Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has formally commissioned large numbers of the Ingaja regiments to cut the sacred Lusekwane shrub at Sikhaleni Selusekwane, marking a key step in preparations for the Incwala ceremony.
The commissioning took place on Saturday at the Ngabezweni Royal Residence, where the King addressed the regiments through Indvuna Finyeza Mncina. Although no official figure was released, estimates suggest that as many as 50 000 Ingaja took part in the event, reflecting the scale and importance of the royal assignment.
Speaking on behalf of His Majesty, Indvuna Mncina commended the Ingaja for their visible enthusiasm and discipline during the commissioning. He conveyed the King’s instruction that the young men must demonstrate commitment and respect for tradition by returning with high-quality Lusekwane shrubs (babuye naloludliwa tindlovu) — a phrase underscoring the expectation of strength, freshness and excellence, coupled with the high quality of the Lusekwane.
The cutting of Lusekwane is one of the most sacred duties within the Incwala ritual calendar. The shrub symbolises renewal, unity and continuity of the Swazi nation, and its harvesting is carried out strictly under royal command. The Ingaja are expected to travel to Sikhaleni Selusekwane, observe all traditional protocols, and return the shrubs to the royal residences for ceremonial use.
The regiments are scheduled to deliver the Lusekwane to Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Sunday, where it will form part of the rituals leading up to Incwala Main Day. The announcement of the Main Day is traditionally made once the Lusekwane has been received and inspected, usually followed by a press briefing.
Earlier in the day, His Majesty presented thousands of Ingaja with “Nkwe Incwala 2025” branded items, including T-shirts, umbhenso, bags and food parcels. The distribution of the merchandise took place at Ngabezweni Royal Residence, hours before the formal commissioning, and was received with chants of praise and visible excitement from the young men.
The presentation of Nkwe Incwala regalia is regarded as both an honour and a morale booster for the Ingaja, reinforcing their role as active participants in one of the kingdom’s most significant cultural ceremonies. Many of the regiments expressed readiness and pride at being entrusted with the responsibility of cutting the sacred shrub.
Observers noted that the atmosphere at Ngabezweni was one of high spirits and order, with the Ingaja responding enthusiastically to royal instructions. Traditional leaders and elders present emphasised the importance of discipline, unity and adherence to custom throughout the mission.
As preparations for Incwala intensify, the successful harvesting and delivery of the Lusekwane will signal the next phase of the ceremony, reaffirming the central role of the monarchy and traditional institutions in preserving Swazi cultural heritage.
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