Africa-Press – Eswatini. Legislators have taken the lead in paying homage to Their Majesties by actively participating in the sacred Incwala ceremony with intent to ultimately encourage the youth, in particular Ingaja to continue honouring Eswatini’s revered cultural traditions.
Members of Parliament, cabinet ministers and senators who were interviewed during the weeding of Imfabantfu Royal Fields yesterday unanimously emphasised the importance of diligently serving His Majesty King Mswati III.
They took turns to applaud Emaswati for the impressive attendance which has seen thousands of people descending to the various royal fields to gather in song and dance to undertake the royal task which has lasted for a week now.
Thousands of high spirited regiments weeded Mananga, Mazibeke, Majumba and finally Imfabantfu Royal Fields. As per norm, the King dispersed warriors at Ngabezweni Royal Residence soon after weeding of Imfabantfu.
The enthusiasm showed by regiments while weeding became evident on Wednesday, when Mazibeke Royal maize fields estimated to be approximately five hectares, was weeded within an hour.
Showcases
Senate Deputy President Ndumiso Mdluli said Incwala ceremony was significant in that it showcases what Emaswati truly believe in. He said the attendance showed that the people of Eswatini would never neglect their culture despite any circumstances because it was what they stand for and fully respected.
“Culture unites Emaswati to learn about the norms and values of society,” said Mdluli.
The senator, in his capacity as a legislator, said it was important for leaders to lead by example in order to show the youth that it remained important to abide by the country’s cultural traditions as a way of showing ownership of what was theirs.
“Whether you are in parliament or not, it becomes important to respect culture as Liswati. This is where we meet to also pay homage to Their Majesties and also impart various skills among ourselves as means of empowering one another,” said Mdluli.
Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly, Madala Mhlanga, said he was born Liswati and would die one.
Therefore, he found it important to respect the traditions of his country of origin. He said attending Incwala was another way in which he showed his patriotism to Eswatini.
“My attendance and respect for Eswatini’s cultural traditions also helps in showing every citizen, especially the youth that everyone regardless of their position in society, should always respect and honour culture since it defines who we are as a country,” said Mhlanga.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo, said he was excited to weed the Imfabantfu Royal Fields because it showed his love for the kingdom. Khumalo said it would be folly of Emaswati not to love their rich culture which continued to be recognised in different parts of the world due to its uniqueness.
“As we continue to serve in government, we remain Emaswati who have a duty to respect culture as well.
Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to all cultural activities which include weeding of royal fields, attending Incwala and respecting His Majesty King Mswati III together with all other activities associated with culture. I also encourage all other Emaswati to partake in cultural activities and take pride in what Eswatini stands for,” said Khumalo.
Minister of Public Service, who is also Maphalaleni MP Mabulala Maseko, said as a constituency leader and minister of the crown, the constituents always look up to him and expect good deeds which makes it more important to show the people how important it is to respect culture.
Maseko said he personally encouraged the youth from his constituency to attend Incwala and all other cultural activities in order to learn more about who they were as Emaswati.
“It is important for leaders, in particular MPs, to take the lead in national activities especially Incwala as it helps inculcate a spirit of patriotism among Emaswati. We must not then neglect culture because we have been appointed into political positions,” Maseko emphasised.
ceremony
Mbabane East MP Welcome Dlamini said he was overjoyed to be part of the Incwala ceremony and pay homage to His Majesty King Mswati III. Dlamini said as a leader of a constituency located in an urban setting and locations, he also diligently attended cultural activities as a way to encourage the youth to also see the importance of respecting culture.
He said active participation in Incwala had inspired other members of the constituency to also attend. Dlamini confided that he had already helped a number of people in acquiring traditional attire and transport to Incwala.
“Incwala defines who we are as a country. I am glad to be part of history and honouring cultural traditions of Eswatini. I encourage more Emaswati to also participate in the fascinating sacred Incwala,” Dlamini enunciated.
Sigwe MP David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala said he was highly impressed with the attendance at Incwala and weeding of royal fields. He said the commitment and zeal shown by regiments inspired him to continue respecting and paying homage to His Majesty King Mswati III.
“It has been a very interesting Incwala which has made me appreciate the beauty of Eswatini culture,” said Ngcamphalala.
During the course of Incwala, which began on December 13, there has been a number of politicians who were spotted including Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane. Various MPs, captains of industry and former politicians also did not miss out.
Bulandzeni Inyatsi Regiment Indvuna Mbutf’uyavela has described the trumpet used in traditional circles to call on warriors to attend a royal call as a fragile baby that should be taken care of, at all times.
Kunene said the routine of keeping the trumpet fondly referred to as ‘licilingo’ among regiments, involved keeping it clean at all times by not being placed on dust, being in a safe place and using it only for its designated purposes. “This is not a music instrument that can be played anywhere. Since 1976 when I started using it after a thorough scrutiny by elders in the regiment, I have held it in high esteem,” said Kunene.
The senior warrior said he respected and valued the trumpet because of its highly respected role of informing warriors when they have a task at hand which should be executed as instructed by His Majesty King Mswati III. He said it was a pleasing experience to be entrusted with the responsibility of informing warriors when to start executing royal commands and when to stop.
Kunene recounted that his love for the trumpet began over three decades ago when working in the mines in South Africa.
He disclosed that he had always been blowing a pipe until he attended a ceremony where he got the chance to be allowed to blow the trumpet and from then, he has never looked back until to date.
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