Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, led the annual Butimba ceremony on a challenging 13-kilometre march from Hlane Royal Residence to Ngweni, where the regiments (Libutfo) engaged in hunting.
The march took place under searing temperatures of 38°C to 40°C, with the King and his regiments showing remarkable stamina and commitment to cultural heritage. Before setting out, Libutfo performed traditional songs and dances, including Kuhlehla and Umgubho, joined by Emakhosikati to His Majesty in a vibrant display of unity and tradition.
March to Ngweni
Through Indvuna Qomentanyeni Magagula, the King directed that the day’s hunting would take place at Ngweni, 13 kilometres away. Libutfo were instructed to march to the site and return to Hlane the same day — a feat intended not only for the hunt but also to build fitness and endurance among the regiments.
Upon arrival, His Majesty distributed water to the regiments to prevent dehydration after the exhausting trek. Libutfo responded with song and dance, keeping spirits high as they prepared for the hunt.
Hunting Rules and Royal Guidance
Umbutfo Defence Force (UEDF) Commander Lieutenant General Mashikilisane Hulumende Fakudze, under orders from the King, then gave the regiments clearance to begin hunting. He reminded them of the King’s strict rules for the exercise:
No hunting of the Big Five.
No targeting of young or immature animals.
No careless or indiscriminate shooting, to safeguard both wildlife and regiments.
Fakudze further emphasised the King’s directive that the hunt should also serve the maidens (Imbali) who had been dispatched from their chiefdoms to attend the Umhlanga Reed Dance. The game harvested would contribute to the traditional feasts enjoyed during the ceremony.
Series of Marches Across Eswatini
This march followed a series of Butimba expeditions that began on Tuesday, 26 August 2025. On that day, Libutfo marched nine kilometres to Emdolofiyeni in Hlane Royal National Park. The following day, they covered four kilometres to Ngonini, before moving eight kilometres to Emalahleni on 28 August.
On Friday, 29 August, regiments pushed on to Mlawula Game Reserve, then advanced to Mbuluzi and Mlawula again on Saturday, 30 August. Each leg tested their endurance under the characteristically hot and dry Butimba conditions, but the regiments pressed forward with determination.
Living Tradition with Modern Relevance
The commissioning of Butimba to Ngweni highlights not only the cultural vitality of the ceremony but also its role in environmental renewal and wildlife management. Burning dry vegetation to stimulate fresh growth and hunting selectively ensures a balance between tradition, conservation, and food security for the nation’s major cultural events.
For the King, leading the regiments on foot is both symbolic and practical — a demonstration of leadership, unity, and resilience in the face of physical challenges.
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