Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III will disperse Libutfo on Saturday. This was confirmed by acting Ludzidzini Indvuna Themba Ginindza yesterday. He disclosed that the dispersing of Libutfo, which marks the end of the Incwala ceremony, had been confirmed by the king following the successful weeding of royal fields.
“It is true that Libutfo will be dispersed on Saturday. Currently, Libutfo is preparing traditional regalia in readiness for the big day,” said Ginindza.
Normally, Ingwenyama gives feedback and passes a New Year message to Libutfo during the dispersing ceremony convened at Ngabezweni Royal Residence.
During a visit at Ngabezweni Royal Residence yesterday, Libutfo was found preparing their attire at their different regimental houses. The royal residence was abuzz with activity as others were cleaning the residence while some of the regiment made sure the house was in order.
Over the past week, thousands of Libutfo weeded Majumba, Mazibeke and mfabantfu 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.
Indvuna Finyeza Mncina, who was interviewed at the Inyatsi byre at Ngabezweni, said they were proud to have successfully completed the weeding of royal fields and anxiously await the king’s address.
“We are still amazed at the impressive turnout both during Incwala and weeding of royal fields which has shown that Emaswati still have undying love for the king and Ingwenyama. Bayethe Wena Waphakathi,” said Mncina.
The king recently said he had been impressed by the thousands of Libutfo who completed weeding of Mfabantfu Royal Field in record time. In the past, Mfabantfu Royal Field was 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.
“When taking into account the massive size of Mfabantfu Royal Field, it is impressive that you have completed it very fast,” said the king, whose message was relayed by Indvuna Mncina at Ngabezweni Royal Residence last Saturday shortly after weeding of Mfabantfu was completed.
beginning
The arrival of Emabutfo at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence marked beginning of the Little Incwala on December 13, which lasted for about two weeks before the main Incwala. Libutfo joined the king and Ingwenyama, Queen Mother, and Sigodlo in the dancing of the Incwala.
As per norm in past years, His Majesty King Mswati III moved with the Little Incwala to other royal residences; Ngabezweni, Mbangweni, and Buhleni where the King commissioned ingaja to go 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 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 events that has lasted for hundreds of years. It was explained that the ceremony was about cleansing, renewal and above all it was centred on kingship.
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