Africa-Press – Eswatini. Even when the body is tired, the spirit remains strong. Those words, spoken by Umbutfo Ndlondlasihonco of Inyatsini YaMswati, Mphumalanga, captured the resolve of throngs of Ingatja who completed a demanding day-and-night journey to cut and deliver the sacred Lusekwane shrub at Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
Speaking during an interview with this publication on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as Ingatja prepared to deliver the sacred shrub into the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre, Ndlondlasihonco described the journey as physically demanding but spiritually fulfilling.
“We travelled day and night with brief rest at Masundvwini, but the strength comes from knowing that we are serving His Majesty King Mswati III and the nation,” he said. “Even when the body is tired, the spirit remains strong.”
Born Boy Boy Dlamini, Ndlondlasihonco marked his 12th consecutive year participating in the sacred Lusekwane ceremony, having not missed a single year since he began taking part. He said each journey deepens his appreciation of discipline, unity and cultural duty.
His sentiments were echoed by Bandzile Mndzebele from Ngcoseni, who said the long march strengthened solidarity among the regiments. “The journey is difficult, but the songs give us energy and the brotherhood keeps us moving forward,” he said.
Umbutfo Sinkhwa from Inkanyeti, Ngabezweni, described the delivery of the sacred shrub at Ludzidzini as a moment of pride. “Standing before His Majesty after such a journey reminds us why sacrifice and obedience are central to Incwala,” he said.
The experiences of the regiments reflected the determination shown by throngs of Ingatja who successfully delivered the sacred Lusekwane on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following their commissioning by His Majesty King Mswati III on Saturday to cut the revered shrub at Nhlambeni and Esikhaleni Selusekwane.
After completing the sacred task, Ingatja travelled through the night, arriving at Ludzidzini in the early hours of Sunday. Upon arrival, the regiments briefly paused to regain strength with breakfast before regrouping for a crucial royal inspection.
His Majesty King Mswati III inspected the sacred Lusekwane at Ludzidzini Royal Residence in the morning, a key step that precedes its ceremonial delivery into the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre.
The delivery marked the culmination of events that began a day earlier, when thousands of Ingatja and Libutfo poured out in song and motion, marching kilometres to cut the sacred shrub. The march followed the official commissioning by His Majesty in accordance with Incwala custom and took place on Incwala Day 15, signalling that the ceremony had entered its final and most demanding stages.
In keeping with tradition, Ingwenyama and Libutfo first marched from Ngabezweni Royal Residence to Masundvwini, where they took a brief rest before proceeding to Esikhaleni Selusekwane to undertake the sacred task.
As the sacred Lusekwane was finally placed in the Ludzidzini Cattle Byre, the voices and lived experiences of Ingatja stood as a powerful testament to endurance, loyalty and the living strength of Eswatini’s royal traditions.
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