ESWATINI: UMHLANGA (REED DANCE) 2018 UPDATES
His Majesty King Mswati III has declared September 3, 2018 as Umhlanga holiday. In turn, the Ingwenyama has summoned the Imbali regiment to converge at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence on August 28 to mark the commencement of the festivities of the cultural ceremony.
The King’s message was communicated to the nation by the Imbali leader, Nonduduzo Zubuko at a media briefing held at The Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Thursday, August 16. According to her, the maidens are expected to arrive at the royal residence on August 28 for registration, while Queen Mother, Indlovukazi and His Majesty will commission them the next day, August 29.
On August 30, the Imbali is expected to cut the reed at their respective cutting places which they would have been informed of at the commissioning by His Majesty. They are expected to march back with the reed which will be delivered before The King and the Queen Mother at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence on September 2, after a one-day rest.
On September 3, 2018 which is the main day of the ceremony, the Imbali will take to the arena where, Their Majesties, guests, tourists and the Eswatini nation would gather to watch them do what they do their dance.
Still speaking, the Imbali leader reminded chiefs around the country to commission emajaha to accompany the Imbali for the safety of the regiment. She noted that the males will have their own sleeping area, while the Imbali will be housed separately at their respective camps. “Chiefs are reminded not to commission young maidens as they usually do not cope with the long walk to and from the cutting areas, due to the scarcity of reed in nearby places.” She added that “Chiefs must also pass words of advice and caution to the regiment before commissioning.”
The Reed Dance is an important ceremony to the Kingdom of Eswatini because it encourages maidens to preserve and enjoy their gift of girlhood, and remain pure. The ceremony is open to local maidens, as well as Imbali from the neighbouring countries, such as the Emaswati maidens residing in Mpumalanga.
TIMELINE & ORDER OF EVENTS
- Tuesday, August 28: Arrival and Registration
- Wednesday, August 29: Commissioning
- Thursday, August 30: Cutting of Reed
- Friday, August 31: Marching back to respective camps
- Saturday, September 1: Rest Day
- Sunday, September 2: Delivery of Reed & Brief dancing
- Monday, September 3: Main Day (Public holiday)
Source: Swazi Observer
