Africa-Press – Eswatini. Thousands of regiments continued to show a strong sense of commitment and devotion to culture as they weeded Enkembeni Royal Fields in Mbekelweni yesterday.
Emabutfo, who were fully clad in traditional regalia, were treated to breakfast which comprised of bread, fruits and hot sour porridge (incwancwa) after executing the royal task of weeding which lasted for about an hour.
The actual weeding started at around 7:40am and was completed around 8:30am by the warriors and members of the public showed vigour to continue working for the King.
The warriors have also successfully completed weeding of Majumba, Mazibeke and Imfabantfu Royal Fields where they also expressed great excitement to serve the King and honour Eswatini culture which strongly advocates for respect especially towards the country’s authorities.
Commencement of the Incwala was a culmination of the safe and successful journey of the water party (bemanti) that had been commissioned by the King as part of preparations for the national ceremony. Thereafter, began the Little Incwala which lasted for about two weeks before the main day.
During the course of the revered ceremony, the King moved with the Little Incwala to other royal residences which included Ngabezweni, Mbangweni, and Buhleni where he commissioned Ingaja to go to Ngabezweni Royal Residence to meet their peers before proceeding to cut the sacred Lusekwane shrubs at Nhlambeni.
Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said he had been highly impressed by Emabutfo who turned out in numbers. He said this was testament of the love that the people had for Eswatini and their culture.
“The numbers show that Emaswati are keen for cultural preservation against all odds. The short period of time that it takes to weed the fields shows that Emaswati continue to remain loyal,” said Dlamini.
Ingwenyama said he had been impressed by the thousands of Emabutfo who completed weeding of Imfabantfu Royal Fields in record time. In the past, Imfabantfu Royal Fields was weeded for four days at the least. However, this year it took only two days. On both days, thousands of Emabutfo and Ingaja took about two hours in the fields and did a stellar job.
Emabutfo also took turns to express their commitment to serve His Majesty King Mswati III and culture.
Ntfonjeni MP Raymond Dlamini said it was pleasing to note how much the people of Eswatini continue to honour culture. “I would like to encourage more Emaswati to also attend cultural activities since they define who we are,” said Dlamini.
Sibusiso Dlamini, from Malutha, who arrived at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence for the Incwala festivities on Christmas Day, said he was happy to be part of the weeding of royal fields as a sign of allegiance and respect for the King.
He mentioned that they were also motivated by the tokens of appreciation received from Their Majesties through assistance by strategic partners. “I love and respect the King,” he emphasised.
Apart from the food received by warriors courtesy of various sponsors from different sectors of the economy, Ingaja were also presented with sneakers before being commissioned to cut Lusekwane shrubs.
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