Africa-Press – Eswatini. In an effort to ensure the safety of all attendees, the Government of Eswatini implemented tight security measures during the Incwala Main Day celebration.
Through the Ministry of Home Affairs, government appealed to members of the public to refrain from carrying certain gadgets into the cattle byre, where the Incwala dance took place. The Incwala ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.
The day was declared a national holiday by His Majesty King Mswati III, allowing the nation to gather at Ludzidzini to participate in and witness the sacred ceremony.
Notice to All Attendees
Ahead of the event, authorities issued a public notice outlining prohibited items within the event premises to maintain safety and respect for tradition. These included:
Cell phones
Jewellery (including watches, brooches, and necklaces)
Firearms
Spectacles with inbuilt cameras
Unauthorized cameras
Authorities thanked attendees for their cooperation in adhering to the security measures.
The Royal Residence was a hive of activity, with people arriving from all four regions of Eswatini, as well as from outside the country. Despite hot weather conditions, with temperatures reaching approximately 29°C, attendees remained enthusiastic. The absence of rain for most of the day allowed the ceremony to proceed without disruption.
By around 11am, large crowds had already filled the Ludzidzini Royal Residence, signaling the public’s eagerness to celebrate the Incwala Holiday with Their Majesties. Many attendees told Eswatini Positive News that they were pleased to be part of the ceremony, noting that Incwala promotes unity among Emaswati.
Small business owners also benefited from the event, selling food, clothing, and cultural items within the Royal Residence.
The ceremony attracted international interest as well. Visitors Mzimkhulu Dingwayo and Thusile Mjulelwa from South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province said they attended Incwala to learn from the tradition and use it as a way to foster unity among members of the Dlamini Kingdom in their communities.
At around 3pm, His Majesty King Mswati III inspected the Guard of Honour in front of the cattle byre. This was followed by the King entering the byre to dance with various regiments, marking a key highlight of the day.
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