Africa-Press – Eswatini. Minister of Education and Training, Hon. Owen Nxumalo, has expressed delight at the strong and positive turnout of school-going Ingaja during the ongoing Incwala Ceremony, describing their participation as a clear sign of respect for culture, tradition and the Monarchy.
Nxumalo made the remarks on Saturday, January 3, 2026, shortly before His Majesty King Mswati III commissioned Ingaja to proceed with the cutting of the sacred Lusekwane shrubs. He commended the Ingaja for responding positively to his appeal for them to attend Incwala this year, despite academic commitments.
The Minister recalled that during recent press briefings on the release of Form 3 and Standard Five results, he had urged parents to allow their children to participate in the national ceremony. He expressed gratitude to parents for releasing their children to take part in Incwala, particularly in the physically demanding task of cutting Lusekwane.
Nxumalo said the parents’ cooperation demonstrated their respect for leadership, culture and the importance of Incwala as a unifying national institution. He added that the willingness of Ingaja to attend in large numbers showed discipline, patriotism and a deep understanding of Swazi values.
The Manzini South Member of Parliament emphasised that, above all, the turnout reflected respect for His Majesty the King. “By coming out in such numbers, both the parents and the Ingaja have shown respect for the King himself and the sacred traditions of the nation,” he said.
According to media reports, the Ministry of Home Affairs estimated that approximately 80,000 Ingaja participated in this year’s event, making it one of the largest turnouts in recent years. Ingaja were drawn from all four regions of the country, highlighting the national character of the ceremony.
The event also attracted Ingaja from the Republic of South Africa, further underscoring the cultural bonds that extend beyond Eswatini’s borders. Their participation added to the vibrant atmosphere and reinforced the unifying spirit of Incwala.
As the ceremony progresses towards its main day, the strong Ingaja turnout has been widely praised as a powerful demonstration of unity, cultural pride and unwavering loyalty to the Swazi nation and its traditions.
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