Mbabane: His Majesty King Mswati III on Wednesday commissioned Ingatja regiments to fetch sacred shrub (Lusekwane), under strict COVID-19 regulations.
In his brief remarks through Indvuna Qomentanyeni Nkhambule, the monarch informed the regiments they will be transported on vehicles to and from Esikhaleni Selusekwane where they will fetch the shrubs. This will be the first time for the regiments to travel on vehicles as before the regiments would march to and from the destination on foot. The King said however, next year if the COVID-19 situation settles down the regiment will marching on foot as usual.
Upon their return on the next day, Ingatja will then deliver the shrubs at Eludzidzini royal residence. They will then take a day’s rest before the main Incwala is danced. This means Incwala will be danced on Saturday.
Saturday will be the most important day in the EmaSwati calendar as the nation will be joined by their Majesties in celebration of the first fruit of the harvest and the peace that the country has had since independence. Under normal circumstances during this day, Incwala day, the nation is usually joined by masses of tourists who would come to witness this sacred ceremony.
The cutting of the sacred shrubs this year will be quite different as only 15 ingatja from each Chiefdom were called up to participate in this annual national event.
On another, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the Incwala holiday will be on Saturday, January 2, 2020.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Public Works and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe at Engabezweni Royal Residence.
Confirmation of the Incwala holiday comes after the King had commissioned the Ingatja.
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