngcamphalala.
Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko, whose portfolio mainly involved looking after the interests of civil servants, encouraged government employees to also partake in the sacred Incwala ceremony.
He said it was important for every citizen to make time to pay homage to Their Majesties and Eswatini culture.
“There is no excuse for not paying allegiance to the King and culture which serves as a uniting factor for the kingdom,” said Maseko.
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