Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has ordered Emabutfo to begin the weeding of Imfabantfu Royal Fields starting from this morning.
This is one of the largest royal fields which is usually the last to be attended to.
This was announced by Indvuna Yemajaha Mangone Bahlole Ndzimandze.
As per norm, the King disperses warriors at Ngabezweni Royal Residence soon after weeding of Imfabantfu.
During the dispersing, the King issues orders to Emabutfo and also provides feedback as to how the Incwala ceremony proceeded. The King has in the past presented the regiments with gifts soon after being dispersed.
The revered national ceremony, which has lasted for almost a month, began in December 13, with the Little Incwala which lasted for about two weeks.
The Little Incwala was danced in the presence of Ingwenyama, Indlovukazi, Emakhosikati, Sigodlo and emabutfo together with members of the royal family at Ludzidzini Royal Residence before proceeding to Ngabezweni, Mbangweni and eventually Buhleni where the King commissioned
Ingaja to join their peers to cut Lusekwane shrubs at Nhlambeni.
The Ingaja from the northern Hhohho region joined their age mates at Ngabezweni Royal Residence before proceeding with the 14-kilometre journey on foot in the presence of the King and senior warriors who accompanied them.
As the King moved with the Little Incwala to other royal residences, Indlovukazi continued to dance the Little Incwala at Ludzidzini Royal Residence joined by regiments, members of the royal family and the public. Commencement of the Little Incwala was a culmination of the safe and successful journey of the water party (bemanti) that had been sanctioned by the King as part of preparations for the national ceremony.
Thousands of high spirited regiments yesterday weeded Mananga Royal Fields. The weeding was punctuated by song and dance.
Senior warriors expressed amusement at the massive attendance which was described as a sign that Emaswati love their King, who continues to be a custodian of the kingdom’s culture and tradition.
“I am amazed by the attendance and spirit to execute the royal assignment. This is a true sign of how much the people love the King and their culture,” said Elias Masilela from Shewula.
Soon after completion of the weeding which lasted for about an hour-and-a-half, the warriors marched to the field located a stone’s throw away from the Mahlanya main market to Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where they were joined by His Majesty King Mswati III in doing kuhlehla.
The regiments also showed commitment as they weeded Mazibeke Royal field estimated to be approximately five hectares, within an hour on Wednesday.
The warriors also successfully completed weeding of Majumba Royal fields where they also expressed great excitement to serve the King and honour Eswatini culture which strongly advocates for respect especially towards the country’s authorities.
Emabutfo, who were fully clad in traditional regalia, were treated to breakfast which comprised of bread and steamy sour porridge (incwancwa) before proceeding to execute the royal task of weeding.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela also recently described the Incwala, whose main day was held on Saturday, 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.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
