Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has been impressed by the thousands of Emabutfo who completed weeding of Imfabantfu Royal Fields in record time.
In the past, the fields were weeded for four days at the least.
However, this year it took only two days.
On both days, thousands of Emabutfo and ingaja took about two hours in the fields and did a stellar job.
His Majesty King Mswati III ordered Emabutfo to begin weeding Imfabantfu Royal Fields on Friday, by yesterday it was complete.
Ingwenyama praised Emabutfo for the splendid job and honouring culture through actively participating in the weeding of royal fields which commenced after the main Incwala, which was held at Ludzidzini Royal Residence last Saturday.
“When taking into account the massive size of Imfabantfu Royal Fields, it is impressive that you have completed it so quickly,” said the King, whose message was relayed by Indvuna Yemajaha Finyeza at Ngabezweni Royal Residence yesterday shortly after weeding of Imfabantfu was completed.
Soon after , highly spirited regiments walked to Ngabezweni Royal Residence where they performed the traditional dance referred to as ‘kuhlehla’.
Warriors showed strong commitment earlier in the week as they also weeded Mazibeke Royal fields, estimated to be approximately five hectares, within an hour. The actual weeding started at around 0730 hours and was completed by 0820 hours by the warriors and members of the public showed vigour to continue executing the royal task.
The warriors started with weeding Majumba Royal Fields where they also expressed great excitement to serve the King and honour Eswatini culture which strongly advocated for respect especially towards the country’s authorities.
Indvuna Finyeza announced that tomorrow, regiments from Ngabezweni Royal Residence would be expected to weed royal fields at Nkambeni.
Warriors from Ludzidzini Royal Residence were ordered to weed other royal fields near the country’s ‘traditional hub’.
When Emabutfo had completed weeding the royal fields, the King normally dispersed warriors at Ngabezweni Royal Residence. This ceremony marked the end of the sacred Incwala ceremony.
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.
Thereafter, began the Little Incwala which lasted for about two weeks before the main day.
revered
During the course of the revered ceremony, the King moved with the Little Incwala to other royal residences which included Ngabezweni, Mbangweni, and Buhleni where he commissioned Tingaja to go to Ngabezweni Royal Residence to meet their peers before proceeding to cut the sacred Lusekwane shrubs at Nhlambeni.
Chairman of the King’s Advisory Body, Liqoqo, Paul Dlamini said he had been highly impressed by Emabutfo who turned out in numbers.
He said this was testament of the love that the people of Eswatini have for their King.
“The numbers show that Emaswati are keen for cultural preservation against all odds.
The short period of time that it takes to weed the fields shows that Emaswati continue to remain loyal,” said Dlamini.
Adhering to
culture an easy task – PM
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini says adhering to Eswatini culture and traditions is an easy task that can be executed by everyone with ease.
The PM, who joined thousands of Emabutfo in weeding the Imfabantfu Royal Fields yesterday, said weeding could seem like a difficult task from afar when in actual fact it was easy because regiments assist one another as they work together towards achieving a common goal.
“There is nothing difficult about honouring culture and weeding.
It may seem difficult when you are not involved, but after witnessing the cultural activity first- hand you get to understand that it is very easy. I encourage more Emaswati to honour culture because it defines who we are,” said Dlamini.
The PM said he had also been impressed by Emabutfo who attended the weeding of the royal fields.
He mentioned that what was encouraging was the fact that the maize would also assist Emaswati especially during cultural events.
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