Africa-Press – Eswatini. Thousands of Imbali yesterday delivered the reed at Mbangweni Royal Residence, Nhlangano.
This was during the second edition of this year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance commonly known as Shiselweni Umhlanga Reed Dance.
By 1:30pm, the maidens started entering the royal residence, carrying their reed, while singing and dancing.
The maidens jubilantly waited in song and dance until the reed was delivered by 3pm. The maidens were led by Lizinyane Princess Nkosiyenzile and acting indvuna Bongiwe Vivane Hlatjwako.
Many people who were present were impressed by the quality of the reed that was delivered by the maidens.
Some of them even took pictures of the maidens carrying the reed just before its delivery, to appreciate the beauty of the colourful event.
After delivering the reed, the regiment marched to the dancing arena that was prepared for them near the residence.
Allowed
Spectators were not allowed to use the main entrance to the arena, which was used by Imbali.
Upon entering the arena, Imbali waited for the arrival of Their Majesties.
Her Majesty the Indlovukazi was the first to arrive at around 4:15pm. The maidens greeted her with joy, showing how much they appreciated her arrival.
The arrival of His Majesty King Mswati III at around 4:30pm was met with jubilation from the maidens.
Imbali continued singing and dancing in front of Their Majesties.
Vendors barred from selling wares in arena
Vendors were barred from selling their wares within the dancing arena.
By 1pm, the vendors had set up their stalls just outside the Mbangweni Royal Residence, where they were already making money from the people who attended the Shiselweni reed dance. The vendors were selling food and fruits.
To many of the vendors, it was logical for them to proceed to sell their wares inside the arena.
The vendors’ decision to sell within the arena seemed to pay dividends, as scores of the maidens went to buy from them, just before the dancing.
However, this came with problems. Many of the maidens lost focus of what was happening in the area. Upon noticing that some of the maidens were no longer dancing, some of the overseers pleaded with the vendors not to sell within the arena.
They reasoned with the vendors, telling them that the maidens were no longer focusing on the dancing. The vendors complied and left the arena.
However, they went back to the arena to sell their wares as the dancing progressed. This time, they seemed less bothered by anyone. Even police officers were seen buying from the vendors. The vendors stated that events such as Umhlanga give them opportunities to make money.
They said they had made it their habit to make the most out of the opportunities that such an event presents.
Some of the vendors wished for the event to also take place in other regions of the country.
They said they had realised that any event, other than Umhlanga, had a potential of presenting money-making opportunities for them.
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