Africa-Press – Eswatini. Ngabezweni Royal Residence – His Majesty King Mswati III has appointed Princess Sakhizwe as the new Imbali leader.
Inkhosatana Sakhizwe’s new position was announced by Imbali Indvuna Nondududo Zubuko prior to the commissioning of the regiment yesterday.
The King also appreciated the maidens for their continued practice of observing culture.
He urged them not to lose focus. Princess Sakhizwe takes over from Princess Temashayina.
The King commissioned the young maidens to Ka-Bhamsakhe at Luyengo and the older ones to Mpisi Farm, encouraging them to come with the best reed. Zubuko also appreciated His Majesty for the sneakers and T-shirts that the regiment received earlier on.
Ministry of Home Affairs Communications Officer Mlandvo Dlamini echoed Zubuko and thanked Their Majesties for the gifts.
Imbali Overseer Sijabuliso Ndzinisa added that the turnout was impressive, especially considering that this was the first reed dance after COVID-19. He noted that earlier in the day, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi commissioned Imbali from Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
“The King just commissioned the regiment from Ngabezweni Royal Residence, Bayethe! Wena waPhakathi!” he said. Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati stated that a number of tourists were already in the country.
He said they were expecting more as accommodation establishments around Manzini and Malkerns were fully booked. He said tourists currently in the country were from the ACCOSCA congress currently at Esibayeni Lodge. They are from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa and other countries.
“About 10 countries have already confirmed their participation.
We experience a peak in tourist arrivals during this time of the year, also in domestic tourism.
“This will boost the economy; we aim to bring two million people annually by the year 2025.
“Hloba Eswatini campaign is still ongoing to help keep the country clean,” said.
Deputy Prime Minister Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku has lambasted what he termed as fake news published in one of the local newspapers.
He said it was untrue that some maidens had their bags burnt or taken from them as reported. Masuku noted that the maidens came out in numbers despite the threats on social media.
He also stated that fake news or false information also brought fear. “We have no cases of missing bags here and I must say that everything is going according to plan. We are happy as a ministry responsible for children to have parents release them to attend such important national events that show our identity and heritage,” he said.
Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati said security was tight for the regiment from the first day they started registering. She said National Commissioner of Police William Tsitsibala Dlamini earlier in the week announced that all the security services would protect the maidens.
Vilakati said nothing had been reported burnt or missing.
“We also want to thank the public and motorists for cooperating when we requested them to give way to the maidens from Ludzidzini to Ngabezweni Royal Residence. We also know that they will continue doing so.
“We will continue protecting the maidens until the last day. If anyone suspects any danger, they must call 999 or 9999. Let us all ensure that we do not disturb the maidens,” she said. She also warned against misleading and intimidating information.
She said it was important to verify information before releasing it to the public, instead of being pressured into being the first to inform the public. “At times the information brings fear and intimidates the nation. Be relevant but not by releasing false information.”
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