Royal generosity marks grand Shiselweni Umhlanga

MBANGWENI – Indvuna Yembali Bongiwe Hlatjwako praised the massive turnout and discipline as thousands gathered at Mbangweni Royal Residence for the annual cultural showcase.

Hlatjwako expressed deep pride in the regiment’s conduct throughout the three-day ceremony. She noted that citizens witnessed maidens arriving in huge numbers on Friday, followed on Saturday by an exceptional reed delivery before the Monarchs.

On Sunday, she highlighted how the maidens danced with immense elegance before the sovereigns, performing new songs that celebrated the King’s reign over the Swati nation.

Hlatjwako expressed gratitude to the King for distributing royal gifts to the regiment yesterday, noting that after receiving these presents from the sovereign, the maidens would return home looking presentable and refreshed.

She offered high praise to the regiment for hosting a magnificent festival, wishing them safe travels as they returned to their respective chiefdoms.

Sneakers received by imbali yesterday a gift from His Majesty King Mswati 111.

She also urged the maidens upon their arrival home to focus intently on their education, emphasising that academic dedication remains the true path to personal success in life.

Young participants across the chiefdoms echoed these sentiments, expressing heartfelt gratitude to King Mswati III for the royal care and gifts provided during their stay.

11-year-old Kwandiswa Simelane from the Emvuleni Chiefdom in Jericho offered profound thanks to the King for providing gifts that included trainers, bread, food portions, soft drinks and biscuits. Attending the ceremony for her second time, Simelane noted that the maidens would return home looking immaculate, proving to their communities that they had been warmly received by their beloved sovereign. She added that her favourite aspect of the Reed Dance remains being united with friends to sing traditional melodies together. A14-year-old Siphephile Kunene from the Mbilaneni Chiefdom similarly thanked His Majesty for the gifts, highlighting the stylish new trainers that would leave the maidens looking smart and confirmed her commitment to return for the Mbangweni ceremony next year. Thandolwethu Hlatjwako (14) Imbali from Lushini praised both the Monarch’s gifts and the exceptional care provided to the maidens since their arrival on Friday.

(L-R) Thandolwethu Hlatjwako from Lushini Chiefdom, Nosipho Malaza from Lushini and Noma Malaza from Vusweni Chiefdom yesterday after receiving their gifts, sneakers, bread, meat and drinks from His Majesty King Mswati 111.

Nosipho Malaza (16) and Noma Malaza (18), both from Lushini and Vusweni, expressed similar appreciation, stating that the royal gifts directly encourage young women to continue attending the Reed Dance, preserve their purity and uphold Swati heritage.

The praises followed a remarkable weekend as the annual national ceremony, summoned by King Mswati III following its initial leg at Ludzidzini, brought together thousands of young women to celebrate chastity while promoting formal education, health awareness and the protection of girls against sexual exploitation.

The national gathering commenced on Friday afternoon as hundreds of maidens arrived in high spirits by bus. Registration was immediately conducted by the tindvuna and chiefdom princesses, logging regional turnout across fifteen constituency centres supported by a fleet of buses, trucks and water tankers coordinated by regional authorities.

Upon registration, strictly enforced traditional guidelines were delivered by maidens from the security forces, mandating that modern cosmetics, fashion accessories, hair braiding and trips to town were strictly prohibited.

Siphephile Kunene of Mbilaneni Chiefdom after receiving her gifts from His Majesty.

Participants adhered to 6am wake-up times and maintained total cleanliness across the royal grounds, while health organisations distributed sanitary packages and conducted life skills workshops. Visiting maidens from Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal commended the host nation’s hospitality and cross-border transport support, expressing deep admiration for the country’s enduring heritage. On Saturday afternoon, the regiment successfully delivered their cut reeds before Their Majesties and performed traditional tribute steps in the main arena.

Led by indvuna yembali and royal princesses, the maidens were joined by various security force regiments in a powerful showcase that highlighted national unity and called for an end to gender-based violence. King Mswati III personally entered the arena to interact directly with the celebrating maidens, bringing the Monarch closer to the youth.

Sunday marked the grand climax of the festival, with the royal arena filled with vibrant colour as thousands danced before Their Majesties, local leaders and visiting international dignitaries, including 32 foreign delegations and Southern African Development Community parliamentarians attending a regional conference. Traditional solo dance displays were performed by regional chiefs and royal princesses, bringing the main arena proceedings to a memorable close.

Clear, warm weather throughout the weekend provided ideal conditions, simply contrasting last year’s cold rain and spurring a massive commercial boom outside the residence grounds.

Local entrepreneurs and corporate vendors capitalised on the large crowds from Friday through Sunday, reporting high sales of fresh food, cold refreshments and traditional attire such as printed fabrics and handmade leather sandals.

Imbali from Mahlalini Chiefdom Ayanda Simelane (L) Lwazilwakhe Shamase (C) and Nokwethu Hlatjwako proudly displaying their sneakers yesterday. Imbali wearing sneakers yesterday a gift from His Majesty. Imbali ready to leave yesterday marking the end of Shiselweni Umhlanga.

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